Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Hourglass Cosmetics Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss (Eden)

The first thing you notice about Hourglass Prodigy lip gloss is the unique packaging. It was designed to slide right into one's back pocket, which makes me think the target audience might not be those of us who carry nice purses or an evening clutch. Then again, high schoolers don't usually pay $26 for a lip gloss, so what do I know?

In any case, the packaging would have been a lot cooler had the cap been easier to open. You need to pull it straight up but there's a bit too much resistance for my comfort.

The gloss itself is very nice, though. While not very long lasting, it applies smoothly and feels hydrating and nourishing. By the end of the day (after several touch ups and reapplications) my lips feel quite pampered. Eden is a warm pink caramel, sheer enough not to look too brown and neutral enough to go well with fall colors. I prefer to wear it over a more pigmented lipstick, but someone whose lips (and complexion) are pale would probably be able to pull it off easily.

Bottom Line: I'd consider buying Prodigy in Legend, Opium and Pulse if it weren't for the packaging.

Hourglass Cosmetics Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss ($26) is available from Barneys and Sephora. A press sample was sent for my consideration.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss (Eden)

The first thing you notice about Hourglass Prodigy lip gloss is the unique packaging. It was designed to slide right into one's back pocket, which makes me think the target audience might not be those of us who carry nice purses or an evening clutch. Then again, high schoolers don't usually pay $26 for a lip gloss, so what do I know?

In any case, the packaging would have been a lot cooler had the cap been easier to open. You need to pull it straight up but there's a bit too much resistance for my comfort.

The gloss itself is very nice, though. While not very long lasting, it applies smoothly and feels hydrating and nourishing. By the end of the day (after several touch ups and reapplications) my lips feel quite pampered. Eden is a warm pink caramel, sheer enough not to look too brown and neutral enough to go well with fall colors. I prefer to wear it over a more pigmented lipstick, but someone whose lips (and complexion) are pale would probably be able to pull it off easily.

Bottom Line: I'd consider buying Prodigy in Legend, Opium and Pulse if it weren't for the packaging.

Hourglass Cosmetics Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss ($26) is available from Barneys and Sephora. A press sample was sent for my consideration.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss (Eden)

The first thing you notice about Hourglass Prodigy lip gloss is the unique packaging. It was designed to slide right into one's back pocket, which makes me think the target audience might not be those of us who carry nice purses or an evening clutch. Then again, high schoolers don't usually pay $26 for a lip gloss, so what do I know?

In any case, the packaging would have been a lot cooler had the cap been easier to open. You need to pull it straight up but there's a bit too much resistance for my comfort.

The gloss itself is very nice, though. While not very long lasting, it applies smoothly and feels hydrating and nourishing. By the end of the day (after several touch ups and reapplications) my lips feel quite pampered. Eden is a warm pink caramel, sheer enough not to look too brown and neutral enough to go well with fall colors. I prefer to wear it over a more pigmented lipstick, but someone whose lips (and complexion) are pale would probably be able to pull it off easily.

Bottom Line: I'd consider buying Prodigy in Legend, Opium and Pulse if it weren't for the packaging.

Hourglass Cosmetics Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss ($26) is available from Barneys and Sephora. A press sample was sent for my consideration.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo (Sunset)

When I first saw this cream bronzer/blush from Hourglass Cosmetics the intensity of the colors scared me. A lot. The first swatch can tell you why. It's when you actually blend the colors and apply them the way you're supposed to- either with a wide and fluffy synthetic blush brush or your fingers- and blend them , that you get the right effect and sheer finish. And it's quite nice.

The cream is soft and easy to work with. The colors blend smoothly with each other or any other face product I've been using. The formula is wax free and oil free, so I haven't experienced any skin issues. Used over a good foundation/tinted moisturizer and topped with a finishing powder the color stays put all day, even when I spent time outside in the soupy NYC weather.

Hourglass labeled Illume as a bronzer and highlighter duo, but I suspect that it's only true for the other color option, Bronze Light that is a beige and bronze combination . The one you see here, Sunset, with its warm pink and brown shades is actually a blush-bronzer and should be used as such. I like the way the brown balances out the intensity of the pink, but you can also use them separately if your skin tone allows it.  The colors give a summery sun-kissed look and would probably look most flattering on darker and tanned skin. I use very little and make sure to blend within an inch of the colors lives, but when I'm done the result is a healthy and outdoorsy look.

