Hourglass Ethereal Light Ambient Lighting Powder

I think the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are potentially one of the most raved about ranges in the beauty community, yet I only tried my first one back in December. After much deliberation I decided on the Hourglass Ethereal Light Ambient Lighting Powder as I’d read it was the best shade for those with pale skin and I parted with my £38, which is the most I’ve ever spent on a powder before as I’m pretty loyal to my Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot which is only £11. 

There are six different shades of the Ambient Lighting Powders with each one designed to deliver a soft focus effect which emulates a different flattering lighting source.

The packaging of the Hourglass Ethereal Light Ambient Lighting Powder is quite nice, but it feels a lot cheaper than I expected it to with the compact being a bronzey brown coloured plastic, which I expected to be metallic rather than plastic but it has a mirror with the lid which is always handy but I wouldn’t carry this sort of powder around in my makeup bag as I’d be terrified of damaging it and would much rather carry around a cheaper alternative.

I ordered my Hourglass Ethereal Light Ambient Lighting Powder from the SpaceNK website and I’d never seen or swatched it in the flesh, so I was really surprised when I opened the compact as I saw glittery looking particles which I didn’t expect and I don’t know if I’m the only one, but the glitter particles do translate onto the skin which is really strange as I’ve never seen anyone else mention it before.

I’ve tried using different brushes to apply the powder such as a stippling brush, a fluffy brush like the Real Techniques Setting Brush or the Real Techniques Blush Brush but I find it to be rather powdery and it sits on the surface of my skin which isn’t ideal as it’s essentially an off white powder.

I expected such amazing things from this powder as I’ve heard nothing but praise but I just don’t get it. I don’t know if it’s me, or if it’s just my powder that’s below par but I’m so disappointed that I spent £38 on it.

I really have tried to love it, and I’ve applied it multiple times but I don’t like the powdery, dusty finish it leaves on my skin. I would love to know if you’ve experienced something similar with Ethereal Light as I feel a little deflated about the whole thing as I know it’s such a cult favourite.