I say this with zero exaggeration: Every single time I wear this Hourglass foundation, at least one person compliments my skin. “Your skin looks so smooth,” “You’re literally glowing,” “Your skin is perfect,” you get the idea. I always relish these comments (the best type of praise for a beauty editor!), but they sure do hit differently when my skin actually isn’t at its best.
Case in point? I recently experienced a gnarly reaction from testing a new product (the trade-off from constantly playing guinea pig!) and have been struggling with flaky, congested skin for the past several weeks. One thin layer of this foundation, though, and all my textural concerns disappear—well, at least for the day—to the point where my own husband thought my complexion magically healed overnight. Quite the scheme!
Never have I ever used a foundation that covered up breakouts and discoloration while appearing so naturally skin-like, and at the risk of selling out my new favorite base product, I must wax poetic on its powers. Behold, the Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation.
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HOURGLASS
Illusion Illuminous Glow Foundation SPF 30
The Formula: Smoothing With 12-Hour Wear
The foundation itself boasts medium coverage with a super luminous finish (true to its name), unlike the brand’s Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, which is dewy yet sheer, and its Ambient Soft Glow Foundation, which has medium coverage yet not nearly as much glow. In terms of ingredients, it features an advanced hydra-smoothing technology with hyaluronic microspheres to noticeably plump fine lines and even out texture, as well as SPF 30 for extra sun protection—a welcome bonus!
I suspect that hydra-smoothing technology is what helps the foundation instantly disguise every single blemish on my face. Seriously, the moment I buff it into my skin, all my breakout woes mysteriously vanish. And I’m not alone: In a clinical study conducted by the brand, 93% of participants said the foundation instantly reduced the look of imperfections and made their skin look smoother.
The formula also has incredible long-wear—12 hours to be exact—without creasing or flaking as the day goes on. I can also totally attest to this perk; Illusion Luminous Glow is the one of the only foundations that outlasts a full office day with multiple late-night work events and somehow appears just as immaculate as my 8 a.m. application.
The Application: Creamy and Even
As for the texture? It’s creamy and blendable but has a thicker consistency than a skin tint (which tends to be rather lightweight and serum-like), so a little goes a long way with the application. In fact, I only need a pearl-sized amount for my entire face, which I apply to the back of my hand, warm it up with Hourglass’s Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush, then buff it into my skin for even, less-is-more coverage. It fuses to my skin like a dream and leaves behind the prettiest megawatt glow. On that note, this is probably not the best pick for those with oily skin trying to pare back the shine. It’s capital-D dewy, but I happen to love the glassy finish for my combination, perennially thirsty skin.
My Results: Smooth, Filter-Like Skin
As you can probably guess, I score this foundation a 1000/10. I’ve been wearing it regularly since it launched back in January (in the shade 4, if you’re curious), and it’s become my secret weapon for lackluster skin days. Yes, it’s glowy to the max, but it somehow never makes me look sweaty—just perfectly fresh and dewy. My favorite perk, however, is how it instantly smooths my skin texture while appearing completely natural, like I don’t have any makeup on whatsoever. Perhaps that’s why I’ve received so many compliments on my skin (not my makeup) while I’m wearing it. I often pair it with just a touch of blush, brow gel, and my ride-or-die lip combo (note, no concealer!), so I could theoretically trick people into thinking, yes, I did wake up like this.
As I mentioned up top, even my husband commented on how clear my skin looked after I came home from work. “Your skin is looking great!” he remarked, astounded, as I had been complaining about my product testing struggles just the night before. Little did he know my foundation was doing all the legwork—but hey, I’ll take it.
Shop the Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation
HOURGLASS
Illusion Illuminous Glow Foundation SPF 30
More Hourglass Products I Love
HOURGLASS
Vanish Airbrush Concealer
My holy-grail concealer. If you somehow haven’t yet tried this magical formula, consider this your neon flashing sign.
HOURGLASS
Ambient Lighting Palette
Holy glow. You can apply each highlighting powder separately, but I honestly just swipe a fluffy brush through all three and dust it directly on my cheekbones and lids. The finish is beyond stunning.
HOURGLASS
Priming Moisturizer
The Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation lasts incredibly long on its own, but for extra longevity, feel free to apply this hydrating primer underneath.
HOURGLASS
Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush
I adore a dense foundation brush (sorry, I’m not much of a sponge girl!), and this Hourglass number is top tier.
HOURGLASS
Phantom Volumizing Lip Glossy Balm
Trust me, you don’t know glossy balms until you’ve tried Hourglass’s hero. Talk about a cult favorite!
HOURGLASS
Unreal Liquid Blush
HOURGLASS
Shape & Sculpt Lip Liner
I recently got my hands on this soft-sculpting lip liner, and I’m honestly annoyed with myself for not trying it sooner! The pigment is gloriously creamy yet refuses to budge once it settles on the skin.