We Put Hourglass' New Foundation To The Test

Topline On The Hourglass Illusion Luminous Foundation

•SPF 30 helps to protect against UV damage

•Buildable light to medium coverage

•Delivers up to 12 hours wear without creasing or caking

•Rich and creamy formula with a luminous glow

•Helps to hydrate skin

Micha’s Hourglass Illusion Luminous Foundation review

Shade reviewed: in 20.5

I am a big Hourglass fan! I was very excited to try the Illusion Foundation, as the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint is my daily go-to and I have also used the Hourglass Veil Airbrush Concealer. I usually go for a medium coverage with a glow, or a natural finish so this new launch sounds like a bit of me.

The initial difference when comparing to the Skin Tint is that I could instantly see more coverage and feel a thicker consistency. The foundation applied nicely on top of my skincare with my foundation brush and I didn't have to go in afterwards with a beauty blender. The creamy formula is quite thick and doesn’t have much movement, but it didn’t settle or crease on my skin as I applied.

I really like the finish, it made my skin look healthy, dewy and even. It has a great coverage, covering redness and blemishes with ease but still looks like skin and doesn’t mask my freckles.

The formula lasted well on my combination skin and slotted into my existing routine nicely, which is always a worry when trying something new. Unfortunately, I did notice very slight creasing under my eyes as the day progressed, but I do find this with most products.

I will be adding this to my routine moving forward and alternating with my Veil Hydrating Skin Tint. This is perfect for office days and weekends, when I am going for a natural look but would like a little extra coverage. If my skin has more redness and blemishes, I feel more confident with this foundation on and feel the need for less concealer.

Amy’s Hourglass Illusion Luminous Foundation review

Shade reviewed: in 8

I have combination skin and usually reach for a light, glowy base. I used to use Hourglass’ SPF skin tint which has now sadly been discontinued, I loved it’s thick and full coverage for a night out, and I still swear by the Vanish Airbrush Concealer- it is my holy grail!

The Illusion Foundation is a silky-smooth liquid, it's quite thick, and has a mousse-like texture that melts into your skin like butter. This indicated to me from the beginning that it would have decent staying power.

I applied with my trusty REFY brush, and it blended out seamlessly. I found the coverage very buildable, and it gave my skin a gorgeous natural glow instantly. Even after building to a heavier coverage, it was breathable, my skin looked like skin, and it didn’t appear cakey. Three ticks!

This foundation stays put and lasts all day. Even on New Year's Eve, it survived the test of time and remained flawless into the early hours of the morning! Despite being a medium coverage foundation, for me this was quite full coverage as I usually reach for skin tints, so it was perfect for the special occasion looks and fetched me lots of compliments.

I will definitely keep using this foundation all year around, my shade match is perfect for a bronzed glow in both summer and winter and I can’t wait to keep wearing it!

Ella’s Hourglass Illusion Luminous Foundation review

Shade reviewed: in 2.5

Having heard good things but never tried any Hourglass products before, I was beyond excited to get the opportunity to try this foundation! I have had lots of family day time plans recently, so this lightweight and hydrating foundation sounded, and proved to be, perfect.

Something that really impressed me as I first applied this foundation, was that a little really did go a long way. One layer provided a natural soft-focus finish, but it was very buildable, and I like the flexibility that this provides. I built up to a medium coverage, and I could see and feel the blurred finish in action, so I think the skincare benefits are worth the investment.

I have combination skin that tends to get oily throughout the day, and this lasted really well. I didn’t suffer from any excess oil and the finish continued to look like my skin but better, which is a big win!

I will continue to use this foundation, especially for work and daytime plans. I am particularly excited to reach for this product in the summer as it has SPF and is a little lighter and more breathable than my other foundations. I would like to use more skincare infused foundations going forward and I can now safely say that when it comes to Hourglass, I believe the hype.

Georgina’s Hourglass Illusion Luminous Foundation review

Shade reviewed: in 7.5

I have combination skin, which can sometimes be quite dry, and I have acne so I carefully consider the products that I use on my skin. I usually go for a medium to full coverage although I do prefer a more natural finish than full glam.

As soon as I applied the foundation, I thought it was gorgeous! The formula glides on like a dream, is a little creamier than I expected, and is very buildable. I put some on the back of my hand and applied with my Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush, as it’s a dense but soft brush that is great to dab with rather than glide. I find this achieves better coverage without wasting too much product. As you may be able to tell from the fact I own its foundation brush, I absolutely love Hourglass! Several Hourglass products are daily staples for me. I always have several of the Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balms on the go as I love a glossy lip.

As usual with my makeup routine, I finished off with the Veil Translucent Setting Powder to avoid an oily t-zone. This foundation gave me a soft, natural look while still hiding imperfections. Easy to blend, and a natural luminous glow without being too shiny, which I’m always concerned about. It’s one of those foundations where you get compliments on your skin because you instantly appear healthier. I’d say the foundation looks best the longer you wear it, as it doesn’t oxidise and change colour or cling to any dry patches.

Our Verdict On Hourglass' Skin Illusion Luminous Foundation

This flawless, glow giving foundation ticked all our team’s boxes, securing a place in everyone’s makeup bag for the foreseeable.

THE PROS: Everybody found the formula easy to blend and was impressed by the natural, healthy finish and coverage that lasted and sat nicely on the skin all day or night.

THE CONS: Although very breathable, the thick and creamy texture may not be everybody’s preference compared to lighter, water-based formulas such as the hydrating skin tint.

More from Hourglass

Hourglass is one of the most renowned makeup brands, highly sought after for its innovative formulas, artistic colour palettes, luxurious packaging and artist-worthy finishes. Plus, as a vegan and cruelty-free brand since 2020, there are many reasons to fall in love with their iconic range. But be warned, it will be hard to go back.

The iconic Ambient Lighting Powders are a great place to start, creating a soft-focus, candlelit glow that effortlessly elevates your look. If full glam is more your vibe, get acquainted with the bestselling Vanish Airbrush Concealer for a red-carpet-ready finish, and the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick to blur, brighten and blend your way to perfection.

Carve your best features with the Sculpt and Gloss Duo and achieve lash extensions in seconds with Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara to add drama to your look.