Hourglass Immaculate Liquid-Powder Foundation…Review and Video Tutorial!

**UPDATE 6/12/2014: Swatches of every shade in this formula can now be found HERE!
I recently mentioned that I picked up the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid-Powder Foundation while in Seattle last month and many BP readers expressed interest in having me review this as soon as possible.  Being the foundation fiend that I am, I am happy to oblige ; ) This formula is currently available at Sephora, Net-a-Porter, Space NK and Barney’s NY.
The video above fully details my experience with the foundation thus far and includes an extensive product and shade description (I chose Golden) as well as an example of how I prefer to apply it (with an Evian-spritzed Beauty Blender).  
What the video does not include are comparison swatches of the Hourglass foundation, ingredients or stills of the formula on my face…in turn, kindly scroll on for additional details, selected swatches, images of the foundation on my face as well as the “Bottom Line”
What Sephora says @ this…
A mattifying, antiaging foundation that absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections, and ensures a long-lasting flawless finish—without the need for touch-ups. Consider Immaculate your miracle for oily skin. This innovative liquid-powder formula delivers an unparalleled matte finish with real longevity that lasts all day. The oil-free and water-resistant foundation goes on smoothly and dries down instantly to a soft, velvet finish that is ideal for oily or blemish-prone complexions. It is formulated Without: – Parabens- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan Immaculate is free of gluten and nano-particles. The formula contains clinical levels of two antiaging ingredients to create a youthful glow. Phytostem Edelweiss, an active derived from a rare Himalayan plant, slows collagen degradation and reduces wrinkle depth by 15 percent after 20 days of use. Lavandox, an ingredient extracted from Spanish lavender, reduces the appearance of wrinkles by 11 percent
Ingredients: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Water, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Kaolin, Cetyl PEG/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Decyl Glucoside, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tribehenin, Glycerin, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lavandula Stoechas Extract. May Contain ( +/- ): Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

The Space NK I happened to be at a few weekends ago did not have testers of every shade available (there are 16 in total), but I was able to swatch a respectable nine and hope that is of help!
Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: Swatches of nine shades of Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in direct sunlight.

1. Golden: For light to light-medium skin tones with neutral undertones (this is what I own and it is a near perfect match for my NC 23-25 skin right now…definitely not pink like the Sephora website says)
2. Porcelain: For very fair skin with yellow undertones.
3. Shell: For fair skin with neutral to peachy undertones.
4. Ivory: For fair to light skin with yellow undertones (though it looked quite orange in person)
5. Nude: For medium light skin with neutral to yellow undertones…more medium than light in my opinion!
6. Light Beige: For medium skin with warm yellow undertones.
7. Sand: For medium skin with peachy pink undertones.
8. Beige: For medium to tan skin with yellow undertones.
9. Warm Beige: For tan skin with warm undertones.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: Swatches of select shades of Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in the shade.

The following images reflect the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid-Powder Foundation on my face in different lighting at various points in the day…


Above: Mid-day at work.

Above: At the end of an eight hour teaching day.

Above: First thing in the morning in direct, window-filtered sunlight.

Above: After a half a day spent in air travel.



–Shop the Post–



Bottom Line: The Hourglass Immaculate Liquid-Powder Foundation is a mattifying wonder that provides full coverage, a beautiful satin matte finish, anti-aging properties, a streamlined ingredients list and formidable lasting power.  Applied with a Beauty Blender, this foundation creates a flawless canvas that still maintains dimension while miraculously lasting the entire day with little to no touch ups!  Although I haven’t used this long enough to speak to its anti-aging benefits, I  am definitely impressed by the overall wear and finish of this formula and am happy to report that it does not irritate my sensitive skin.  This is a fantastic option for anyone who may struggle with an complexion that is on the oily side and is also a boon for those who work long hours and prefer their makeup to stay put.  Highly recommended and currently available at SephoraNet-a-PorterSpace NK and Barney’s NY.

Have YOU tried the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid-Powder Foundation…thoughts?  What foundations are you loving these days?


**This post contains affiliate links; my disclosure policy contains
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Comments (52)

  • Anonymous Reply

    Thank you so much for your review! I was wondering about this foundation. How is it compare to Dior Forever Foundation? 🙂

    May 8, 2013 at 5:12 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Anon!

      My pleasure ; ) I wish I could compare the two but unfortunately, Dior Forever is one that, for whatever reason, I haven't tried. I like this better than the Dior Nude and Dior Total Capture formulas if that is helpful! This foundation is longer lasting much friendlier to my sensitive skin!

