Discover affordable alternatives to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, including Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, E.L.F Illuminating Eye and Face Palette, and Too Faced Peach Perfect. Explore dupes like Physicians Formula Mineral Powder and BareMinerals Illuminating Veil for radiant, flawless skin.
Our Top Recommendations
Before going down, I would like to share the best and most liked powder dupes. The ones that are most popular in town and people won’t wish that it will ever discontinue. My top recommendations are mentioned below:
- Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Lightwear Loose Powder Makeup Foundation
- E.L.F Illuminating Eye and Face Palette
- Too Faced Peach Perfect Mattifying Setting Powder
Review of Best Powder Dupe
Finding the best dupe among hundreds is not a piece of cake. But I did a lot of research, used them and then came to this decision that I should share the authentic, honest and personal reviews with you that would surely help you in choosing the right and the best dupe for yourself. Moreover, the following powder dupes are personally used by me.
Original Product: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: luminous
- Skin type: all
- Finish type: sheer
- Format: pressed powder
- Wear time: both day and night
Unboxing: while doing the unboxing, I was extremely excited. This was the most awaited product as I am a huge fan of Hourglass. As I received the package, I quickly opened it and found my beautiful product in the best ever sealing. The company ensures that it does not break down while in the courier. I took out my product and quickly ran towards my makeup room to try it on my face.
When I applied this powder over my skin after having all the makeup, this gave my skin a luminous effect. I immediately fell in love with this holy product after first use. This hourglass ambient lighting powder did not turn white and dry at all. This product works as multi-dimensional, making my skin look even more youthful and refined.
I applied it in the morning and it stayed till night on my face, allowing my skin to look more glowy. It filtered out all the imperfections of the skin and made my skin tone even.
This powder comes in 8 different shades and every shade has an amazing finish. It is best for both morning and evening times and makes the complexions more beautiful and brighter than ever..Hourglass is formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, fragrances and nano-particles. Additionally, it has a vegan formula.
Pros
- My skin looked more radiant
- It has long staying power
- I found it 100% cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive for most people
- It has a shimmery effect which usually not everyone like
Final Verdict
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is best for all types including sensitive and dry skin. You have to apply it with care so it does not settle your foundation and concealer into creases and fine lines. Moreover, I find this product best because you can wear it any time of the day and it literally allows your skin a radiant and luminous effect. People who love to apply shimmer will definitely give it a try. I believe this one will be my favorite product.
Physicians Formula Mineral Powder
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: creamy natural
- Skin type: all
- Finish type: satin
- Format: loose powder
- Key ingredients: general minerals and protective SPF 16
Unboxing: I ordered this Physicians Formula Mineral Powder because it is approved by dermatologists. Moreover, it contains all the mineral formulas in it. I was over the moon while unpacking my order. I quickly cut down all the sealing with a scissor and grabbed the product to give it a try.
When I was applying, I felt its promising mineral formulas as well as the SPF/FPS 16 it contains. Although the SPF is not very high, but it is quite helpful. It almost blurs my imperfections and my unattractive eyebags. Allows sheer to medium coverage that diminishes the dark spots. It has a creamy effect that allows your skin to look shiny and glowy. I found it good apparently but it reminds me of its superb blended old formula.
Physicians Formula Mineral Powder has changed its formula also packaging and sponge. I have been using its old package for years and the powder, color plus all the packaging was amazing. The old powder was smoothly applied to the skin without breaking out. Additionally, the color was perfectly even out of my skin.
The new packaging might look pretty to you but the formula is chalkier and does not provide the skin with the same coverage. Moreover, if you use more powder on your face then for sure it will not settle on your skin. On top of that, they change the applicator and if you are going to use it to apply powder, it seems that it does not transfer the whole product to your skin and somehow sticks with the sponge applicator.
The old formula provided skin full coverage and absorbed oil but stayed silky to allow my skin to look glowy and radiant and not dry. It was one of my favorite loose powders ever. The new formula somehow is not bad and makes your skin look terrible but the actual thing is it dries out so quickly and when you get up the next day you have some breakout on your face that will surely disappoint you.
This used to be my favorite loose powder and my everyday go-to. Love the way it looked but not the way it broke my skin out. I wish they would discontinue their old powder.
