Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove
I’ve never been much of a “makeup person,” but I recently came to a point where I felt like I needed to start using, well, SOMETHING. I kept hearing about Hourglass and how natural-looking it was, so a few months ago, I found myself at the Hourglass counter at Barney’s, where I became obsessed. I worked with Laurette, a super-chic French woman, with that “je ne sais quoi” cool.
With an effortlessness that only the French have mastered, she showed me the line’s core products and how easy they are to apply, combine and include in my daily routine. I loved the way she applied it all, but to be honest, I was a bit overwhelmed and not sure I could replicate it at home. I was worried I would look too “done,” and would have to set aside even MORE time in my morning. I feel like I already spend enough time applying all my lotions and potions, so I was a bit nervous. I figured I’d start slowly, first with the Primer and the Veil Foundation. Baby steps! But the next morning, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! And so natural!! Everything blended and layered so easily. Here are the products I took home, fell hard for and now use everyday.
Primer
Did you know around the world, one bottle is sold every minute! I never used primer, it always seemed like an extra step and I thought it would make my skin feel cakey. But this one is so unbelievably light, it truly feels like silk. And it has SPF too. Foundation, or even just powder, glides on so much better afterwards.
Veil Foundation
I’ve also never used foundation, I always assumed it would feel too heavy, but this is exactly the opposite. It feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. I don’t wear it everyday, but on the days that I feel like I need it, it’s just the right amount of coverage and it looks so natural.
Concealer
This product works so well. It’s so great for covering up dark circles (always needed)! Because it’s so creamy it blends easily and naturally. And you don’t need much.
Brushes
I love the substantial weight of all the brushes. The shapes are perfect for blending, contouring and they give you complete control. I love the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush and the N5 Concealer Brush, but my favorite is the Ambient Lighting Edit Brush. I love that it has both sizes in one. I use the bigger one for all over and the smaller is the perfect size and shape for highlights and right under the brow.
Ambient Palette
This compact features three powders in one and is perfect on-the-go or at home. It is literally all you need. I use Radiant Light as all over powder and it sets everything. I love Incandescent Light for highlights - I use it for cheekbones and under my eyebrow for extra pop. The powder is great even when you don’t use foundation, it definitely gives you enough coverage.
Eyebrow Pencil
If I only had time to do one thing, I would choose to fill in my brows. I’m all about brows and I adore this pencil so much. It gives you Brooke Shields eyebrows. Period. I use Dark Brunette because I like my brows on the darker side.
This pencil fills in so easily and blends super well. And even if I do too much by accident, it comes off easily without having to start over. Lifesaver.