Hourglass Veil Powder Brush Review: Double-Ended Brush for a Smooth Finish
The Hourglass Veil Powder Brush is a double-ended brush made to apply setting powder, and it is designed to pair with the brand’s Veil Translucent Setting Powder. It is one of the more talked-about luxury powder brushes, so it is worth looking closely at what it actually offers and whether a simpler brush could do the same job.
The Hourglass Veil Powder Brush is a good choice if you want one brush that sets the whole face and the under-eye area with a light, even layer of powder. Hourglass describes it as double-ended, with a larger rounded end for the face and a smaller tapered end for under the eyes, made with ultra-soft synthetic Taklon bristles that are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand says it works with loose powders, bronzers, finishing powders and highlighters. Its main drawbacks are the premium cost compared with basic synthetic powder brushes, and the fact that a brush alone cannot stop a powder from looking cakey if too much is used.
In short: a soft, well-designed two-in-one powder brush that suits people who set their makeup most days.
Powder brushes touch freshly made-up skin daily, so hygiene matters. The US Food and Drug Administration explains that people can react to cosmetic ingredients, and keeping tools clean is a simple way to reduce irritation and breakouts.
This review covers the brush’s design, who it suits, pros and cons, how to use it, cleaning, and alternatives. It is based on the brand’s published information and general makeup guidance rather than our own hands-on testing.
Where to Buy the Hourglass Veil Powder Brush and Similar Options on Amazon
In This Guide
- What the Hourglass Veil Powder Brush Is
- Design and Features
- Who the Veil Powder Brush Suits
- Pros and Cons
- How to Set Makeup With the Veil Powder Brush
- Using Powder on Different Skin Types
- Cleaning and Care
- Alternatives to Consider
- Dos and Don’ts
- Honest Limits
- When to See a Dermatologist
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Takeaway
Quick Answer
- The Veil Powder Brush is double-ended: a rounded end for the face and a tapered end for under the eyes.
- Bristles are synthetic Taklon, described as vegan and cruelty-free.
- It is designed for setting powder but also works with bronzer, highlighter and finishing powder.
- It suits people who set makeup daily and want one brush for two jobs.
- A light hand matters more than the brush for avoiding cakey powder.
- Wash it regularly and dry it flat to protect the bristles.
- Cheaper synthetic powder brushes can give similar results for many people.
What the Hourglass Veil Powder Brush Is
Setting powder is usually the last step of a base routine. It absorbs a little oil, reduces shine and helps foundation and concealer stay in place. Most people apply it with either a big fluffy brush for the face or a smaller brush or sponge for under the eyes, where concealer tends to crease.
The Veil Powder Brush puts both of those tools on one handle. The larger, rounded end is meant to sweep or press powder across the forehead, cheeks and chin, while the smaller, tapered end is designed to place powder precisely under the eyes and around the nose. Hourglass says the brush was custom designed for its Veil Translucent Setting Powder, but it can be used with most loose or pressed powders.
Hourglass sells several brushes with similar names, including brushes for its other powders. Check that a listing shows the double-ended Veil Powder Brush specifically, and buy from an authorised retailer to reduce the risk of copies.
Design and Features
The table below lists the features Hourglass publishes. We have not included exact measurements or bristle counts because we could not verify them from the brand’s page.
| Feature | What Hourglass publishes |
|---|---|
| Design | Double-ended powder brush |
| Large end | Rounded, for applying powder across the face |
| Small end | Tapered, for setting the under-eye area |
| Bristles | Ultra-soft synthetic Taklon |
| Ethics | Vegan and cruelty-free |
| Skin claim | Described as hypoallergenic |
| Designed for | Veil Translucent Setting Powder |
| Also works with | Loose powders, bronzers, finishing powders and highlighters |
Taklon is a common synthetic fibre in makeup brushes. It is smooth, does not absorb as much product as natural hair and is easy to wash, which makes it a sensible choice for powders used every day. Synthetic brushes also avoid concerns about animal hair and tend to keep their shape well if cared for properly.
Keep in mind that hypoallergenic has no strict legal definition for cosmetics in many countries, including the US. It suggests the brand has tried to reduce common irritants, but it is not a guarantee that no one will react.
Who the Veil Powder Brush Suits
Whether this brush is worth it depends on how often you set your makeup and how much you value having one tool instead of two.
| You are | Good fit? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Someone who sets makeup most days | Yes | Two ends cover face and under-eyes |
| Oily or combination skin | Yes | Makes daily powdering quick and even |
| Dry or mature skin | Yes, with care | Soft bristles help apply a thin layer |
| A minimal makeup wearer | Maybe | A simple fluffy brush may be enough |
| Someone who bakes heavily | Maybe | A damp sponge may press more powder under the eyes |
| Travelling light | Yes | Replaces two separate brushes |
If you want to compare shapes and sizes more broadly, our guide to the best powder brushes explains which brush types suit loose, pressed and setting powders.
Pros and Cons
Here is a balanced summary based on the brush’s design and the themes that often appear in buyer feedback. We have not used quotes or star ratings.
- Pro: two useful shapes on one handle, which saves space.
- Pro: soft synthetic bristles suit sensitive skin and daily use.
- Pro: tapered end makes it easier to set under the eyes without disturbing the rest of the face.
- Pro: versatile enough for bronzer and highlighter as well as setting powder.
- Con: a premium cost for what is essentially a powder brush.
- Con: two ends mean more to wash and dry.
- Con: the handle can be awkward to store upright in some brush cups because both ends have bristles.
- Con: similar results are possible with cheaper synthetic brushes if technique is good.