Pros
- I love the SPF it has.
- The minimalist formulation allows the skin to breathe.
- Physicians products are 100% cruelty-free and non-comedogenic.
Cons
- I found the sponge applicator not helpful.
- The new formula did not settle into my skin.
- It quickly dries out my skin right after I apply it.
Final Verdict
Above I clearly compare the old and new formulas of the loose powder that have quite a distinction from each other. The new one is not very horrible but yeah I found it with a bad sponge applicator and the formula itself is not very consistent on the skin. The more you apply to your skin, the more it dries and makes patches on your skin that you probably do not want to have in your vanity.
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Lightweight Loose powder Makeup Foundation
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: classic ivory
- Skin type: sensitive
- Finish type: sheer
- Format: loose powder makeup foundation
- Key ingredients: naturally derived minerals with vitamins A, C and E
Unboxing: Neutrogena is the best drugstore I have found in my last 10 years. Why? Because their products are specially made for sensitive skin that protects skin from any breakout and other skin harm. Then How do I stop myself from ordering their Mineral Sheers Lightweight Loose Powder? I received and opened my package to welcome the perfect and matching shade to my face color. One thing that bothers me about loose powders is the plastic cover over the container which has holes. I removed the plastic part inside using a small razor so I had access to the full product.
As I applied the loose powder makeup foundation, it was holly set into my skin and allowed my skin to look brighter and shiner. The mineral ingredients it contains provides skin shimmery after-effects. I have sensitive skin moreover large open pores and lots of wrinkles. This product did not settle into fine lines and creases. Most importantly, I have redness on my chin, temple and cheeks, this super lightweight product goes on very quickly and hides with minimal application. In other words, the product is mind-blasting.
It works as a loose powder and foundation too. All you need to do is apply the powder over your face after using the primer or foundation and Voila will do an amazing job for you. It is best for traveling, you can have it inside your purse and use it when you reach near to your destination.
This product provides your skin with a shimmery glow when applied. But it will definitely be a great enemy for those who have oily skin. So, it is best for them to retouch their face after 6-7 hours. It contains vitamins A, C and E that would help your skin look healthy and improve the color complexion.
This loose powder even out the skin discoloration and enhances skin clarity, texture and tone while blurring the imperfections of the skin. Because it is mineral based, it does not feel like an average pore-clogged foundation. I wore it for almost 2 weeks straight and honestly, it does not settle into creases and fine lines. Moreover, it gives skin a flawless look without any breakout
Pros
- It caused no breakout on my skin.
- I found it 100% cruelty-free.
- This product allows skin glowy and sheer effect.
Cons
- It does not come with an applicator.
- The formula is not best for oily skin.
Final Verdict
This powder is a fraction of the price and it looked and felt just as great as any fancy high-end product. The formula it contains is suitable for both sensitive and dry skin moreover, it is buildable and provides full coverage. It is used for both foundations as well as a loose powder. So far, this is the best product I have ever found.
BareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil Powder
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: illuminating mineral veil
- Skin type: sensitive
- Finish type: natural to sheer
- Format: loose powder
Unboxing: BareMinerals Illuminating mineral veil works as a loose powder. Opening this package was quite difficult but when I saw my product it was as it is as I thought. As the name mentioned, this loose powder provides a skin illuminating effect which I think made it popular among people. I had to go to a party so I thought I would definitely give it a try today.
I applied it after my foundation and concealer so it did not settle into creases and fine lines. Moreover, I applied it again to give my skin a flawless look. When I returned back home after 6-8 hours, the powder remained intact on my skin. Additionally, there were no creases at all. It looked the same fresh as when I applied.
This product has an illuminating effect which I guess adds a very subtle shimmer and a nice glow to my skin without looking fake or glittery. It works as a finishing powder too. All you need to grab a big fluffy brush in order to get a great and perfect finishing look. The powder allows your skin to look brighter and glowy additionally the minerals it contains help the skin not clog pores and get any harm.
BareMineral loose powder helps to absorb the excess oil as well as minimize the look of pores and lines. It gives skin a soft-focus finish along with blurring the imperfections of your face which include dark spots, underneath the eyes, dark circles, wrinkles and even skin tone.
Pros
- It allows my skin overall great finish
- Absorbs excess moisture and leaves skin with a gentle glow.
