HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER
One day at work, I suddenly realized that I had never actually tried this powder on my own face! I was looking for a beautifully radiant powder to set the cream products in my makeup, but since my skin rarely needs much powder during winter, I wanted something that would leave an especially luminous finish. So I finally decided to order this long-time favorite for myself as well. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is wonderfully thin and lightweight. It removes unwanted shine while maintaining the skin’s natural radiance. It sets makeup exactly where you want it without making the complexion look dry.
The powder looks much more luminous in the compact than it does on the face. What remains on the skin is a light-reflecting finish rather than visible shimmer particles. A brush is definitely the best application tool, as it allows you to apply the powder in a very thin layer.
Several shades are available, but my personal favorites are Luminous Light and Diffused Light. Luminous Light has a slightly warmer tone than Diffused Light. There is also a three-shade palette available, which I use constantly in my professional work. I truly don't understand why it took me so long to add this powder to my own makeup bag!
ILIA BEAUTY MULTI-STICK
Okay, I admit it—this is not exactly one of my newest discoveries. You have probably spotted this stick many times on my Instagram already, but it absolutely deserves a permanent place in the Cream Files archives. ILIA’s Multi-Stick is simply incredibly convenient. The blush formula inside the stick is creamy and leaves a beautiful sheen on the cheeks. The texture is lightweight, however, so it never feels greasy despite the glow.
My favorite shade is Tenderly, a beautiful bright pink. The color applies easily by tapping it onto the skin with your fingers. You can also apply it directly from the stick and blend it out with your fingers or a brush. It’s easy to refresh your blush throughout the day, and it instantly brings your complexion back to life. The stick can also be used on the lips.
LUMENE NATURAL GLOW SKIN TONE PERFECTOR
Lumene’s beloved classic Skin Tone Perfector has made a comeback—and now in even more shades! Shade 1 Honey Glow works beautifully as a liquid highlighter on the cheekbones, mixed into foundation, or applied all over the face under makeup. The glow it creates is stunning, and especially at this time of year I like mixing it into foundation and then adding a separate layer on the cheekbones. As the name suggests, Honey Glow is a universally flattering honey-toned illuminator.
Shade 2 Perfect Tan works like a bronzer or liquid bronzer on fair skin and can be used all over the face on deeper skin tones. On darker skin it beautifully refreshes the complexion by reflecting light and adding warmth. Both formulas are wonderfully lightweight and fluid, yet they provide enough color to be used like a bronzer.
The products mix effortlessly with any foundation (I’ve already tested them with many in my professional work), and they are easy to apply with either fingers or a brush.
The name says it all—your skin looks beautifully radiant after using these products. The range also includes blush versions, which I highly recommend trying. Among the blush shades, my personal favorite is 4 Berry Blush.
VIOLETTE_FR BAUME SHINE
I’ve been excited to try products from Violette_FR because I trust the taste and expertise of founder and makeup artist Violette. And I haven’t been disappointed once! Having tested the liquid eyeshadows, two lipstick formulas, and now this highlighter stick, I can honestly say I’m excited to see what the brand launches next.
Baume Shine has a soft, creamy texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin. Because of the creamy formula, the glow is not the most long-lasting, but refreshing your makeup throughout the day is very much part of Parisian beauty culture. The product melts beautifully into the skin and creates an incredibly natural glow. There are no large glitter particles—instead, the radiance comes from the combination of the creamy texture and a subtle shimmer. The stick contains a universal champagne-toned glow that does not leave behind any obvious color on the skin. I have not yet tested it on a wide range of skin tones, but I suspect it would suit everyone.
ROSE INC SKIN ENHANCE LUMINOUS TINTED SERUM
Celebrity beauty and skincare brands seem to launch almost every week these days, and many of them leave me feeling somewhat indifferent—especially when the founder appears to have little genuine connection to beauty. When I saw Rosie Huntington-Whiteley launching her own line, however, I was immediately intrigued. I’ve followed Rosie’s content for years, and she has always seemed genuinely interested in beauty and skincare while collaborating with excellent brands. Naturally, I ordered several products to try.
Luminous Tinted Serum contains tiny pigment capsules suspended in a clear serum base. As you blend it into the skin, the capsules burst and release color. The product reminds me somewhat of Chanel’s similar formula, which I also enjoy. The serum provides a touch of coverage and gently evens out the complexion. It’s ideal for anyone who loves a natural finish, because the effect truly feels like “my skin, but just slightly more polished.”
The serum is easy to apply, and I personally find fingers work best. That said, the brand encourages using a brush, so I’ll likely continue experimenting to find the perfect brush pairing.
The texture is lightweight and almost watery. It feels refreshing and wonderfully hydrating on the skin. The finish is radiant but never shiny. The serum feels completely weightless, absorbs beautifully, and leaves the skin soft. You can layer foundation on top if you want extra coverage in certain areas. On my best skin days, I apply the tinted serum and then use only a little concealer where needed.
The serum comes in an extensive shade range. My shade is 030.