      Take care and xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 10, 2013 at 1:36 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Great review, BP!

    IS HG Immaculate meritorious of a place among your "venerated" foundations?

    I loved your curls in the third picture! Do you use a curling wand or flat iron?

    Keep up the good work!

    Abraço,

    Paula

    Ps. answering your question: I teach Brazilian culture and Portuguese language.

    May 8, 2013 at 7:02 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Paula,

      Thank you and thanks also for letting me know what you teach…those classes sound utterly fascinating. As a singer, I have always been a fan of Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 and wish I could speak Portuguese…such a beautiful language!

      In response to your first question, yes, this is definitely joining the ranks of my most preferred foundations (along with the Tom Ford stick, By Terry Cover and Sheer Experts, SK-II and Amore Pacific). The lasting power and finish of this formula is just sensational and the natural and anti-aging ingredients are a huge boon as well. I have also been using the Kanebo Sensai Cream Foundation (doesn't last quite as long but has a beautiful finish..if only slightly dewier than the HG…and wonderful ingredients as well) and am completely in love. Will be doing a full review in the very near future!

      In response to your second question…thank you! I use Calista Ion Hot Rollers to achieve my curls…I have a full review/demonstration on my blog and also on my YouTube channel. I use these rollers nearly every day…they are that amazing and easy to use!

      Have a wonderful weekend and talk soon…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 10, 2013 at 1:46 am
  • strongestrose Reply

    Hi! I love the review, video, and swatches! I often wear the same color foundation as you, but I think my Mexican half is eating up the sun. I had a sample of Nude and found that to be too yellow and a little light. I thought Nude was lighter than Golden, but I think that it might be the other way around? Also, when you reach your summer skin tone, do you see yourself going for Light Beige or another shade? Thank you for everything!

    May 9, 2013 at 5:43 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you so much Strongstrose! I hope all is well for you on the home front ; ) The Hourglass shades are a bit puzzling to me (in terms of undertone and depth); I never would have gone for Golden at first, until I started looking at the shades that preceded it and realized they were quite warm (peach rather than yellow). In the full line up, Nude is indeed a shade lighter than Golden and I find Golden to have more balanced undertones overall. I just put Golden in my swatches first because they didn't have the tester of it, so once I lined everything up, I used a bit from my purse to include it into the mix ; ) If I get as much sun on my body as I did last summer (darn you, Palm Beach, Florida!), then yes, I think I would have to bump up to Light Beige (which is deceptively darker than its name) or maybe even Beige.

      xoxo and wonderful to hear from you!

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 10, 2013 at 1:52 am
    • strongestrose Reply

      Thank you so much!! This is such a great help, and thank you for remembering about my situation. Babies are doing good! Yesterday was Gemma Rose's due date. Can't believe she's been out-and-about for 8 weeks already! My toddler is very curious about her….but needs to learn "gentle," lol. I think a good long-lasting foundation is exactly what I need these days! 😛

      May 10, 2013 at 6:33 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure! So glad to hear the babies are doing well ; ) I am sure they are adorable together! If you are looking for a long lasting foundation, this should definitely be a contender!

      Have a lovely weekend and xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 11, 2013 at 1:46 am
  • Lolazz Reply

    HI….I really want to get this foundation…but my oils almost always oxidize foundation…so, I am an NC30…would Golden be my ideal shade??
    Help, please….

    May 9, 2013 at 9:24 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Lolazz,

      Thanks for the question…I haven't found this foundation to oxidize on my skin; that being said, I know everyone's skin can react differently to a product! Golden is about a N 25, so, if you think it will oxidize on you, then perhaps it will balance out to be the right depth. If not, then I suggest the Light Beige, which appears to be a true NC 30 to me!

