Hourglass Archives - The Velvet Life

Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Review

Preet — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Today I will be introducing you to the extra plump volumizing balm from Hourglass. Trust me this is the kind of lip product you want in your handbag!

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Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

Being a 3-in-1 hybrid means this lip smacker has a lot to offer. Deeply hydrating like a lip balm, it plumps the lips up for a fuller look. Along with the juicy, volumized lips comes a high-shine finish of a lip gloss. I know it's a lot to take in.

The lip balm glides smoothly onto the lip offering a  full-bodied colour that is sure to brighten your day. Far away from the sticky or tacky feeling of lip glosses. Existing in 8 shades, ranging from vibrant to more discreet tones. Packaged in a sleek twist-up pen, it is easy to apply with precision. Hourglass didn't stop there. The glossy balm offers a hydrating action along with a high shine. Lips are plumped.

Talking of actions here is what's inside the vegan and cruelty-free lip balm:

One of the key ingredients is Menthyl Lactate which provides an instant cooling sensation to the lips. So don't be surprised.

Also, there is Conditioning Complex which is a blend of emollients and oils that nourish, condition, and hydrate the lips.

The formula used to create this balm is pretty impressive. Free of Gluten, Phthalates, Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrance, Talc and not tested on animals.

Shades

Below are the shades available and are swatched below for your reference:

Entice – 145 Bright Fuchsia
Haze 135 – Rose
Lucid 155 – Soft Coral (not swatched)
Lure 175 – Deep Berry
Mist 115 – Pale Pink
Slip 125 – Light Mauve
Thrill 165 – Bright Red
Trace 105 – Beige

My Review

As a woman who is constantly on the go, I look for easy and effective products. I feel like Hourglass took into consideration all types of women and lifestyles to create a product that does it all.

First, let's talk about the volume. We all know that gloss was designed to give a shiny, bigger-looking lip. But Hourglass has managed to deliver the same result with a balm texture. Much lighter on the lip, it feels natural and elegant. Another strong point of these products is the choice of colours. I love a brand that offers very different shades. This makes the product adaptable to your mood and is inclusive of all skin tones.

I am also enjoying the new Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliners. They are smooth and pigmented, gentle on my sensitive eyes.

Where To Buy It?

Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm is available at:

Hourglass Cosmetics

Neiman Marcus

Sephora

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The post Hourglass Cosmetics Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Hourglass Cosmetics Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Review

Preet — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

The door to our soul, the eyes. There is something about reaching the point of the liner in makeup. It's a crucial step to your look and Hourglass has your back with its gel eyeliner pencil.

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Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

This waterproof gel eyeliner is a high-impact, richly pigmented pencil. Offering up to 12 hours of wear it doesn't smudge, bleed, or fade. With its creamy texture, you can create a precise line, or build and blend it to add a definition for a statement look.

Shades

The eyeliner is available in four matte shades and one shimmer hue. Ranging from Black ( Obsidian), Brown (Cave), Green (Forest), Red (Chestnut) and Golden bronze (Solstice). All giving off strong earthy vibes.

What makes it special?

The gel pencil formula is Water-proof. Thanks to its high resistance to humidity or water, once the product has been applied and set it will not budge. The pigments selected are of the highest quality and offer deep rich colours which glide onto the eyelid without trouble. The formula is Vegan friendly and Hourglass prides itself in being a cruelty-free brand. The voyeur gel eyeliner is suitable for most people thanks to its clean composition.

Free of the following elements:

Alcohol, Gluten, Mineral Oil, Nanoparticles, Phthalates, Parabens, Petrolatum/Paraffin. Etc.

How to use it?

Start by simply twisting the base to lift the pencil. Apply it to the upper or lower eyelid and then retract and firmly replace the cap when finished.

-For a sharp look simply draw a line starting from the outer side of the lid and follow the lash line in.

