Hourglass Icon, Impact, Solar Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Glosses Review & Swatches

Christine — Sat, 25 May 2019 16:00:00 +0000

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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

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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).
Cle de Peau Bugatti Red (17) (P, $48.00) is brighter (90% similar).
MAC Rockin' Robin (LE, $21.00) is lighter (85% similar).

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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.

9.5

Product

9.5

Pigmentation

Texture

9.5

Longevity

Application

97%

Total

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

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YSL Devour Me Plum (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% 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).
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).
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).
MAC Space Bubble (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).

View Swatches

Formula Overview

$30.00/0.2 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss swatches.

Ingredients

Impact

PPermanent. $30.00.

A-

Product

Pigmentation

Texture

Longevity

Application

91%

Total

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

View Swatches View All Dupes

Too Faced Dreamsicle (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Anastasia Parfait (P, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Natasha Denona Duo Chrome Coral (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% 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).
MAC Goldieloxxed (P, $21.00) is more muted, warmer (85% similar).
Fenty Beauty Cheeky (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, less pigmented (80% similar).