Bottom Line: Nice, versatile and needs more color options.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo ($40) is available from Barneys, Sephora and hourglasscosmetics.com. I received the press sample directly from the company.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo (Sunset)

When I first saw this cream bronzer/blush from Hourglass Cosmetics the intensity of the colors scared me. A lot. The first swatch can tell you why. It's when you actually blend the colors and apply them the way you're supposed to- either with a wide and fluffy synthetic blush brush or your fingers- and blend them , that you get the right effect and sheer finish. And it's quite nice.

The cream is soft and easy to work with. The colors blend smoothly with each other or any other face product I've been using. The formula is wax free and oil free, so I haven't experienced any skin issues. Used over a good foundation/tinted moisturizer and topped with a finishing powder the color stays put all day, even when I spent time outside in the soupy NYC weather.

Hourglass labeled Illume as a bronzer and highlighter duo, but I suspect that it's only true for the other color option, Bronze Light that is a beige and bronze combination . The one you see here, Sunset, with its warm pink and brown shades is actually a blush-bronzer and should be used as such. I like the way the brown balances out the intensity of the pink, but you can also use them separately if your skin tone allows it.  The colors give a summery sun-kissed look and would probably look most flattering on darker and tanned skin. I use very little and make sure to blend within an inch of the colors lives, but when I'm done the result is a healthy and outdoorsy look.

Bottom Line: Nice, versatile and needs more color options.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo ($40) is available from Barneys, Sephora and hourglasscosmetics.com. I received the press sample directly from the company.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo (Sunset)

When I first saw this cream bronzer/blush from Hourglass Cosmetics the intensity of the colors scared me. A lot. The first swatch can tell you why. It's when you actually blend the colors and apply them the way you're supposed to- either with a wide and fluffy synthetic blush brush or your fingers- and blend them , that you get the right effect and sheer finish. And it's quite nice.

The cream is soft and easy to work with. The colors blend smoothly with each other or any other face product I've been using. The formula is wax free and oil free, so I haven't experienced any skin issues. Used over a good foundation/tinted moisturizer and topped with a finishing powder the color stays put all day, even when I spent time outside in the soupy NYC weather.

Hourglass labeled Illume as a bronzer and highlighter duo, but I suspect that it's only true for the other color option, Bronze Light that is a beige and bronze combination . The one you see here, Sunset, with its warm pink and brown shades is actually a blush-bronzer and should be used as such. I like the way the brown balances out the intensity of the pink, but you can also use them separately if your skin tone allows it.  The colors give a summery sun-kissed look and would probably look most flattering on darker and tanned skin. I use very little and make sure to blend within an inch of the colors lives, but when I'm done the result is a healthy and outdoorsy look.

Bottom Line: Nice, versatile and needs more color options.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo ($40) is available from Barneys, Sephora and hourglasscosmetics.com. I received the press sample directly from the company.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15 sounds promising: "An advanced alternative to liquid foundation that creates a youthful, healthy glow and offers SPF 15 sun protection". But my doubts about it started quickly. First, it's a lot thicker than you'd expect from a tinted moisturizer. Actually, the texture and coverage are pretty much foundation-like, and definitely heavier than my holy grail, Chanel Vitalumier. It's not a bad thing, as some days we all need a little extra help, but why call it a tinted moisturizer if it's really a foundation?

The second issue was color. I had several samples in both Light Beige and Sand. Light Beige was at least two shades too dark for me, though the undertone was good. Diluting it with moisturizer helped a little, but it was still not perfect. Sand was just off on me. On my face it showed with a yellow peach base that clashed with skin tone, and no amount of tweaking and blending could get it right. I guess I could try Ivory, but that's the lightest shade in the Hourglass range, and I promise you, I don't have ivory skin.

I tested about ten samples of this tinted moisturizer, with and without primers. Each sample was enough for about two uses, so I believe I gave it more than enough chances, but just couldn't love this product. Even worse, every time I used it without a primer I ended up with a couple of clogged pores. It's not a scientific experiment, so I can't be sure the Hourglass TM was always the culprit, but it kept happening so I doubt this was a coincidence.

Bottom line: Great coverage, just not for me.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15 ($55) is available from Sephora and Barneys. I received the samples with my recent Sephora orders and got a few more in store.

Photo: Mademoiselle magazine, September 1966 from Sugarpie Honeybunch on Flickr.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15 sounds promising: "An advanced alternative to liquid foundation that creates a youthful, healthy glow and offers SPF 15 sun protection". But my doubts about it started quickly. First, it's a lot thicker than you'd expect from a tinted moisturizer. Actually, the texture and coverage are pretty much foundation-like, and definitely heavier than my holy grail, Chanel Vitalumier. It's not a bad thing, as some days we all need a little extra help, but why call it a tinted moisturizer if it's really a foundation?