      I hope that helps…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 10, 2013 at 1:57 am
  • nona Reply

    Hi Rachel so you know always try to get what u loved and used because we both have same color same skin sensitive ,totally inlove with amorepacific u know saved my skin when i went to the beach ,also i love face altier as well ,but HG didnt blend with my skin well too dry on me it looks so powdery for some reason picked every single flaw in my skin ,i have no idea why,same as bobbie brown compact this one after an hour it separated on me . but love to hear soon about kanebo love that brand i would love to see ur thoughts on that foundation
    looking great Rachel as usual

    May 10, 2013 at 3:06 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Nona,

      You are so sweet…thank you!! I am so glad that you are enjoying the Amore Pacific and Face Atelier foundations!! I understand that the HG felt dry…since it is matte, I am guessing that can happen! I apply it over primer with a damp beauty blender and I think that helps with the dryness, giving it more of a "skin finish." The Kanebo Cream Foundation is very hydrating (which might be right up your alley!). I will make sure to review it very soon!!

      xoxo and have a lovely weekend,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 11, 2013 at 2:32 am
  • sassytownhouseliving Reply

    Thanks for the review. I added this to my Sephora shopping list! Love your blog much! Have a great weekend~
    Carolann

    May 11, 2013 at 4:41 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure, Carolannotated! I love that you love my blog ; ) Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this!

      Have a lovely weekend…xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 12, 2013 at 12:35 am
  • Rose Reply

    Thanks for the review. I'm so into foundation and I'm always on the lookout for ones that look natural. Some foundations will make you look like a ghost in photos. I like it that it still looks good after an 8-hour day. I definitely have to get this.

    May 15, 2013 at 4:55 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure, Rose! Yes…this foundation is a wonderment for lasting all day and not giving any flashback in photos…love it!

      Can't wait to hear your thoughts when you try it!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 16, 2013 at 10:08 pm
  • Amber Ulmer Reply

    Hey dear!! I tried it in shell & it was too pink for me. I'm about an nc20 now with summer. Can you suggest a shade for me if shell was too pink?

    May 24, 2013 at 3:24 am
  • Amber Ulmer Reply

    Hi there!!! I left a comment yesterday about a shade match for me. Not sure if this helps but makeup forever mat velvet plus in 30 is a perfect match & kat von d lock it in 48.

    May 24, 2013 at 11:21 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Amber…thanks for the comments! I have been swamped with work and am finally getting a chance to field comments now that the weekend is upon us!

      With regards to your question, the two shades for light skin with neutral to yellow undertones are Porcelain and Ivory, with Porcelain being the most yellow. Ivory is close to Shell in depth, but seems to lean warmer (though not a true yellow). With summer around the corner, I suggest giving it a try since it is one slight notch up in darkness (though not as dark as Golden which is great for N/NC 25 skin like mine. If you were able to get two shades, I would suggest Porcelain and Golden…you could mix them in varying proportions to achieve the perfect yellow-based beige for the entire year!

      I hope that helps!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 25, 2013 at 1:30 am
  • Amber Ulmer Reply

    Thanks so much for the awesome reply!!! Ya shell definitely made my face quite pink as the day went on. So strange! I will get a sample of ivory to give a try!!! Thanks so much!

    May 25, 2013 at 1:46 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure, Amber…I hope Ivory is a better match!!!

      Take care and keep me posted…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 25, 2013 at 8:25 pm
  • Amber Ulmer Reply

    Just wanted to share an update with you! I went & swatched some today for my skin that is quickly getting more golden with the sun. I ended up with golden! I am usually an nc15-20 during fall & winter & am probably close to an nc25-ish for the summer. I have makeup forever mat velvet in 30 & it's pretty spot on. Anyway, hoping the color is good Bc it's seriously such a benefitical formula & I'm looking forward to its goodness! My chest & arms are darker than my face so I matched it more to my chest so I can get a more balanced look. Hoping that works!

    June 7, 2013 at 8:54 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Amber,

      Thanks for the update! How exciting that Golden may be the right match for you as summer is nearly here! I plan on preparing a post featuring swatches of all 16 shades available as soon as we have a sunny day here. Crazy that it has been rather gloomy at the beach in Southern CA, no? At any rate, do keep me posted on how Golden works out and have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 9, 2013 at 12:15 am
  • Amber Ulmer Reply

    That's great! Ya, I applied it yesterday with a sephora mineral 45 brush & it looked super dry & accentuated my pores. I used a full pump. Then today I thought Id try your method of the BB since I felt it looked dry & cakey with a brush even though they say to not use a sponge. Wow, a much better look for me. I think my skin just doesn't like a brush application. I've tried a brush with my Mat Velvet before & the result was similar, too heavy looking for my larg pores. The BB seems to sheer it a bit so it looks more flattering on my skin. I'm gonna keep working with it to see how it goes. I also tried exfoliating right before & that seems to work really well too with it going on smoother. I picked up a sample of light beige Bc I kinda thought golden was just a tad light so I'm going to try it tomorrow. If that's too dark, ill just add some bronzer to golden to match my chest better.
    Just outta curiousoty, I was looking in different light today to see how it looked as far as the shade & found that in the car, it looked more pink on me & didn't match my chest but it other lights, it looked good. Ever experience that when looking for shade matching & comparing light?