Cons
- The size is half of the price
- It is not suitable for oily skin as it contains illuminating which surely settles into open pores and makes skin worse than ever
Final Verdict
This loose powder is your perfect way to go if you want to achieve a smooth flawless look. Moreover, it is not best for people with oily skin and those who live in humid areas because it has an illuminating effect which glows their already oily skin that might not look cool or attractive to others.
E.l.f Illuminating Eye and Face Palette
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: illuminating
- Skin type: all
- Finish type: satin
- Format: Compact
Unboxing: I read this is a great dupe for Hourglass Ambient light powders, so without wasting any time I ordered this beautiful and amazing e.l.f illuminating eye and face palette. When I received my package, I was so amazed as it was quite similar to Hourglass, on top of it, it was a fraction of the price.
I quickly ran toward my makeup room and started to apply makeup on my face as I have to go to a day wedding function. When it comes to the illuminating palette, I choose my desired color which is bronze and the other one is more peachy and applied to my eyelid (it comes in 4 shades). Then, I applied its pinky and yellow shade over my cheekbones and on the tip of the nose to make them more glowy and radiant.
Then, I applied its yellow shade underneath my eyes to make them more awakened and to my surprise, the yellow shade had no sparkle and glitter in it but it’s a more subtle and matte finish that allows my under eyes to look brighter.
I had these powder colors on my face for almost all day from 1 pm to 7 pm, and believe me, these are super pigmented and did not settle into creases. Moreover, all four shades are buildable and you can apply them according to your desire and choice.
The shades are very pigmented and the formula is not chalky or powdery. They are very smooth and buttery. Moreover, the texture is really good. It is more closely to Hourglass ambient and allows skin sparkly and illuminating effect. The best thing about it pops up on your face with just one application.
This powder palette is infused with vitamin E and Argon oil that helps the skin to nourish and hydrates it. In addition, this illuminating eye and face palette is enough hydrated to not make your skin look flaky and patchy. It is 100% cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
Pros
- I found it budget-friendly.
- I used it in multiple ways.
- It gives my skin a more natural glow rather than a sparkle finish.
Cons
- It might be a struggle for people who have darker skin tones.
Final Verdict
This illuminating eye and face palette is matte and lightweight to your skin. You can add a glowy finish to your makeup by applying these colors to your face. Moreover, all the colors gave an illuminating effect. It really defines my eyes and hides all the skin imperfections and still did not look like I was wearing makeup. It is quite similar in color and texture to higher-end products and the cost is really half of the fraction.
Consider checking NARS Soft Matte Concealer Dupes as well.
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: translucent
- Skin type: all
- Finish type: soft-focus
- Format: loose setting powder
- Key ingredients: vitamin C and E powders
Unboxing: Who does not want to try a product that is quite similar to a higher-end product and has half of the price? Certainly everyone. I just heard about the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. And as the hype is real, I ordered it. As I received the package, I quickly unsealed it, grabbed the product and headed to apply it.
To begin with, I applied concealer under my eyes because I have dark circles which is surely not a good thing. Anyways, I remove the plastic cover of the setting powder and apply the product with the sponge underneath my eyes. As I was applying, I noticed the hydrating formula it contains.
Then I applied the powder to my smile lines and over my face with a big fluffy brush, to allow my face to look soft and dewy. It gives a natural look additionally. It is easily blended into my face. Moreover, there were no creases and fine lines at all.
It promises to stay up to16 hours on the face moreover It blends effortlessly to set the makeup. It is a very milled smooth powder and gives skin a smooth and definitely mattifying result. When you apply this loose powder, you will notice that there will be no cakiness, no visible powder but it looks soft and smooth, which is exactly what you want for your setting powder.
One thing that I noticed about the more I applied it on my skin, the more beautifully it absorbs into my skin without looking cakey and flaky. I did not require a brush to wipe away the extra powder because it amazingly blended and absorbed onto my skin.
It has vitamin C and E powders that support even out the skin complexion and blurs the looks of open pores and absorbs the excess oil from the skin. It is a lightweight and sheer-setting powder that does not seem like you wear anything on your skin.
