By now I'm sure my love for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders is well documented. Once a complete powder-phobe (mattified skin is really not my forte) I now can't seem to go a day without wearing my favourite all over setting shade - Dim Light. Undetectable on the skin it leaves the softest glow while keeping everything in place without a hint of cakeyness. The only set back of course is they eye-watering £38.00 price tag - ouch. One plus is that I've been using this non stop for months and by the looks of things have barely made a dent in it, but for those searching for a cheaper alternative in the luminising powder game, I think I've found a pretty good substitute.
Bourjois seem to be bringing out winner after winner when it comes to their new releases and one of my favourites so far this year has been the Java Rice Powder, which not only comes in just the darn prettiest little pot, it's also packed full of radiance. The first noticeable difference between the two is shot a of shimmer running through it as apposed to the sparkle-less 'gleam' of the Ambient Lighting Powder. Once dusted over the skin though (my brush of choice for both being the fluffy Real Techniques Powder Brush) this becomes undetectable, reflecting light and imparting a dewey looking glow which also works well as a highlight when applied more liberally to the cheekbones. I also find it to be slightly more shine-absorbing, lasting a few hours longer across my oily cheeks and nose.
If I had to pick just one, it would have to be Hourglass's offering - there's just something about that genius formula that can't be beaten, but Bourjois have served up some stiff competition which definitely takes the title of the best drugstore powder I've ever come across and at £9.99, it's a whole lot easier to stomach!