-For a smoky, shaded line apply the liner and blend the gel upwards and outwards with the n°11 Hourglass brush. To complete your look apply a generous coat of the instant extension mascara and plump your lips with the Vanquish glossy balm.

Same shades in thin vs thick

My Review

Being a big lover of a winged liner I was eager to try these newest liners from the brand. The gel eyeliners have great pigmentation and are the creamiest waterproof liners I have ever tried. So easy and comfortable, they are perfect for all levels. They do not budge making them ideal for humid weather or people with a falling top lid. also, they are really gentle on my sensitive eyes.

To remove the liners you will need a suitable cleanser.

Where To Buy It?

Hourglass Cosmetics Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is available at:

HourglassCosmetics

Sephora

Nordstrom

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The post Hourglass Cosmetics Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked Review

Preet — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:56:14 +0000

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked is the newest palette launched for the holidays. I have always adored the Ambient lighting powders. This vegan and cruelty-free palette is part of the Unlocked Collection. The collection supports the brand's mission to unlock the cages of wild animals in captivity. They will be donating 5% of annual profits from Unlocked to the Nonhuman Rights Project. The name ‘Universe‘ and the design of the palette are inspired by the unique swirled texture of the bronzer. The bronzer is handmade using an advanced ‘miscelare' technique, meaning no two are exactly alike.

Where To Buy It?

Hourglass Cosmetics

My Review

Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked has two bestselling and three brand-new shades of Ambient Lighting Powder. The cult-favorite (and my personal favorite too) finishing powder recreates the most flattering light sources. I have shared my love for this formula many times. The soft glow and radiance it imparts are unmatchable. The lightweight and smooth powder blend seamlessly into the skin without feeling or looking powdery. The two existing shades are one finishing powder and one bronzer. There are three limited-edition shades of blush and highlighter.

Shades

Below are the shades in Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked palette:

Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light – golden beige
Ambient Lighting Blush in Rose Heat (new) – deep berry
Another blush is Ambient Lighting Blush in Coral Flush (new) – bright peony
Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light – warm bronze
Lastly, Ambient Lighting Strobe Lighting Powder in Solar Strobe Light (new) – metallic champagne

‘Radiant Light' works as a perfect finishing powder. I feel the longevity of my makeup is much more when using this powder. It looks so natural and put together all day. ‘Bronze Light' works as a perfect bronzer for everyday wear. It looks natural without any harshness. For highlighting, I am loving the new ‘Solar Strobe Light'. For the blush, both ‘Rose Heat' and ‘Coral Flush' are so pretty. The longevity of the powders is pretty impressive. I love using the bronzing shade and the highlighting shade on my eyes sometimes. It gives a hint of shine to the lids that look so pretty.

Overall, the powders and palette are really good. Also, the shades in the ‘Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked palette' are one of the best combinations in one palette. They are perfect for the fall and holiday season. There is also the ‘Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III‘ from the holiday 2021 collection. It is a good option if you are looking for a finishing powder, bronzer, and highlighter in one palette.

If you love cream blush, my go-to is the new Vanish Blush Stick, it is so easy to apply and blends seamlessly. The shades are truly amazing.

Where To Buy Hourglass Cosmetics?

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The post Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III Review

Preet — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:54:37 +0000

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III is the third edition of the best-selling Ambient Lighting Palette, launched for holidays. Similar to Version I and Version II, the palette has three shades of Ambient Lighting Powder. I am not new to the formula, they are one of the best face powders out there. They totally changed my definition for a powder, they are super lightweight and never cling to my problem areas and dry areas. The longevity and look of the makeup or even the bare skin are enhanced. I reviewed and compared both the previous versions earlier on my blog.

Where To Buy It?