Pros
- It allows my skin a flawless finish
- Holds on to my skin for a long time
- I found it perfect for flash photography
Cons
- Due to the matte finish, it is not ideal for dry skin.
- The puff inside is too big and does not fit in the container.
- This is not travel-friendly because the container is small and it definitely creates a huge mess.
Final Verdict
This loose powder delivers a soft matte finish, if you are one who likes a dewy look then sorry this is not your way to go. But this is perfect for those who have oily (it certainly absorbs all the shine from the face) and dry skin if you are looking for a complete matte finish and do not have any problem while using it.
TOO FACED Peach Perfect Mattifying Setting Powder
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: peach
- Skin type: all
- Finish type: matte
- Coverage: sheer
Unboxing: I heard that it smells peachy and to my goodness, it really is. As I opened the package, the container or jar of the setting powder was like peaches which I consider absolutely adorable. I love the whole peach theme and the fact that everything is scented peach makes its fragrance amazing. Well, I am not one of those who are really bothered by these good smells.
I opened the container as carefully as possible so it did not break my nail or create any mess. It has a sifter protector that keeps setting powder from spreading. As soon as I opened it, I smelled its peachy flavor and it was fabulous.
I had just foundation and concealer over my face and I started to apply loose powder because I have insanely oily skin and my foundation tends to come off. I used a damp sponge to apply the powder all over my face. Moreover, it felt like it had been very finely milled. I baked my face and then wiped off the extra powder with a big brush.
I had my makeup on for 10 hours and guess what? My makeup was looking so good and flawless and everything was still on there. Moreover, my foundation stay on without shifting and started to come off. I just applied a little bit of powder to set it down and prevent it from settling into creases and fine lines.
The amazing thing I found is matting everything out as it claims Mattifying Setting Powder. I really liked the after-effects of the setting powder as it blended onto my skin with the rest of the makeup so perfectly on top of that it looked so flawless and so seamlessly.
Pros
- Allowed my skin a beautiful sheen
- It provides long-wearing and buildable coverage
- A good product to control shine for a long time
- It did not dry out my skin
Cons
- Not everyone likes to apply fragrance products to the face
Final Verdict
This Too Faced Peach Perfect Mattifying Setting Powder is best for all types of skins. It amazingly brightens the under-eye skin moreover it has a matte finish that is absolutely good for oily skin people. The powder keeps the makeup looking fresh all day long in addition it has a lightweight formula that creates a smooth and flawless look without spreading and patching the foundation and concealer.
You may need to checkout Clinique Even Better Foundation Dupes as well.
Honest Beauty Luminizing Glow Powder
Key Features and Specifications
- Color: midnight reflecting
- Skin type: normal
- Finish type: luminous
- Format: pressed
Unboxing: Read all the good comments about Honest Beauty Luminizing Glow Powder, I hit the ordered option and my order was on my door after two days. I was so excited about this one, I unpacked it and grabbed the product. I ordered my powder in the Midnight Reflecting shade (it has 2 other shades named; Dusky Reflection and Dawn Reflection) and when I saw the product, the formula was amazing just by seeing.
I had already put my makeup on so I just started to apply this luminizing glow powder with a big fluffy brush over my cheekbones, brow bone, down the bridge of my nose, between my lips and over my decolletage. This glow powder insanely highlights my areas on top of that without making them sparkly and shimmery but with a subtle glow.
The formula of this powder is very pigmented when I was applying it, I felt the shades stay long moreover the consistency it has. You can build the shade as per your choice also you can use the shade to the inner corner of your eyes to make them more enhanced and prominent.
This shade allows skin a very subtle glow and highlights that one ever seeks. It is best for women who do not like their faces to look like a disco ball but want a shimmer on their faces.
You can use it on your eyelids, all you need to wet the shade with some hydrating mist and Voila, you are on your way to go. This shade has amazing power to absorb on the skin without getting cakey and powdery. Moreover, if you are a person who loves to apply glow powder across your whole face then this is gonna be your ultimate favorite product.
Most importantly, it is 100% cruelty-free, fragrance-free and vegan friendly.
Pros
- It felt lightweight on my skin.
- Allows my skin a smooth texture with a soft luminizing glow
- Provided my skin sheer and amazing hues diffuse onto my skin
Cons
- It takes a little work up while layering
- The shimmer gets too white for some people if they apply more product.
