Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner

When Hourglass said that their Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner is "a micro-fine, easy-glide felt tip liquid liner for the ultimate in precision lining" they meant every word. I've been a devoted user of felt tip eyeliners since the 80s (I also love cream and gels liners, but at any given point I also have a couple of pens in my collection). These products were the first ones I managed to use and actually be able to leave the house wearing them- it took me years before I figured out traditional liquid liners. So I've been through the vast majority of pen liners on the market, past and present, and didn't expect to be surprised by the new Hourglass pen.  I was wrong.

Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner has the finest, easiest to control tip I've come across. I can draw the thinnest, most natural line that almost melds with my lashes or create a dramatic 60s inspired cat eye and everything in between. I'm not a morning person and not exactly at the top of my game when I need to wake up early (any time before 8 am is considered before dawn here). But I've discovered that I can use the Hourglass liner even when I'm half asleep and extra grumpy. The result in the mirror is enough to improve my morning disposition on the spot. The color, Jett, is a very glossy and true black, on par with the other very black liners I have (Smashbox and Lancome Artliner). The ease of use and the way the pen glides is similar to my other big love from Le Metier de Beaute (you can see Amy's excellent comparison on Cafe Makeup).

I tried to show just how cooperative and versatile Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner can be in my ridiculous swatch. Karen has done a better job by actually scripting on her hand. My handwriting is pretty atrocious these days as other than checks and the occasional birthday card I never actually write anything. Apparently my drawing skills aren't that god, either, but it's all about intentions.

Bottom Line: a must have for liquid liner enthusiasts.

Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner ($32) is available from Barneys and Sephora. The product was sent for my consideration by the company.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain

The last time I tried a water-based lip stain was the infamous Serge Lutens and that didn't go as well as one would hope. Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Scarlet is sort of a do-over of the Lutens experience- the colors are identical, the texture similar but the pen format and applicator of Hourglass make Aura Sheer Lip Stain a better choice.

The sponge applicator looks like the one on Ellis Faas lip colors, but this is obviously a different texture and product. Scarlet looked quite scary when first emerged- an almost black plum color, but it soon revealed itself as a true plum and not even a dark one. When applied, this Hourglass stain is sheer enough to be very wearable. The water-based formula spreads easily and holds onto the lip surface. It wears much more evenly than the Lutens and if it weren't for the scar on my bottom lip it would have looked perfect. Apparently water-based lip stains are just not the right choice if you have lip imperfections.

The texture of Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain is dry but not drying, so well-conditioned lips would look great wearing it. My preference is to wear this stain under a thick balm or gloss- it evens out the scar thing and feels more comfortable as I'm prone to dry lips. As long as I touch up the gloss as needed, the color stays vibrant for about four hours, throughout drinks and a snack. I find that I really like Scarlet as a color and wish it came in easier-for-me to wear formula like a sheer lipstick. The need to be mindful when applying (otherwise the stain pools in my scar) and necessity of using a balmy coat makes it a bit high maintenance when on the go.

Bottom Line: You will love it if you're a lip stain person.

Hourglass Cosmetics Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain ($26) is available from Barneys and Sephora. It comes in two other colors, pink and peach. A press sample was sent for my consideration from the company.

Photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Nocturnal Femme Rouge Lipstick

Nocturnal, a deep plummy rose shade from Hourglass Cosmetics Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick line might be my favorite shade of the moment. It's so pretty and perfect- not really pink and not an unnatural purple.Nocturnal is about two shades darker than my natural lip color, making it an ideal lipstick for just about any time.

The Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick formula is another top notch one and deserves a lot of praise and love. It's creamy, glossy, glides on like a dream and stays in place without migrating and sliding. While in the long run (after 4-6 hours of wear) I feel it hasn't provided extra moisture (my lips are very dry in the winter).The lipstick  isn't drying, either, so as long as I treat and pamper my lips before applying the color, they are kept nice, comfortable and protected from the elements.This Hourglass formula is also very pigmented (at least in the dark colors. Can't vouch for pales and nudes) and leaves a stain behind after the glossy part fades away. I reapply when needed, which isn't too often- there's some transfer to a glass or my water bottle, but not much. The coverage is at about 75%, give or take- not completely opaque but very lipsticky and not sheer.

More than anything, I'm smitten with this shade. I looked at some of the others, contemplated Fresco which would look stunning on most, but it was too nude for me (not bad, just not what I was after). Icon, the cool red might be my next one. It looked quite dramatic.

Bottom Line: gorgeous.

Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick ($30) is available from Barneys and Sephora.

All photos are mine.

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.