Save Vs. Splurge For Soft Focus Powders: Models Prefer Vs Hourglass

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch Powder in Photo Ready

I first heard of Models Prefer’s Mineral Powder Soft Touch powders on Twitter during the last 40% off all cosmetics sale at Priceline. A number of bloggers mentioned that the new Soft Touch powders were dupes for the more expensive Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Powders. Now y’all know I love my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and find it quite on par with the Guerlain Meteorites.

Still, I was intrigued to see if these Soft Touch powders really are dupes for the Hourglass powders so I decided to pick one up to try out. Guess when it was that I bought one of the Soft Touch Powders? A day AFTER the sale ended. At full price. *face palm*

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch Powder in Photo Ready

Upon first swatch in store, I have to admit that it’s pretty darn similar to the Ambient Lighting Powder. I wasn’t sure which Soft Touch powder to choose from; I couldn’t swatch all of them in store because there were only one tester on shelf. I decided to choose the one that had the best sounding name instead and bought the one in Photo Ready. I assumed that’s what it’ll make me, right? Ready for photos? 😛

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch Powder in Photo Ready and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light

Whaddyaknow, when I finally removed the packaging, swatched it again and compared it to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder that I have (which is in Mood Light), it turned out that I actually picked the shade that was exactly the same as Mood Light! What were the odds?

Like the Hourglass’ Mood Light, the Models Prefer Soft Touch in Photo Ready has pink undertones. In fact, when swatched next to each other, I couldn’t tell these two powders apart. The Soft Touch is not as strongly pigmented as the Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Powder. I find that I swirl the brush on the pressed powder more than I do with the Hourglass powder.

To be honest, I expected the Soft Touch to be chalky and gritty to the touch. Quite the contrary; it’s finely-milled and when I compare these two powders, I found the Hourglass one to be slightly chalky when swatched a few times in comparison to the Soft Touch! Now that, I certainly didn’t expect.

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch Powder in Photo Ready and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light Swatch Comparison

In terms of results, the Soft Touch powder gives me that “soft focus” look on the skin, just like what the Hourglass would do. It doesn’t make my skin look flat like regular pressed powders would.

All in all, I have to say that the Soft Touch powder in Photo Ready is one heck of a dupe to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light. I wouldn’t say that they’re exactly the same but if you were to show me swatches of these without telling me which swatch came from which powder, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Even the quality of the powders are comparable; at least, I find it so with the Photo Ready.

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch Powder in Photo Ready and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light

If you’re looking to splurge on one of ’em soft focus, Photoshopped-like skin look, go for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. But if you’d prefer a more affordable version, I highly recommend the Models Prefer Soft Touch Powders. I don’t know about the other shades but right here, right now, I can tell you that the Photo Ready is pretty much a dupe for Hourglass’ Mood Light.

Next one for me to try would be their Soft Touch Mineral Blush. I wonder if those are dupes for the Ambient Lighting Blushes as well? 😛

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch powders retail at AU$16.99 for 10g each, come in 3 shades and are available exclusively at Priceline.

What I like about it: Incredibly similar to the more expensive Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, good quality powder, not gritty nor chalky.

What I do not like about it: It’s not as richly pigmented as the one from Hourglass but it’s certainly not a deal breaker in my books.

Have you tried the Models Prefer Soft Touch powders? Do you think that they’re dupes for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders?

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13 comments… add one
  1. Claire

    Hi Tine,

    Great post, I love reading about dupes for luxe products. The Model Co looks pretty good to me! I own the Hourglass Ambient lighting powder in a Dim light, but what a great alternative to try the shade Mood Light…..Hi Ho Hi Ho…it’s off to Priceline I go ….

    1. Tine

      Think about it, you can make you own “Hourglass trio palette” with these powders from Model Co and it still costs less than ONE Hourglass regular single palette! 😀

  2. Asha

    Ooh interesting! The Hourglass lighting palette was going to be my next big splurge! Saved me a pretty penny, although I’ll admit Tine I have no idea how to use these powders! :S

    1. Tine

      Use it like setting powder. Once you’ve applied your foundation, swirl your brush over this (or the Hourglass one), tap the excess off and brush it on your skin. That’s it! They’re not highlighting powder where you just apply at certain areas on your skin; at least, not the one that I have. 🙂

      1. Asha

        Oh excellent! Thanks for the tip, Tine!

  3. Sam Bear

    Ohh, this is the first I’ve heard about this! A few minutes of googling hasn’t really turned up any swatches either! I think I’ll definitely have to check this out the next time I’m at a Priceline!
    Sam Bear recently posted..Review: Smashbox Full Exposure paletteMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Haha have fun! It’s still at full price now I think because it’s still pretty new but once they’re on sale, grab ’em all! 😀

  4. Susan

    I saw this in Priceline for the first time the other day, and although I already have the Hourglass trio palette, I thought I’d try the MP Mineral Powder to see how it compared. The one I chose was Soft Touch and it’s an exact dupe for Dim Light (slightly peachy shimmer). Not as pigmented, but though it would make a great finishing powder for everyday use.

    1. Susan

      Sorry, I forgot to mention that the shade I was talking about was Luminous Glow

    2. Tine

      It’s good right? So much cheaper than the Hourglass ones too!

  5. PorcelainPirate

    Such great news! I am so keen to try this now. 😀
    PorcelainPirate recently posted..Five Engaging Longreads Stories You Might Have MissedMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Give it a go! 🙂

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