As a beauty writer, makeup is one category in which I love to try new products. And even with numerous quarterly launches and viral trends, I've still managed to find products I now consider a staple in my rotation. However, one relationship I'm guilty of never really settling on is my foundation.
You see, there's a complexity around finding the right foundation. You have the misleading shade matches, the risk of awkward 'settling,' among other concerns, I could dedicate entirely to one article. But instead of throwing my hands up in defeat, I have yet to give up on my search for a tried-and-true foundation to add to my line-up.
When I was first introduced to the new Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 nearly two months ago, I was hooked at first glance — the golden packaging signaled a luxury experience beyond opening. After testing it through holidays, ventures and everything in between, I might've finally found the product that solves mine — and even your — foundation woes.
What is the Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30?
The Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 is a 'luxury-meets-performance' foundation with a dedicated formula to address common skin concerns, and a buildable, lasting coverage for reliable, all-day wear (with added sun protection!).
As of late, the foundation currently has over 20 shades, from very fair to very deep, and is formulated without alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, talc and more.
My skin type
My skin leans towards dry to very dry, depending on the season. I can be eczema-prone, but I've learned to manage it with the right products. I also experience some redness and acne marks, but the area of concern that I look to cover with makeup is my dark circles.
What I like
It covers redness and acne marks while looking natural
I'm all about my skin looking and feeling like regular, uncovered skin. But I also want coverage for my problem areas. With a medium, buildable finish, I get the benefits of coverage without the discomfort. No matter how many times I layer, this foundation doesn't cake or feel heavy, and doesn't completely cover my skin underneath. A little goes a long way, too — even after months of owning, the just-over-one-ounce bottle still feels full.
For extra coverage on acne marks and my under eyes, I used my trusty Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer. But this foundation works well with any preferred concealer.
After hours of wear, there's still no creasing
This foundation promises up to 12 hours of transfer- and crease-resistant wear. I typically apply powder-based products after my creams for longer wear. But regardless of how I set my makeup, the natural finish becomes radiant — not greasy — with wear, living up to its claims.
Adding to its crease-resistant perks, I haven't experienced any odd settling into my smile lines or movement once the foundation has dried. So if that is an important factor when it comes to purchasing, this might be the perfect product for you.
The formula is all about combating signs of aging
I've reached the age where I have to start being extra intentional of the products I'm using — makeup included. So it's no surprise the SPF 30 factor in the foundation drew me in. While I do apply sunscreen daily, I'm not the best at reapplying. Packing this product inside my travel makeup bag offers the best of both worlds, where I can touch-up my makeup and make sure I continue my sun protection. Plus, since it is still a foundation, this means there is no white cast.
According to the brand, the Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation contains moisturizing "advance skin care" to defend against early signs of aging. The brand specifically labels this as their 'Advanced Hydra-Smoothing Technology,' which, per the website, can visibly improve fine lines, wrinkles and texture overtime.
What to consider
- Although you can expect the foundation to even out the skin tone, it isn't meant to be full coverage. Rather, it's a buildable, medium coverage formula that still shows your skin peaking through. So if you prefer more coverage, this might not be the product for you.
- Some customers found the texture thick, and that the product had a slight smell of sunscreen. I experienced the opposite, but if you are often hesitant about makeup-skin care hybrids, be sure to read more about this products' ingredients before purchase.
- Although the price point is high, this is a product worth the splurge in my opinion for all that it offers. You get the perks of skin care and makeup in one, with a wear that gets better throughout the day.
- I'd love to see an expanded shade range in the future. But so far, the shades I've tried (I've stuck to shade 7, a light-medium neutral) have been highly adaptable.
More Hourglass products to shop
We previously gave Hourglass' Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow the award as Best Splurge Cream Eyeshadow in our 2024 Beauty Awards. According to our reviewer, the product is easy to apply and "a little goes a long way."
If you've been wanting to hop on the tubing mascara train, deputy editorial director Ali Deabler said "My lashes looked so good, my sister bought it too and became a convert,” after trying this pick from the brand. She especially appreciated that she didn't have "to rip her lashes out" to remove the product.
Plus, makeup artist Eunice Kristen previously told us that the mascara is one of her staples for her clients with mature skin.
For those days when time feels limited, a trusty eyeshadow stick can help us feel put-together without much effort. Editor Vivien Moon recommends the pick above for its beginner-friendly use. Just a swipe delivers high-impact color that shouldn't crease, smudge or require much effort for a seamless blend. "I can use it in an instant and [always] get compliments on it," she raves.
A beauty staple every person should own in their vanity, the Vanish Airbrush Concealer is a true one-and-done product. As previously stated, I use this concealer consistently in my routine, sometimes even alone, as it has a full-coverage finish that doesn't look or feel cake-y regardless of how many times you layer.
"It’s easy to apply, lasts all day and blends beautifully to give me a refreshed look without being obvious that I’m wearing makeup," adds Moon. "I use it for under eyes, zits and general redness when I notice it and want a quick solution."
"I can tell you that this is my favorite lipstick along with their lip liner," raves SEO writer Jannely Espinal, who loves pairing the product with the brand's lip liner. "It’s smooth, glossy and hydrating. The texture doesn’t smudge, and stays put for a few hours."
For those with mature skin, makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously recommended the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer as one of the best makeup primers for this skin type because it "blurs imperfections without drying."
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, look through hundreds of customer reviews, and use our own experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Madison San Miguel is the editorial assistant at Shop TODAY, who has over six years of experience in the beauty industry. She has previously been published in Allure, InStyle, Byrdie, Bustle, Elite Daily and more.
