Hourglass Cosmetics is one of those brands I’ve been using for years but only recently revisited and starting using more of their product assortment. I figured, as such, it was high time to finally draft a comprehensive Hourglass Cosmetics review to share some of my favorites with you.

Hourglass Cosmetics Review

Hourglass was founded in 2004 by beauty industry veteran Carisa Janes. It is a cruelty-free and a vegan luxury beauty brand. They started with makeup and has since expanded into skincare. They focus on innovative formulas, cutting-edge performance and “covetable” packaging. 

Every year the brand donates 1% of annual net profits from hourglasscosmetics.com to the Nonhuman Rights Project, an organization that works to secure fundamental rights for animals.

Best Hourglass Cosmetics Products

Let’s get into the Hourglass Cosmetics review and what I think about all the products I’ve tried. 

Ambient Lighting Palette

The Ambient Lighting powders are what put Hourglass on the map back in the day. They use what the  brand calls “Photoluminescent Technology” to refine the skin’s appearance. They aren’t highlighters but more so finishing powders. The palette allows you to mix the various colors you can just use one based on your desired outcome. 

They sell them as solos and as quads, too.

Ambient Lighting Blush

This blush was designed to combine the lighting effects of Houseglass’ Ambient Lighting Powder with a wash of blush color. It adds a really nice and soft wash to get you a lit from within glow. I personally like to layer it over a cream blush. 

Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Like the blush, the bronzer takes the illuminating effects of Ambient Lighting Powder and adds bronze pigments to add depth and dimension for a natural, sun-kissed glow. I don’t find this bronzer super effective personally. I much prefer the Gucci Bronzer.

Unreal Liquid Blush

This is a powerful liquid blush. A little goes a long way so apply sparingly and I recommend applying with a blush brush because it is a serum formula. And be sure to shake it well before dispensing otherwise you’ll have a hard time getting it out. (I don’t love the bottom-pushing applicator on this tbh).

The color infuses beautifully and really blends out well. 

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

For fans of tubing mascara, this one adds length and definition easily. I found it wears well and doesn’t smudge. It coats each lash in lightweight fibers that lock in place and then the tube-like film slides off with warm water.

I like that this product supports the brand’s mission. This vegan and cruelty-free mascara is the first permanent addition to Unlocked, a collection supporting Hourglass’ mission to unlock the cages of wild animals in captivity. They donate 5% of the net profits from all Unlocked products to the Nonhuman Rights Project, the only organization in the US working to secure civil rights for nonhuman animals.

Vanish Airbrushed Pressed Powder

Veil Translucent Setting Powder

Vanish Airbrush Primer

If you struggle with shine, I recommend you try this primer. It does a great job controlling shine and gives a nice airbrushed canvas for your makeup. I reach for it more in summer when I tend to get shiny more quickly.

Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray

Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

An Allure Best of Beauty award winner and a huge hit on TikTok, these glossy balms are sort of addicting once you start wearing them because the high-shine finish looks so, so good.

Lips instantly look softer and smoother while feeling nourished and replenished all day as you wear the balm. Not to mention the super chic packaging. 

Shape & Sculpt Lip Liner

This is a great lip liner. It’s super creamy so it applies easily and I love that it is transfer-resistant. Lips look more defined, more sculpted and more full following application of this soft matte lip liner.

On the Hourglass site you can build a lip duo, too which I think is great for trying multiple of their lip SKUs and knowing you’ll get a nice color match for a liner + gloss or lipstick application.

Scattered Light Glitter Shadow

I’m not a huge fan of glitter shadows but, that being said, I make an exception for this one in Shade Reflect.

It’s a nice, impactful yet subtle enough for every day delicate glimmer. It blends out so beautifully with just your finger.

Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

If you’re a fan of lightweight skin tints, you’ll like this formula. It. melts into the skin and blends out seamlessly. I don’t find it as hydrating as the brand claims so I wouldn’t reach for it in winter but I do think it does a good job of evening out skin tone

The Hourglass site has a Shade Finder Quiz you can use to find your perfect shade and I like that they offer free exchanges and returns on Veil Hydrating Skin Tint within 45 days of purchase.

I use Shade 1.

Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Hourglass Makeup Brushes

I really, really like the Hourglass makeup brushes. Particularly the Foundation brush and Concealer brush. They lay down product and blend it so, so well. I am always traveling with these two brushes because I feel I can’t be without them.

Where to buy Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass is globally available in 32 countries and over 2,600 doors. You can shop it at HourglassCosmetics.com where they often include deluxe samples in orders, they have a great array of value and gift sets and they have a good return policy.

You can also buy Hourglass at Sephora, Ulta, BlueMercury, Amazon and Nordstrom.

Next I personally want to try the Veil Retouching Fluid which sounds interesting. I also want to try the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation to see how it wears. 

Have you tried anything from Hourglass? I’d love to hear any favorites you might have! And I hope you found this Hourglass Cosmetics review helpful as you shop the brand!

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