The second issue was color. I had several samples in both Light Beige and Sand. Light Beige was at least two shades too dark for me, though the undertone was good. Diluting it with moisturizer helped a little, but it was still not perfect. Sand was just off on me. On my face it showed with a yellow peach base that clashed with skin tone, and no amount of tweaking and blending could get it right. I guess I could try Ivory, but that's the lightest shade in the Hourglass range, and I promise you, I don't have ivory skin.

I tested about ten samples of this tinted moisturizer, with and without primers. Each sample was enough for about two uses, so I believe I gave it more than enough chances, but just couldn't love this product. Even worse, every time I used it without a primer I ended up with a couple of clogged pores. It's not a scientific experiment, so I can't be sure the Hourglass TM was always the culprit, but it kept happening so I doubt this was a coincidence.

Bottom line: Great coverage, just not for me.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15 ($55) is available from Sephora and Barneys. I received the samples with my recent Sephora orders and got a few more in store.

Photo: Mademoiselle magazine, September 1966 from Sugarpie Honeybunch on Flickr.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15 sounds promising: "An advanced alternative to liquid foundation that creates a youthful, healthy glow and offers SPF 15 sun protection". But my doubts about it started quickly. First, it's a lot thicker than you'd expect from a tinted moisturizer. Actually, the texture and coverage are pretty much foundation-like, and definitely heavier than my holy grail, Chanel Vitalumier. It's not a bad thing, as some days we all need a little extra help, but why call it a tinted moisturizer if it's really a foundation?

The second issue was color. I had several samples in both Light Beige and Sand. Light Beige was at least two shades too dark for me, though the undertone was good. Diluting it with moisturizer helped a little, but it was still not perfect. Sand was just off on me. On my face it showed with a yellow peach base that clashed with skin tone, and no amount of tweaking and blending could get it right. I guess I could try Ivory, but that's the lightest shade in the Hourglass range, and I promise you, I don't have ivory skin.

I tested about ten samples of this tinted moisturizer, with and without primers. Each sample was enough for about two uses, so I believe I gave it more than enough chances, but just couldn't love this product. Even worse, every time I used it without a primer I ended up with a couple of clogged pores. It's not a scientific experiment, so I can't be sure the Hourglass TM was always the culprit, but it kept happening so I doubt this was a coincidence.

Bottom line: Great coverage, just not for me.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15 ($55) is available from Sephora and Barneys. I received the samples with my recent Sephora orders and got a few more in store.

Photo: Mademoiselle magazine, September 1966 from Sugarpie Honeybunch on Flickr.

Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss

I'd probably be writing a much favorable review of Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss had it not been for the godawful brush. Of course, this could be a one-time, faulty mutant of a tube, so I'm not completely writing off Hourglass and their glosses, but I've never come across such a mess. This is why I usually try to test at least two different colors of just about any new-to-me product, but I bought this gloss online and wasn't convinced by any of the available swatches. Note to brands and stores: show us better swatches and photos if you want us to buy your products.

So, what do we have here (other than coarse, uneven and unruly bristles)? Extreme Sheen whatever is actually a nice lip gloss. It's not too sticky, feels nice and definitely keeps lips moisturized and happy. It's not unique enough to stand out among dozens of similar products, but if it weren't for the applicator I'd reach for it quite often.

Primal is a red based pink of medium intensity and shimmer. It's pretty and flattering against my skin, so I'd be willing to forgive the strong cupcake scent if not for the bigger issue here.

Bottom line: Meh.

Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora.
Photos: Mine, of course.

Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss

I'd probably be writing a much favorable review of Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss had it not been for the godawful brush. Of course, this could be a one-time, faulty mutant of a tube, so I'm not completely writing off Hourglass and their glosses, but I've never come across such a mess. This is why I usually try to test at least two different colors of just about any new-to-me product, but I bought this gloss online and wasn't convinced by any of the available swatches. Note to brands and stores: show us better swatches and photos if you want us to buy your products.

So, what do we have here (other than coarse, uneven and unruly bristles)? Extreme Sheen whatever is actually a nice lip gloss. It's not too sticky, feels nice and definitely keeps lips moisturized and happy. It's not unique enough to stand out among dozens of similar products, but if it weren't for the applicator I'd reach for it quite often.

Primal is a red based pink of medium intensity and shimmer. It's pretty and flattering against my skin, so I'd be willing to forgive the strong cupcake scent if not for the bigger issue here.

Bottom line: Meh.

Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora.
Photos: Mine, of course.