Lasting Lip Stain with Hourglass

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain ($26.00 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “soft plum.” The new Aura Sheer Lip Stain is a water-based lip stain that’s designed to create a sheer wash of color with a semi-matte finish. Scarlet is the darkest of the three shades launched. Over my natural lip color, it’s a deep, plummy, berry. It’s semi-opaque and has just a touch of sheen but it is mostly matte.

If you haven’t tried one before, lip stains require prep work–because they adhere to your lips, much of your natural lip is “exposed.” There is no gloss or creamy lipstick to hide behind, so any imperfections from your natural lips may show through with a lip stain. Scarlet is dark enough where it is a more forgiving lip stain, but drier lips will find this accentuates dryness, cracking, and peeling. I always exfoliate and then pat clear balm on my lips approximately 30 minutes prior to applying a lip stain. I tend to do this after my morning shower, and then I apply the stain after breakfast.

It’s loaded with color but not much else, so it isn’t going to provide long-lasting moisturization, which is why I like to prep with balm beforehand. It does take well to layering balm on top, though, so clear balm can be used to proivde moisture without disturbing the color.

I love the concept of lip stains but find it difficult to wear them, because they often apply unevenly. Hourglass applies beautifully–the color deposits well without settling into lip lines and has enough glide that it is easy to evenly distribute. It also lasts for hours and hours and does make it through drinking and eating. I get around eight hours of continuous wear–by ten, there is a little fading.

The Glossover

	Hourglass Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain Review, Photos, Swatches A-
	It's definitely one of the best lip stains I've tried since beauty blogging (about four and half years now) because it applies so evenly and easily.  It lasts for eight hours, doesn't settle into lip lines, and makes it through a meal.
	Product 9.5/10 Pigmentation 9/10 Texture 9/10 Longevity 10/10 Application 4/5
	Where to Buy
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Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Hourglass Scarlet Aura Lip Stain

Smoky Brown Eyes with Lancome Taupe Craze

I did this look yesterday, as I was testing several new products (as you can tell!), all to be reviewed soon.

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), Lancome Taupe Craze Eyeshadow Palette (pale beige, muted copper brown, muted medium brown, shimmering taupe, blackened taupe brown), Urban Decay Perversion 24/7 Liner (black), Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash (black)
• Face: Kiehl’s Tinted Moisturizer (Medium), Burberry Pressed Powder (03)
• Cheeks: Hourglass Flush Aura Sheer Cheek Stain (pinky-red)
• Lips: Hourglass Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain (deep red)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 222 (fluffy crease brush), 263 (angled eyeliner brush), 116 (dense blush brush)

For eyes, start by applying Smudgeproof as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249.  Using the 222, apply the muted medium brown eyeshadow into the crease and blend upwards.  Then, apply the blackened taupe brown eyeshadow with the 219 directly into the crease, and blend using the 222 to give it a gradient effect.  Apply the shimmering taupe eyeshadow on the outer half of the lid with the 239.  Using the 239, apply the pale beige eyeshadow to the inner half of the lid, and then highlight the brow bone with the same shade.  Bring everything together by applying Perversion liner on the lower lash line and blending the pale beige eyeshadow underneath. Finish by sweeping lashes with Buxom Lash mascara.

For cheeks, apply Flush cheek stain on the apples of the cheeks and pat towards the temple with fingers.

For lips, apply Scarlet lip stain for a complementing lip.

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