Hourglass Icon, Impact, Solar Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Glosses Review & Swatches
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Hourglass Icon Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss ($30.00 for 0.2 oz.) is a rich red with subtle, cool undertones and a cream finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation in one stroke, which adhered evenly and smoothly across my lips. The consistency was lightly creamy, more like a smooth gel, as it felt plush without being heavy or sticky. I was impressed by how smoothing this particular shade was as my lip lines were nearly invisible. The gloss stayed on well for five hours and didn’t feather on me, while I found the formula hydrating while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Cle de Peau Bugatti Red (17) (P, $48.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty True Coral (P, $54.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Dressed to Kill (P, $54.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Rouge Grenat (826) (LE, $30.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Russian Red (P, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Red District (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- YSL Rouge Vinyle (401) (P, $36.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Disruptor (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Poppy (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Crescendo (505) (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.2 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "instant hydration and long-lasting volume" without the "sting of traditional lip plumpers." The texture is described as "silky, cushiony lip gloss ... without the sticky feel." Based on the brand's promotional swatches, the cream-based shades offer higher coverage while the sparkly/shimmery shades have less coverage, which was in line with what I experienced with the select shades I tried. There are also two more metallic shades, which seemed to be higher coverage per the brand's swatches as compared to the sparkly glosses that were more semi-sheer to medium.
The texture of the formula is lightweight, smooth, and cream-like with a non-sticky texture that wasn't too thick or too thin. Some shades applied evenly and smoothly, while a few shades showed lines along the edges or if I pressed my lips together, which seemed more likely with the cream finishes with the shimmery shades being more smoothing. They were very comfortable to wear and had solid wear at three to five hours with a hydrating formula. They have a larger, more curved doe-foot style applicator that is less flocked than the standard doe-foot applicator, which did hug the curve of my lips a bit better.
The formula had a sweet, minty scent (I thought I caught taste of mint occasionally but didn't feel confident that I did) and had a cooling sensation on my lips--definitely not "stinging," but it felt "minty fresh."
Browse all of our Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss swatches.
Ingredients
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PPermanent. $30.00.
Impact
Hourglass Impact Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss ($30.00 for 0.2 oz.) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly shimmer finish. It had medium color coverage that applied well to bare lips with a smooth, even application. The consistency was lightweight, smooth, non-sticky, and comfortable to apply. It had a more smoothing effect than some of the other shades I tried in the formula, too. It lasted nicely for four and a half hours and was moisturizing over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- YSL Devour Me Plum (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Pink Sabre (P, $54.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Secret Lover (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more pigmented (85% similar).
- ColourPop Clock Tower (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Plum Glow (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Rosebuddy (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Abruzzo (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- Chanel Dzhari (608) (LE, $30.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- MAC Pretty Peppa (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- MAC Warp Speed Ahead (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.2 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "instant hydration and long-lasting volume" without the "sting of traditional lip plumpers." The texture is described as "silky, cushiony lip gloss ... without the sticky feel." Based on the brand's promotional swatches, the cream-based shades offer higher coverage while the sparkly/shimmery shades have less coverage, which was in line with what I experienced with the select shades I tried. There are also two more metallic shades, which seemed to be higher coverage per the brand's swatches as compared to the sparkly glosses that were more semi-sheer to medium.
The texture of the formula is lightweight, smooth, and cream-like with a non-sticky texture that wasn't too thick or too thin. Some shades applied evenly and smoothly, while a few shades showed lines along the edges or if I pressed my lips together, which seemed more likely with the cream finishes with the shimmery shades being more smoothing. They were very comfortable to wear and had solid wear at three to five hours with a hydrating formula. They have a larger, more curved doe-foot style applicator that is less flocked than the standard doe-foot applicator, which did hug the curve of my lips a bit better.
The formula had a sweet, minty scent (I thought I caught taste of mint occasionally but didn't feel confident that I did) and had a cooling sensation on my lips--definitely not "stinging," but it felt "minty fresh."
Browse all of our Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss swatches.
Ingredients
Impact
PPermanent. $30.00.
Solar
Hourglass Solar Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss ($30.00 for 0.2 oz.) is a bright, medium pink-coral with warmer, peach and gold shimmer that gave it a creamy, metallic finish. This is one of two “metallic” shades, and it seemed to be more of a cross between the cream and shimmer finishes as it had higher opacity (semi-opaque). The texture was smooth, light-medium in thickness but not heavy to wear, and was comfortable to apply and to wear. The color went on evenly, and there was just a bit of product in my deepest lip line but not enough that it wasn’t noticeable from a normal viewing distance. It wore well for four and a half hours and was hydrating while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Duo Chrome Coral (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Dreamsicle (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Parfait (P, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Goldieloxxed (P, $21.00) is more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- Burberry Cameo Pink (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- NARS Orgasm (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Lychee Luxe (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Boujee (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Night Glow (208) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Cheeky (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, less pigmented (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.2 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "instant hydration and long-lasting volume" without the "sting of traditional lip plumpers." The texture is described as "silky, cushiony lip gloss ... without the sticky feel." Based on the brand's promotional swatches, the cream-based shades offer higher coverage while the sparkly/shimmery shades have less coverage, which was in line with what I experienced with the select shades I tried. There are also two more metallic shades, which seemed to be higher coverage per the brand's swatches as compared to the sparkly glosses that were more semi-sheer to medium.
The texture of the formula is lightweight, smooth, and cream-like with a non-sticky texture that wasn't too thick or too thin. Some shades applied evenly and smoothly, while a few shades showed lines along the edges or if I pressed my lips together, which seemed more likely with the cream finishes with the shimmery shades being more smoothing. They were very comfortable to wear and had solid wear at three to five hours with a hydrating formula. They have a larger, more curved doe-foot style applicator that is less flocked than the standard doe-foot applicator, which did hug the curve of my lips a bit better.
The formula had a sweet, minty scent (I thought I caught taste of mint occasionally but didn't feel confident that I did) and had a cooling sensation on my lips--definitely not "stinging," but it felt "minty fresh."
Browse all of our Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss swatches.
Ingredients
On the other hand … ICON! That one starts a fire! 🙂
I was a little ho-hum on these, but Icon was a winner!
I’m impressed! I had no idea that I’ve been looking for a gloss like Impact but as soon as I saw it I realized that I need! (Wants..?. Needs…? Who can say which is which when it comes to makeup? ?)
I’m glad Solar got a good review. I love shades like these. Almost done with the Parfait gloss. This and the new ND Tan & Glow palette will be arriving any day now.
Since I will have to limit myself to just one of these for now, it will be Solar. That shade is a big KAPOW of sunshine! It reminds me of a shade that I literally wore to death during the end of the 90’s clear through the early ’00’s. Probably my favorite lip gloss of all time!
Wow – that Icon shade is stunning – really beautiful.
These all look great on you!
Thank you!