My Colleague Said My Skin Looked "Holiday-Level Glowy" When I Wore This New Foundation

I can't be the only on who finds that their skin is a little lacklustre in January. Not only do we have the chilly elements to contend with while making our skincare swaps for winter, but, coupled with the aftermath of the festive season (the only five a day I got was from a cheeseboard) my skin is sure showing it.

So, when I heard that Hourglass was launching the Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation (£58), I couldn't wait to try it. And since wearing it, I've been inundated with "you look so glowy" compliments both from friends in real life and colleagues on Zoom calls. It's safe to say it's helping me fool everyone into thinking I've just had a facial (or been on a secret holiday) and it stays true to it's illusion namesake. Want to find out more? Scroll ahead for my honest review of the new foundation.

Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation

The Formula

Having religiously used the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (£49) (it's my go-to everyday skin tint) I would say that the new Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation (£58) offers more coverage and has a more cushiony consistency on the skin. In comparison, the Veil Hydrating Skin Tint is lighter and sheerer, but this one offers medium coverage with the option of building to a fuller—yet still undetectable—finish.

It's really hydrating thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid, making it a good option if you find your skin getting particularly dry or dehydrated during the winter months too. It glides over dryness and gives my skin a plumped appearance, helping to blur fine lines in the process. The addition of SPF 30 is a bonus. I'd still recommend using a dedicated SPF underneath for sufficient protection, however, it's a nice bonus as another line of defence against UV damage.

It's silky soft on the skin, and although radiant it's not sticky and doesn't transfer or crease like some dewier foundations can. As someone with combination skin I found it still sits well on my slightly slicker T-zone with a touch of powder.

My Verdict

For reference, I was matched to shade 6, a light shade with neutral undertones. It is the same shade I wear in the Veil Hydrating Skin Tint and the shades are consistent across both. There are 26 shades in the range, from very deep to very fair, offering cool, warm and neutral undertones throughout.

I love the medium coverage, which gives a luminous result while still letting the freckles on my nose peek through. However, I like that it can also achieve more coverage on the days I need a little more.

I'm someone who likes a radiant finish, and this delivers on its luminous promise. However, it's not overly dewy and sits well on my sometimes oily skin—I just apply a touch of the Airbrush Pressed Powder (£57) on my nose, chin and forehead to fix it into place. If you have very oily skin, or just prefer a matte finish, this might not be for you.

Like all of Hourglass's products, the finish is beautiful and you can tell this is a high quality foundation. Except this doesn't feel like a foundation, but rather a second skin. It effortlessly buffs into the skin (I like to use the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush (£51) to blend it into the skin) and doesn't settle into fine lines or highlight dryness. In short, it's become my go-to to give my lacklustre skin an effortless glow this month—and it's easily one of Hourglass's best products.

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