    June 9, 2013 at 1:41 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Doesn't the Beauty Blender make such a difference?! I cannot get over the way it transforms my foundation application. It may be that Warm Beige is better if you are feeling Golden is a tad too light. I have found Golden is a neutral leaning towards warm (rather than pink) on me…it is my best match in the formula right now, but I wish there was a shade in my current depth with just a touch more yellow! In the meanwhile, Golden is doing the job (and I love the formula overall!). Things begin to get crazy when I get a bit of a tan on my body (never on my face!) and then have to darken my foundation to make everything match…got to love summer ; )

      xoxo and keep me posted!

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 10, 2013 at 3:51 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Quick question. I am an NC45/C6/7.0 in MAC foundations, I am however confused in which shade i should get in the Hourglass Immaculate Foundation. Do you have any suggestion as to what shade i might be?

    June 19, 2013 at 7:55 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Rasi,

      Thanks for your question…I am guessing that your closest match would be Sable…it is in the NC 42-45 range! In case you haven't seen it yet, I posted swatches of every shade in this formula earlier this month. Just search for Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in the search bar at the top right and you should find the post easily!

      I hope that helps…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 21, 2013 at 2:23 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi your review was so helpful!

    I am nc30 with strong olive/yellow undertones would you suggest shade nude? Or light beige?

    Thankyou

    August 13, 2013 at 10:57 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      So glad to hear that! Based on the info you've shared with me, I suggest the Light Beige ; )

      I hope that helps!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 14, 2013 at 6:19 pm
    • Anonymous Reply

      Thankyou for the quick reply!

      Will be ordering now 🙂 thanks x

      August 14, 2013 at 8:33 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    hi, i really need ur expert advice, im use esteen lauder double wear in the shade "tawny". which shade should i choose for hourglass? i live in singapore and its not available here so i wish to order it online but unsure of the right shade. thank u so much!

    August 26, 2013 at 12:34 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello,

    I am guessing that, based on your color match, you could wear either Honey or Beige.

    I hope that helps…xoxo,

    –The Beauty Professor

    August 28, 2013 at 5:27 am
  • chicca Reply

    Hey there!
    As far as it seems you now happen to have a new fan from Italy!
    Amazing blog, BRAVA!
    I've found by chance on the internet this sort of Holy Grail of the foundations, but unfortunately Sephora Italy doesn't sell this brand 🙁
    So, I was wondering which shade I should go for and your suggestion would be precious to me!
    I've actually been using Make Up Forever HD shade n. 140 during the winter, while n. 160 for the summer.
    So….which shade should i choose for hourglass?
    Thanks for your time, I do really appreciate your good job!

    August 28, 2013 at 5:29 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Chicca!

      So happy you found your way to my blog…thanks for your sweet words! I will do my best to suggest some suitable shades for you!

      I suggest Light Beige or Sand in the winter and Warm Beige in the summer!

      I hope that helps…xoxo and keep in touch,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 28, 2013 at 6:58 pm
    • chicca Reply

      Heyyy thanks for your prompt answer!
      I've always thought that my skin was quite light with a yellow undertone which is pretty visible during winter!
      You sure it won't be too dark the light beige??
      I totally trust you!
      Do you happen to know any websites that deliver in Italy where I can buy from?
      That'll help a lot!!
      xoxo 😉

      August 28, 2013 at 11:07 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Happy to help! I was just going by your current matches in MUFE HD (which are both on the medium to dark side). If you have matches in other foundations you'd like to share with me, then I could try to reassess my suggestions. If your skin is quite light and yellow in tone, then I would think you would wear a lighter shade in the Hourglass than I suggested : ) At this point, I am unfamiliar with websites that deliver to Italy…so sorry!

      Take care and talk soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 29, 2013 at 1:39 am
  • chicca Reply

    Hey there,
    I'm sorry to bother you once again, but I've just asked on Hourglass Facebook page about the stores I could buy from, and they've answered Liberty and SpaceNK, where the price is of 50£= 77,6 $, quite expensive, don't you think?! Moreover, they don't have the shades you suggested me, but just Tan, Golden, Natural, Vanilla, Pearl, Chestnut, Honey and Sable.
    What am I supposed to do at this point?!?
    🙁
    Thanks for your time Rachel!

