That is a very purposeful question mark in the blog title. Being that I don't actually own any Hourglass blushes, I don't feel particularly qualified to declare something a dupe. You better believe that I've swatched the blushes nearly every time I've entered a Sephora but I could never get past the $35 price tag.
So as I was perusing the drugstore aisles one day (as I'm wont to do quite frequently), I noticed these Illuminating Face Powders by Milani. They're actually not marketed as blushes (instead they're meant to be various highlighters), but I noticed what seemed like a striking resemblance to the Hourglass blushes. They're sheeny and glowy but subtle. They're not uber pigmented and I like that in a blush. I tend to have a heavy hand with blush application (despite my best efforts to avoid it), so I consider these blushes especially easy to work with.
1. Beauty's Touch- This is a cool-toned very sheer pink that just adds a subtle lightness and glow to the cheeks. The swatch above is actually a heavy-handed coat so when using a brush it applies much lighter and dewier.
2. Amber Nectar- This is definitely my most worn of the three. It's a gorgeous bronzey peach shade that just works so well with my skin. I find I don't need much bronzer when I wear this shade because it adds plenty of warmth to my skin and a slight contour. It reads a little orangey on camera but I assure you, it's pure peachy goodness in person.
3. Hermosa Rose- This is a super dewy bronzey shimmer. On the right skintone, it would be a beautiful highlighter. On me, it makes for a great subtle "no makeup makeup" blush that adds a touch of color and golden glow.
Now here's the downside: I would not applaud these blushes for their lasting power. It can be quite dismal if you intend to wear them for a full day. I find just a few spritzes of a setting spray, like Urban Decay's All Nighter, is enough to lock in the color. For $8.99 (less than 1/3 the price of Hourglass), it's a small concession I'm willing to make.
Hi Annie! My name is Minh and I found your blog through various product googling and I love your blog! Thanks for your recommendation on the Milani illuminators, I'll definitely check them out. I'm also very heavy handed with my blush and I have found that using a stippling blush to apply them helps! I tap my brush into my powder, check the pigmentation on the back of my hand, and apply. I hope this helps! Keep the great posts coming!
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Thanks Minh! I've just started using a stippling brush too and it's SO much better. Wish I knew that sooner!
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