Hourglass Cosmetics

Photoluminescent Technology

The key technology behind the uniqueness of these powders is the Photoluminescent Technology. With it, the powder captures, diffuses, and softens the surrounding light to refine the skin's appearance. In other words, the harsh light is softened to work as a filter. Thus, the manipulated light filters out imperfections, pores, and even wrinkles.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III, the newest edition of the radiance-enhancing palette, features three brand-new shades of Ambient Lighting Powder. There are two finishing powders and one strobe highlighter. The shades can be used individually as well as with other each other. This palette is said to be ideal for medium to dark skin tones but I feel it is very versatile and for most skin tones as the other versions of it.

Shades

Below are the shades included in the Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III:

Eternal Light – it is a golden amber finishing powder that illuminates and enhances the complexion.
Transcendent Light – it is a warm sienna finishing powder that blurs imperfections and adds a ethereal glow.
Prismatic Strobe Light – it is a rich copper metallic strobe powder. It illuminates the complexion for a lit-from-within glow.

My Review

As Volume I is for a subtle natural glow, Volume II is for a warm, sunlit glow, the new Volume III is for a radiant, multi-dimensional glow. The formula of the powders is similar to the other shades. It is super lightweight and blends so seamlessly into the skin. The shades in Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III are perfect for everyday use as well as for a special occasion. The radiance looks so pretty and natural. It takes the whole flawless meaning to another level. While blurring my problem areas, it makes the skin look so youthful and fresh. In the pictures, there is no flashback.

I like using the Eternal Light as an overall powder or sometimes just on the high points of my face. It gives a beautiful natural glow to the skin. Transcendent Light is perfect to add a little warmth to the skin and even to create a natural shadow where required. Prismatic Strobe Light works so well as a perfect highlighter. It adds glow while giving warmth to the skin. I am wearing all three already and would be perfect to keep wearing till the holidays.

Overall, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III is a very versatile palette and perfect for travel too. Also, the powders are fragile, so I make sure to keep them safely inside a soft pouch.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Universe Unlocked is also part of the Holiday 2021 collection from the brand. It is one palette with everything.

A part of these powders, I also love Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II. They give such a beautiful hint of color to the cheeks along with radiance. I shared my favorite three shades of the blush in the past. If you love cream blush, my go-to is the new Vanish Blush Stick, it is so easy to apply and blends seamlessly. The shades are truly amazing. I shared my favorite shades of this formula in the past. I love the Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette that is a must-have for special events and when I want to feel like a star.

Where To Buy Hourglass Cosmetics?

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The post Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume III Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II Review

Preet — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 19:18:18 +0000

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II is the second edition of the bestselling Ambient Lighting Palette. Similar to the version I or Ambient Lighting Palette, volume II has three shades of Ambient Lighting Powder. I have previously shared about the Ambient Lighting Powders and why they are the best face powders out there. The powders instantly deliver flawless results. That means, once the powder is applied and blended, the skin looks natural and radiant. Also, the imperfections are blurred.

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Similar to volume I, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II has shades designed to finish, highlight, contour, and warm the complexion. Apart from it, the powders also refine the skin to look fresh, even, and youthful. The three powders in the palette can be used with each other or alone based on the results needed.

Volume I vs Volume II

For your reference, Volume I had the shades Dim Light, Incandescent Light, and Radiant Light. Dim Light and Radiant Light are my everyday shades for overall setting powder and a natural highlight. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II has three shades, Soft Light, Radiant Light, and Golden Bronze Light. In other words, Volume II is an extension of Volume I with warmer shades.

I am so happy with this warmer version of shades. As mentioned, Radiant Light and Dim Light are my go-to everyday shades but since I started using Volume II, I am wearing them every single day. For my medium skin with golden undertones, these shades are a must-have. They compliment my skin tone very nicely. I have a finishing powder (whether I am wearing makeup or not), highlighter, refining powder, and a powder to give warmth in one. The longevity of the powders is impressive. They keep the makeup put together for a good time.