    August 28, 2013 at 11:58 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    No worries, Chicca! If you feel like you are on the lighter side of things, then I suggest trying Golden. It is quite expensive, so it will definitely be up to you to decide if it is worth it!

    xoxo and have a great weekend,

    –The Beauty Professor

    August 29, 2013 at 8:42 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    What color do u think suits me best? I am mac nc40 or makeupforever hd foundation 140. Im thinking nude or light beige? If u could reply me that would be great so i dont to order the wrong shade. Thank u so much

    September 10, 2013 at 4:23 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Albella,

      Thanks for the question. If you are a true Mac NC 40, then you would likely wear Beige.

      Hope that helps!

      –The Beauty Professor

      September 10, 2013 at 5:32 am
  • treehugger Reply

    Who over named and mixed these colors is completely color-blind!!! I have never seen colors THIS FAR OFF!!! Thanks for the great blogs btw. Excellent information on all beauty products! The best!

    September 14, 2013 at 4:16 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Treehugger,

      Yes, some of the shade names may feel a bit misleading but the formula is utterly excellent so I can happily wade through any confusion to find my way to my perfect match ; ) So glad you enjoy my blog…thanks for the positive feedback1

      xoxo and have a lovely week,

      –The Beauty Professor

      September 16, 2013 at 2:53 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Hi! I have a asian skin color,like those with Filipinas & I can't find any hourglass shop in sephora in Dubai. So I'm planning to purchase mine online but I don't know which shade will I purchased since I cannot try them in my skin. Pls help me!! I really wanted to buy this foundation but I don't which shade will I take. Thanks in advance!!

    December 30, 2013 at 9:19 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello,

      Thanks for your question but before I could try recommend a shade match, I would need to know what shades are matches in some other mainstream foundation formulas!

      Take care,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 2, 2014 at 1:10 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hello. Thank you for the in depth review. Do you happen to know what the correlating shade for Nars Punjab would be? Thank you so much!

    February 25, 2014 at 1:48 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure…I would suggest Light Beige!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      February 25, 2014 at 6:14 am
  • jamsusa Reply

    Hi BP,
    I had a chance to try out this foundation at Sephora last weekend. I got the shade of Golden as most of your shades seems to work for me perfectly. I tried shade " Nude" prior to this full bottle of " Golden", Nude turned orange on my jawline and funny enough Golden turn orange as well in outdoor lighting and when I looked into the mirror in the car.

    I seriously don't know whether I am doing something wrong or perhaps it darken few shades down after 1 hour or so? I will return it next time but just wondering whether to get the shade of " Shell" since Golden looked like a perfect match at first ( indoor). I like the finish and usually top it with glowing powder to make it look much more natural look.

    April 25, 2014 at 9:01 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello,

      Thanks for the update…I find that these shades can run dark on some (me included). In response to your conundrum, I would suggest getting a sample of Shell to see if it has the same oxidization reaction with your skin…likely, it will be the right shade if the other ones you mention have been too dark/warm.

      Hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      April 30, 2014 at 3:07 am
  • Monica Reply

    If you had this foundation on all day on your pictures, I don't think they look too dark for you. It might me a slight darker than your neck, but not that much. Have you used this with a primer? What is your experience with this with a primer and no loose powder after? What about with a primer and with a powder after? And lastly, a primer and a powder after? Thanks!

    May 24, 2014 at 3:22 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks, Monica!

      I generally use this over the Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge as a primer and I don't ever follow with loose powder as it has a very matte, slightly powdery finish on its own!

      Hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 26, 2014 at 7:43 pm
  • Monica Reply

    Have you continued to use this foundation? Did you ever get break outs from this foundation? I am still in the hunt for my HG foundation and so far no luck. I did try this with Nude, but it was way too dark for my skin. I am worried to try this out as I have oily skin and it's sensitive, pretty similar to yours. Let me know if this made you break out after long time wear or not. Thanks!

    June 4, 2014 at 12:07 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Monica,

      I do still use this off an on along with a host of other foundations (I have a little addiction when it comes to complexion products!). I don't get any breakouts with this formula but have heard from readers that oxidization can be an issue so I suggest trying a lighter shade than normal. I have swatches of every shade here on my blog…just do a search in the search bar ; )

      Hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 4, 2014 at 7:06 pm

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