Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick (Shell)

I purchased this after seeing all the benefits of having a stick foundation through a YouTube influencer named babsbeauty. I realized if it was that great as everyone says then having a product I could travel with minus the dropping product on my hand and then applying it to my face...was so much easier. The packaging is so sleek and when you close the lid it clicks into place which leaves no room for disaster in my opinion. The first time I used it was more of a learning process about the foundation and there's many out there like that especially ones that are more prestige. My skin was so dry that I couldn't get it to absorb no matter what I did and felt so defeated. After realizing that I needed a good peel and making sure my skin was given much needed hydration. ... MoreI purchased this after seeing all the benefits of having a stick foundation through a YouTube influencer named babsbeauty. I realized if it was that great as everyone says then having a product I could travel with minus the dropping product on my hand and then applying it to my face...was so much easier. The packaging is so sleek and when you close the lid it clicks into place which leaves no room for disaster in my opinion. The first time I used it was more of a learning process about the foundation and there's many out there like that especially ones that are more prestige. My skin was so dry that I couldn't get it to absorb no matter what I did and felt so defeated. After realizing that I needed a good peel and making sure my skin was given much needed hydration. I was so excited to try it again that I actually forgot to moisturize or prime and it came out looking so flawless or should I say "Seamless". :I always use a brush to blend my foundation and then make sure I didn't miss any spots with a Beauty blender. I don't know what came over me but I just blended it with a few strokes of my hand and stood there with my mouth dropped. It looked so good and was exactly what they said as in "Skin like"... But Better!. It had a slight luminous glow and never have I had such a perfect color match. I was completely shocked at how fast it applied and looked once it was done.. I really wouldn't consider my dry skin as the brand's fault for not blending. I do however think maybe they should state what type of skin it's for and how to use it properly in better detail on their packaging. I honestly kind of now look at it like a slight blessing in disguise. if I hadn't realized through this process that my skin needed much hydration...then I probably would have never known.

Absolutely lovely!

This is a long review, so TLDR: great for my dry skin, can build up to double as concealer, natural matte but also a softly luminous finish as it settles, looks good sheer or applied for heavy coverage. Can collect around creases in the heat if not set, also transfers.Gosh I love this foundation, it is SO wonderful and has been an absolute god-send. For context, I have dry skin with a history of atopic dermatitis. Because of this, I have creases under my eyes due to long term inflammation. I do get very sweaty throughout the day because the temp runs about 110-120 in the summer. I've always had a hard time finding foundation or concealer that doesn't crease, melt, or make me look like a crypt keeper. Also nearing 30 so things just don't look the same as they used ... MoreThis is a long review, so TLDR: great for my dry skin, can build up to double as concealer, natural matte but also a softly luminous finish as it settles, looks good sheer or applied for heavy coverage. Can collect around creases in the heat if not set, also transfers.Gosh I love this foundation, it is SO wonderful and has been an absolute god-send. For context, I have dry skin with a history of atopic dermatitis. Because of this, I have creases under my eyes due to long term inflammation. I do get very sweaty throughout the day because the temp runs about 110-120 in the summer. I've always had a hard time finding foundation or concealer that doesn't crease, melt, or make me look like a crypt keeper. Also nearing 30 so things just don't look the same as they used to.I tried this on a whim. I have tried probably 30 foundations in the last five-ish years, including popular favorites such as Koh Gen Do, ALL the nars variations, Bobbi Brown Skin, EL sheer double wear, TF born this way, rare, you get the picture. I was contemplating trying westman atelier but I couldn't justify the price per ounce. So, skeptical but optimistic, I bought this. I figured it would be a return because the bad reviews sounded to cause problems I always experience. I'm happy to say I was wrong.Why I love this: I can make this as sheer as I want, or full coverage depending on how much I apply. If I want sheer, I place about one 2ish inch line on each section of my face - cheek, chin, forehead, nose, and blend with the Merit no 1 brush. If my skin is angry and broken out, I apply as before and blend with a sponge, then continue to layer as needed. With whichever level of coverage, the result is always natural matte coverage but also with a soft luminosity to the finish. I also use this under my eyes as concealer because it's quite emollient. Concealer has always been my sworn enemy because it's always caked, creased, or dried my under eyes. This is emollient enough to apply with my finger warmed up and patted in. It looks great, and even on my worst skin days I get compliments. My husband, who thinks mascara is a lip product, even notices how fresh my face looks.The not great: I wish I stood up a bit better in the heat. Granted, I live in a desert with extreme temperatures and elevated humidity during the summer so I can't expect miracles. If I don't set with powder, it collects around my chin and nose. If I set with either the HG or fenty powder, it stays put pretty well. I'm not mad about it, but if I were to change one thing it would be that. Additionally, it does transfer so be aware if that bothers you.All that being said, I can consider this my holy grail. I'm Mac NC15 and porcelain matches great (definitely leans yellow).