Reviews for this brush commonly praise its softness and the convenience of the under-eye end, while less positive comments tend to question the price or mention that it takes some practice to avoid applying too much powder. These are general patterns rather than individual quotes.
How to Set Makeup With the Veil Powder Brush
These steps help you get a light, even finish without a heavy or dry look. Use less powder than you think you need and build up only where you get shiny.
Let your base settle
Wait a minute or two after foundation and concealer so they are not wet.
Load the small end lightly
Dip the tapered end into powder and tap off the excess.
Set under the eyes
Press gently under the eyes and along the sides of the nose.
Load the large end
Swirl lightly in the powder and tap off the excess again.
Press, then sweep
Press powder onto the T-zone first, then lightly sweep the rest of the face.
Check in daylight
Look for dry patches or visible powder and blend them with a clean section of the brush.
Touch up during the day
Use a small amount only where shine appears.
Pressing powder into the skin, rather than sweeping it on, helps it hold makeup in place without moving the foundation underneath. Use sweeping motions only at the end to soften the finish.
If your powder tends to fade by midday, our guide on making pressed powder last longer covers simple layering and touch-up tricks.
Using Powder on Different Skin Types
Powder behaves differently depending on your skin, and the brush is only one part of the result. A few adjustments make a big difference.
- Oily skin: focus powder on the T-zone and use the pressing method for longer wear.
- Dry skin: moisturise well, use a very thin layer and avoid powdering dry patches.
- Mature skin: use the smallest amount under the eyes, as powder can settle into fine lines.
- Combination skin: powder only the oily zones and leave drier cheeks with less or none.
- Acne-prone skin: choose non-comedogenic powders and wash brushes often.
If you layer cream products such as blush or highlighter under powder, the order matters. Our guide on layering cream and powder products explains how to avoid patchiness.
Cleaning and Care
Because both ends pick up powder and skin oil, the brush needs regular cleaning to stay soft and hygienic.
- Spot clean with a brush spray or by tapping out excess powder every few days.
- Deep clean at least every week or two with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Keep water away from the ferrule, where glue holds the bristles.
- Squeeze gently, reshape both heads and dry flat on a towel.
- Store it lying down or in a pouch rather than upright in a cup, to protect both ends.
Stop using the brush and wash it if you notice breakouts, itching or redness where you apply powder. Do not share it with others, and patch test any new powder before using it all over the face.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Veil Powder Brush does not suit your budget or routine, these options can give similar results.
- Other double-ended setting brushes: similar two-in-one concept with different sizes and shapes.
- A fluffy synthetic powder brush plus a small tapered brush: more flexibility, two tools to store.
- A damp makeup sponge: presses powder under the eyes for a more baked, longer-lasting finish.
- A powder puff: good for pressing powder into oily areas and for touch-ups.
- A kabuki brush: dense and quick for full-face powder, but less precise.
When comparing brushes, look at softness, density and shape rather than the brand name. A good setting brush should feel smooth on the skin, hold its shape after washing and pick up powder without dumping it in one spot. A brush that sheds, scratches or feels stiff will make any powder harder to apply evenly, whatever it costs. If you already own a fluffy powder brush you like, adding only a small tapered brush for the under-eye area may give you the same two-in-one flexibility without replacing your whole kit.
There is no single best tool. Many makeup artists use a puff or sponge under the eyes and a large brush on the face, while others prefer the convenience of a double-ended brush.
Dos and Don’ts
Try This
- Tap off excess powder before applying
- Press powder where you get shiny
- Use the tapered end under the eyes
- Wash both ends regularly
- Patch test new powders
Avoid This
- Load the brush with too much powder
- Powder over dry, flaky patches
- Store it wet or upright in a cup
- Share your powder brush
- Expect the brush to fix a cakey formula
Honest Limits
A brush cannot make every powder look flawless. If a powder is too heavy, the wrong shade or too drying for your skin, it will still look that way whatever you apply it with. The claim of a flawless finish every time depends far more on the powder, your skin prep and your technique than on the brush itself.
This review is based on published product details and general patterns in buyer feedback, not on hands-on testing. Softness and durability can vary with how the brush is washed and stored, and product details can change over time, so check current information before buying.
When to See a Dermatologist
- You break out or itch when you wear powder or other base makeup.
- Redness, swelling or a rash appears after using a product or brush.
- You have rosacea, eczema or acne and struggle to find makeup that suits you.
- Dry, flaky patches do not improve with a gentler routine.
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional advice. Patch test new products if you have sensitive skin or allergies. The FDA’s page on allergens in cosmetics explains how to spot and report reactions, and a board-certified dermatologist can help with persistent problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hourglass Veil Powder Brush?
A double-ended synthetic brush for setting powder.
What is each end for?
The rounded end is for the face, the tapered end for under the eyes.
Is it only for Veil powder?
No, it works with most loose and pressed powders.
Can I use it for bronzer?
Yes, the brand lists bronzer, highlighter and finishing powder.
Are the bristles vegan?
Yes, they are synthetic Taklon.
Is it good for sensitive skin?
The soft bristles suit most people, but patch test products.
Is it good for baking?
It works, but a damp sponge presses more powder.
How often should I wash it?
Every week or two, and spot clean in between.
Is it worth the cost?
It suits daily powder users; cheaper brushes can work too.
Why does my powder look cakey?
Usually too much powder or dry skin, not the brush.
The Takeaway
The Hourglass Veil Powder Brush is a soft, double-ended synthetic brush that makes it easy to set both the face and the under-eye area with one tool.
Use a light hand, press powder where you need it most, wash both ends regularly and consider a simpler brush or sponge if the cost or two-ended design does not suit you.
