hourglass cosmetics

Review & Swatches: Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

August 16, 2012

I’ve always been a fan of lip gloss, its instant glamour for your lips. It’s shiny, its sexy and it calls attention to your pout – really what’s not to love?! Well I was recently invited to a blogger event at Space NK in New York City to preview a new product from Hourglass their new Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick. This lipstick line gives full-coverage with a vibrant color payoff, but the difference is, it’s matte!

The lipstick is available in 9 shades and I was able to choose three of my favorites to take home with me. I chose Riviera (Tangerine), Rose (Medium Rose) and Empress (Aubergine).

Even though these lipsticks are matte, they’re not drying, they contain Vitamin E to moisturize and protect. They are also antioxidant rich with Cili Fruit and Goji Berry extract to help protect the lips. And while the lipstick does dries to a matte finish, it’s definitely not flat, the colors still pop.

The formula is extended coverage so its designed to last a long time. After applying the lipstick it will set after one minute and lasts throughout the day. According to Hourglass, the formula lasts for up to 14 hours of continuous wear. I have not tested out that claim, as I never keep my lipstick on that long but I can say that it does last for at least 6 hours without needing a touch-up and this was after eating and drinking a glass of water.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick, $28 and available at hourglasscosmetics.com

Get the Look: Beauty breakdown, Imitation of Christ Show SS12

September 9, 2011

It was wedding season meets fashion week at the Imitation of Christ Fashion Show. Designer Tara Subkoff created a real fairytale style wedding including champagne, cigars, a rose petals covered and a real live priest. The models looked like real blushing brides (and bridesmaids) in gossamer silk and lace gowns while the grooms wore picture perfect suits.

To compliment the wedding scene Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke showcased flawless skin, vivid eyes and pale lips. “It’s about clean, beautiful and memorable makeup—it is a wedding after all,” says Brooke. “This look is timeless, it’s never going to go out of style.”

Tara shares on how you can Get the Look for your own bridal makeup:

Skin: Start with Primer Serum to create a moisturized canvas for makeup. Follow with Illusion Tinted Moisturizer, or Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, and apply with No. 2 Foundation brush. Conceal dark circles or blemishes with Hidden Corrective Concealer.

Eyes: Apply Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Lagoon (blue), Dune (gold) or Prism (silver) on the lid and blend with fingers. Follow with a subtle application of Script Precision Liner to enhance the lash line. Follow with Film Noir Mascara to define the lashes and finish with a glossy topcoat of Film Noir Lash Lacquer.

Cheeks: Apply Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush to the apples of the cheeks and blend with the fingers. Highlight cheeks with Illume Crème-to-Powder Bronzer Duo in Bronze Light.

Lips: Apply Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Flush to lips.

Take a look at the face chart for the makeup breakdown:

What do you think of this makeup look?

Review: Hourglass Cosmetics’ Film Noir Mascara

January 14, 2011

So, mascara- does any other genre of makeup hold so much promise only to deliver so much “meh” when you finally get it home and unwrap it? Although I am no longer out in the trenches doing makeup all day, mascara was always an item I could never get super-enthusiastic when recommending. If a client asked, I had a few standbys to suggest, but pretty much every mascara behaves in the same way. MAC Zoom Lash and Lancôme’s Definicils can generate a bit of my lash excitement, but I also get nervous about committing to a full tube of any one mascara because even with precautions, they all get a bit gloopy after two weeks.

I’ve found that most work pretty much the same and generally credit my lashes to the Shu Uemura curler I’ve had in my constant possession for ten years. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what mascara is great for- it holds the curl and darkens, right? So I was pleased enough to get my hands on a cute mini version of Hourglass Cosmetics’ Film Noir Mascara. The 30s Hollywood look is one of my all-time favorites, so I was piqued by the name alone, and the unusual font on the goldy-black packaging looks like something Clara Bow may have carried around in her clutch. Ingredients include conditioning Pro-Vitamin B5 and polymers to help the product stay put. The formula is also free of synthetic dyes and phthalates, so there’s that.

As a mom of two kids in the chatter non-stop phase, I’m not always paying full attention when I apply my makeup. So it was a bit surprising to look in the mirror some time later and see subtly darkened, perfectly defined, smudgeless lashes. I thought my former mascara had been doing a decent job, but in comparison, my lashes looked a bit more neatly enhanced. Vowing to focus for the next application, I used the “triple-cut, hourglass-shaped brush” to apply two coats after curling. The light but effective formula subtly defined even my hard to reach corner lashes, creating a completely neat and polished look.

While it doesn’t carry the impact of a sleek, perfect kohl line or a shimmery gold lid, I think Hourglass Cosmetics’ Film Noir Mascara has earned a permanent place in my makeup bag. Do you have a desert-island mascara? Are you brand loyal to a certain formulation?