Good coverage, easy to travel with. Doesn’t look as natural as I would like.

I was drawn to this foundation because it had some great reviews and I really loved the idea of the convenience of a stick foundation. It’s taken me some time to get used to it, because the coverage and finish are really different to my usual very natural, light coverage makeup.First off, do not be put off by the matte and full coverage description. This product is very creamy, and with just one layer is more of a light to medium but buildable coverage. I would describe the finish as satin, but it really depends on what skincare or primer you use underneath. I layer quite a lot of hydrating skincare underneath which translates to quite a dewy, radiant finish in this.The pros of this foundation stick are that is super convenient, it is creamy and has a nice ... MoreI was drawn to this foundation because it had some great reviews and I really loved the idea of the convenience of a stick foundation. It’s taken me some time to get used to it, because the coverage and finish are really different to my usual very natural, light coverage makeup.First off, do not be put off by the matte and full coverage description. This product is very creamy, and with just one layer is more of a light to medium but buildable coverage. I would describe the finish as satin, but it really depends on what skincare or primer you use underneath. I layer quite a lot of hydrating skincare underneath which translates to quite a dewy, radiant finish in this.The pros of this foundation stick are that is super convenient, it is creamy and has a nice finish, the coverage is very versatile and can be built up to the point that you don’t need to use concealer. It also is long lasting and doesn’t break up throughout the day.The cons are that is does cling slightly to textured areas, especially the pores around my nose and the area around my mouth and chin. Because it is a slightly thicker formula, it definitely looks like you’re wearing makeup, it’s not super natural or invisible looking and it sometimes looks like it’s sitting on top of the skin. You do need to prep your skin really well beforehand. It also does tend to start looking cakey quickly if you layer on concealer or too much powder.Overall I think this is a nice foundation, but personally I prefer something like Nars Sheer Glow for a more natural looking foundation. For me this is a nice foundation to wear for a night out but not necessarily an everyday foundation for work, the gym etc. I will use it up but I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing.

Great for travel

Love the compact stick formulation for traveling. It's not messy like a liquid and packs well especially if you travel light. My verdict is still out on coverage, as I just got it and am testing it. So far, I've built it up to a medium coverage level; it says it is full coverage so I have yet to build and wear it to that level. It goes on very smooth and I use small dots around my face at first and blend with a foundation brush. At medium coverage level, it covers my normal skin well, even the red and darker areas, and lasts for the work day in a humid climate. However, for the oily areas of my face, the foundation seems to wear off quickly, within 4-6 hours in a humid climate when I wear it at medium coverage, even after I use setting spray and set it with powder.

Loving it!

I have normal to dry skin. I use heavy moisturisers in winter. I typically go for golden/warm undertones and I tried three shades but this neutral (Warm Honey) looked best on me. I wear PMG 15 foundation and Smashbox 3.15 as well. I was looking for a full coverage but natural looking foundation that lasts long on my face, while I was thinking of another stick foundation forease of use. This one checks all the spots and I love how velvety this looks. If your skin is very dry like mine becomes in winters, I apply this foundation and then take 1-2 drops of any face oil (rise hip oil, biossance oil since I have them at home) and dot it over the foundation , I get a glowing natural finish. Love it.

My New Favorite Foundation

After using this product for a few months, I'm very impressed with the coverage and finish. This has medium to full buildable coverage. It is great for covering blemishes and acne. I have very dry sensitive skin and this formula works for me. It is very easy to blend with your fingers or brush. It doesn't dry down quickly, so you have time to blend. What I love about this foundation is that it has a skin-like natural finish and doesn't accentuate texture. This product doubles as a concealer and foundation. I bought this foundation three months ago and it still hasn't ran out. To set this foundation, I recommend using the Hourglass Veil setting powder and a setting spray.

