HOW TO LOOK AIR-BRUSHED IN REAL LIFE

Concealers and foundations are meant to hide skin’s imperfections, but many of them end up highlighting the problem instead. Now, more and more products claim to be able to mask issues like redness and fine lines by using light-reflecting ingredients. The latest light reflector on the block, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, makes similar promises and had me curious to learn more about the technology behind such products.
“Unlike traditional powders that use opaque pigments to cloak the skin, Ambient uses micron-size photoluminescent spheres that neutralize the complexion without leaving a mask-like appearance,” says Hourglass Founder Carisa Janes.
The line of powders, which are each created to address a particular concern, whether it be redness, uneven skin tone or dullness, use optically transparent particles to refract light so the particles glow, thus camouflaging skin’s imperfections. Sound high-tech? The military has experimented with a similar light-reflecting strategy for the camouflage patterns they choose.