My Review of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II

The formula of the powders is excellent. I have used them for years and find no change in terms of the formula and texture. They are super lightweight and blend seamlessly into the skin giving a radiant natural finish. They look good in general for every day as well as for any events or photography. Below are the three shades in Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II:

Soft Light – soft, pale peach
Radiant Light – sunkissed, golden beige
Golden Bronze Light – Radiant, medium bronze

Soft light works perfectly to set any concealer or even under the eyes. It brightens the complexion. Radiant Light is an everyday finishing powder for my skin tone. It gives a beautiful natural radiance to the skin. It blurs the pores, problem areas, and sets the skin by blending in flawlessly. Moreover, it is so lightweight that once applied and blended, it is hard to notice as it looks so natural. It does not emphasize any dry areas on my skin.

On the days I am not using any makeup, I just apply this powder for a naturally flawless finish over my moisturizer and sunscreen. Golden Bronze Light gives a really nice glow and warmth to my skin. On a beach day, I apply this lightly on my face while I apply it on the high points of my face for everyday use. It also looks really pretty on the high points of the shoulder and collar bone.

Overall, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II is an all-in-one palette for the face. Moreover, the palette is all I need to travel with. And yes, as the powders are fragile, so I make sure to keep them safely inside a soft pouch.

Apart from these powders, I also love Ambient Lighting Blush. They give such a beautiful hint of color to the cheeks along with radiance. I shared my favorite three shades of the blush in the past. If you love cream blush, my go-to is the new Vanish Blush Stick, it is so easy to apply and blends seamlessly. The shades are truly amazing. I shared my favorite shades of this formula in the past. I love the Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette that is a must-have for special events and when I want to feel like a star.

Where To Buy It?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is available at:

HourglassCosmetics.com

Neiman Marcus

Sephora

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The post Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Review

Preet — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:32:59 +0000

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is one of my most used blush formulas for almost a decade. The reason I am dedicating this post just this blush, that is not even new to me, is that there is a new shade added to the collection. I thought this is the right time to share the shades I love in my everyday routine along with the newest addition. The Ambient Powers are handmade and are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique—which means “to mix” in Italian—creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder. Therefore, no two looks alike.

Where To Buy It?

Hourglass Cosmetics

Shades

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is available in 8 shades at the time this post is written. For me, I have the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 3 that has few blush shades that I use. Apart from that palette, I love 2 shades, described below, that are my go-to.

There is one new shade that I have swatched and described below:

At Night (new) – It is a Brick Red shade, warm red that looks radiant and vibrant, like a fireside gleam. In it, brick red blkush is combined with Raidant Light.
Diffused Heat – It is a vibrant poppy shade which is a coral pinkish shade and looks so pretty. In it, the vibrant poppy blush is combined with Diffused Light Ambient powder for a subtle halo effect.
Radiant Magenta – It is a golden fuchsia shade, a beautiul fresh radiant pink with very fine subtle shimmer, perfect for summer glow. In it, golden fuchsia blush is combined with Radiant Light.

My Review

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is a hybrid of customized lighting effects of Ambient Lighting Powders with a spectrum of pigments. Thus, creating a beautiful soft-focus and multi-dimensional effect. For me, I feel it looks perfect on the skin, giving the feel of radiant color, no matter from where the light hits the surface of the skin. It creates a soft-focus that looks natural and sublime. The formula is very lightweight and smooth. It is pigmented and once the brush is swirled over the pattern, the radiance and pigment both blend in to create a stunning effect on the skin. The formula blends easily and is buildable per the required intensity.

Once applied, it does not even feel like I am wearing it. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is airy, blends in effortlessly, and looks very natural. The longevity, on my medium skin that is combination, is very impressive. It stays put on for over 7 hours on my skin. Whenever I am using this blush, I do not feel the need of using a highlighter. Be it a no-makeup makeup everyday look or for a special occasion, it is my go-to. In addition, the shades are universally flattering too. Overall, this blush/highlighter hybrid gives the most beautiful natural radiant flush of color. In addition, it blurs the imperfections, makes the skin look even, smooth, and radiant.

Where To Buy Hourglass Cosmetics?

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The post Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.