Still my favorite after years

So it's funny because I've used this for years and still nothing has replaced this as my favorite foundation. But it always gets mediocre reviews. Let me give my take on this: so one thing to make sure you keep in mind is, you get this foundation for the beautiful finish, not for long wear. It has the most beautiful finish of any foundation I've ever tried. My makeup days are noticeably different! My skin just looks SO much different! Like I said I wouldn't consider this long wearing. However, this formula is nice because even as it wears, if it does start to wear off, it does so gracefully. It's easy to retouch if needed. I typically don't need to when it's combined with the right primer. I have normal to dry skin, so when my skin is more dry or it's not Fl summer, ... MoreSo it's funny because I've used this for years and still nothing has replaced this as my favorite foundation. But it always gets mediocre reviews. Let me give my take on this: so one thing to make sure you keep in mind is, you get this foundation for the beautiful finish, not for long wear. It has the most beautiful finish of any foundation I've ever tried. My makeup days are noticeably different! My skin just looks SO much different! Like I said I wouldn't consider this long wearing. However, this formula is nice because even as it wears, if it does start to wear off, it does so gracefully. It's easy to retouch if needed. I typically don't need to when it's combined with the right primer. I have normal to dry skin, so when my skin is more dry or it's not Fl summer, I use the milk hydrogrip primer. Just like any grip primer, let dry all the way first. Then I used a wet BB, not a brush, to apply foundation. Looks way better with a BB. During the humid days or if my skin isn't dry, I use the hourglass veil primer. That is also an OG product for me. It keeps a fresh look on your face without letting you get oily, but it does not dry you out. I think it takes just a touch away from the glowy finish though. So if you prefer more matte, use it with the hourglass veil primer. With this primer you could use a BB or a brush. Brush may be easier here but I personally always think the Beauty Blender gives a more flawless finish. Just deposit a lot on the palm of your clean hand (not the back- too dry/cold) and stamp from hand to face. If you need a translucent powder I also recommend using the hourglass one because it's so lightweight and it does JUST enough. (Another OG product) I have normal to dry by I use this powder because it gives me a great canvas for putting on bronzer after.Long story short, before knocking this, make sure the rest of your routine is solid! Skincare too. This foundation stick continues to be a holy grail product that nothing has been able to replace yet!

Still the best in its category

I think this is a very slept on foundation. The beauty of it is that there isn't really any filler ingredients-it's all just pigment and emollient. So it really forms a very light layer with incredible coverage. It must be said though you do need to have a good base underneath it for it to apply well. Since I have very dry skin I just use a moisturizing sunscreen underneath and that gives me enough moisture for it to move around and blend. I use a flat top brush to blend it. I don't need to set it with powder usually. The finish is incredible. I bought the wrong undertone in the past but it still looked very natural on me because it has such a nice invisible finish. Also it lasts very long, if I sweat the sweat usually doesn't budge it.

one of my favorites

I saw some of the negative reviews and wanted to weigh in. I LOVE this foundation. I have combination and sensitive skin. I use their veil primer before applying (which is my favorite primer for a plethora of different reason) and it creates a very nice base that makes applying the foundation easy as cake. You do not need a lot of product as it is a bit tacky & blends out easily (I use their recommended foundation brush for this but any compact brush will do the trick); it’s definitely buildable but I think less is more for this foundation. It gives you a very natural finish & covers redness well. If you have dry skin, this may not be for you -I definitely use it less in the winter time when my skin is dry. If you have a bit more peach fuzz, this may not be the best ... MoreI saw some of the negative reviews and wanted to weigh in. I LOVE this foundation. I have combination and sensitive skin. I use their veil primer before applying (which is my favorite primer for a plethora of different reason) and it creates a very nice base that makes applying the foundation easy as cake. You do not need a lot of product as it is a bit tacky & blends out easily (I use their recommended foundation brush for this but any compact brush will do the trick); it’s definitely buildable but I think less is more for this foundation. It gives you a very natural finish & covers redness well. If you have dry skin, this may not be for you -I definitely use it less in the winter time when my skin is dry. If you have a bit more peach fuzz, this may not be the best product for you. Like I said, it’s somewhat tacky so it sticks to whatever you’re applying it to -blending is key (please note, it feels very natural on and isn’t actually sticky or anything like that). There’s no such thing as a universal foundation and I do bounce back and forth depending on seasons, current skin issues, activities…etc. However, this is my go-to spring/summer/fall daytime and evening foundation and I love it. I do use a setting spray so I’ve never experienced issues with this not lasting/rubbing off (and I party so that says a lot). Hope this helps!!

uhmmm

I was out shopping one day and feeling rather insecure about my skin inperfections. I picked up this foundation because its supposed to be full coverage, and seemless. After taking it home and trying it a few times, I don't quite agree with the hype. If you have combination skin, oily skin, or dry skin, then this foundation isn't for you. I think only people with already flawless skin would suit this founation.. First of all, the day I had a few dried blemishes, the foundation stuck to them like glue and made them even more prominent! It's all well and good having a thick full coverage foundation, but it needs to do its job & hide your blemishes not highlight them. Secondly, I find putting powder over this one tricky, maybe I'm doing something wrong?! Thirdly, the ... MoreI was out shopping one day and feeling rather insecure about my skin inperfections. I picked up this foundation because its supposed to be full coverage, and seemless. After taking it home and trying it a few times, I don't quite agree with the hype. If you have combination skin, oily skin, or dry skin, then this foundation isn't for you. I think only people with already flawless skin would suit this founation.. First of all, the day I had a few dried blemishes, the foundation stuck to them like glue and made them even more prominent! It's all well and good having a thick full coverage foundation, but it needs to do its job & hide your blemishes not highlight them. Secondly, I find putting powder over this one tricky, maybe I'm doing something wrong?! Thirdly, the foundation being a solid stick means that it's probably also got more silicones than a liquid foundation. Lastly, after a day of wearing the foundation, my skin is usually quite greasy.. Sorry Hour Glass, this one isn't for me.