Amorus USA Cloud Blur Matte Balm Foundation Versus Hourglass Cosmetics Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
Abrasive
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHexyl Laurate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Paraffin
Perfuming
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated C12-18 Triglycerides
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Cera Alba
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantSqualane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTropolone
Skin ConditioningSilica, Isopropyl Myristate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Titanium Dioxide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone, Magnesium Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Paraffin, Ceresin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, CI 77492, Hydrogenated C12-18 Triglycerides, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ozokerite, Sorbitan Olivate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cera Alba, Stearic Acid, CI 77491, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77007, Squalane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, CI 77499, Tropolone
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingPolyethylene
Abrasive
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
Perfuming
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Lauryl Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate
Emollient
Methicone
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propanediol
Solvent
Silica
Abrasive
Talc
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Iron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ceresin, Polyethylene, Pentylene Glycol, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, BHT, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Isostearyl Alcohol, Lauryl Laurate, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate, Methicone, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Silica, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeresin is a wax derived from ozokerite. It is an alternative to beeswax.
The most common process of creating ceresin is by using heat and sulfuric acid.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneVP/Hexadecene Copolymer is a synthetic film-forming agent. It has both water and oil loving properties, allowing it to create a flexible, even film on the skin.
This ingredient helps enhance texture, smoothness, and wear resistance in makeup products while reducing tackiness.