Final Verdict
To provide my honest review of this product it is not best for people who want a more glittery and sparkly look because it provides skin with a subtle shine. It is weightless and additionally allows skin luminous and radiant effects with a filtered finish.
Which shade of luminizing powder should I choose?
Luminizing powder has 3 different shades which are;
Midnight Reflection is best for fair to medium-skin people. It has a white shade.
Dawn Reflection is used to warm up the undertone skin, in other words, it works as a bronzer. it comes in a peachy shade.
Dusky Reflection is not matte moreover can be used to bronze the complexion. Moreover, it is not highly reflective. It gives skin a perfect glow.
I provided you with all the information regarding the shades, you can opt according to your skin type and the finish you want.
Tip: you can mix all three shades to create a custom look.
How (and why) should I highlight my decolletage?
Since off-shoulder, spaghetti tops, and tank tops are popular these days, women tend to highlight and contour their collar bones (beauty-bones) to make them beautiful and attractive. All you need to grab a brush and dust the highlighter and contour on your bones.
Buying Guide
I elaborated on things that you should keep in your mind while buying powder dupes. Which are mentioned below:
Pigmentation
I think a consumer should know how long the shades will go on before purchasing. The powder dupes are really good but you should bear in mind that the shades are pigmented enough, to not settle into creases and fine lines. Moreover, they will not cause the foundation and concealer to shift or start to come off.
Match the shade
If the shade of the powder is not matched to your skin, then you might get insane because you spent a lot of money and did not get the exact shade according to your skin color. The unmatched shade will never set on the skin, in addition, get creasy and flaky. Do research then buy powder online if you do not have the option to visit any store (offline).
Consistency/Coverage
Consistency plays a vital role in the powder. What if your powder has granules that irritate your skin and do harm? You probably do not want a powder that damages your skin. Ensure that you opt for a finely milled powder that gives your skin a smooth and glowing texture without breaking into patches and creases.
The powder comes in two types: pressed powders and loose powders. Both are used for setting the foundation and concealer so the makeup lasts longer and does not move around. But there is one thing that differentiates them: pressed powder can also be formed into foundations and used as a base for your makeup and can be buildable according to your need. Pressed powders are best for dry skin as they contain ingredients that are rich in oils. It goes a long way with pressed powder and you achieve the best results after applying it to your foundation.
Coverage is another important feature that helps in buying a good powder product. Full coverage powder allows the skin to not make the skin oily. Moreover, if the powder has illuminating and radiant after-effects then you can definitely like it.
Hydration Formula
The makeup products will surely have a hydrating formula because sometimes the skin gets dry on its own and if your product has no hydrating formula then surely your makeup gets flaky and settles into creases. Powder with hydrating formulas is best to choose as they go a long way on your skin.
Top Brands for Powder Dupes
- La Meer Sheer
- Flower Beauty
- Honest Beauty
- Fenty Beauty
- Huda Beauty
- Make Up For Ever
- Glossier
- Too Faced
- Bare Minerals
- Neutrogena
- Physicians Formula
- Laura Mercier
FAQs
Is ambient lighting powder a highlighter?
Ambient lighting powder can not be used as a highlighter. It is mainly designed for the last touch-up in your makeup after foundation and concealer. It works as a setting powder so do not apply or use it as a highlighter.
Do hourglass powders have flashback?
Hourglass powders are made up of finely milled formula infused with diamond powder which is responsible for not causing a flashback. This powder creates a light refracting effect which does not cause flashbacks moreover your skin gives a more smooth texture.
How do you use the hourglass ambient lighting powder palette?
Hourglass ambient lighting powder palette comes in 3 different shades. All three shades perform differently.
- To begin with, use Dim Light to even out the skin. Its main purpose is to soften face imperfections.
- Then, apply Radiant Light under the cheekbones, on temples, and on either side of the bridge nose to contour them.
- Finish with a light dusting of Incandescent Light over the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, under the brow and inner corners of the eyes to make them highlight and glowy.
Does hourglass ambient lighting powder have talc?
Hourglass ambient powder is used to blur the imperfections and redness of the face. The powder is very fine and diffuses into the skin. It is formulated without fragrance, parabens, talc, nanoparticles and gluten.
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