"I tried £400 worth of makeup from Hourglass – these are the products that are worth the hype" (2024)

Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

After trying and testing a lot of skin tints, I can confirm this one has to be one of the best. It blends plant-based squalane, hyaluronic acid and meadowfoam seed oil (to lock in moisture), so it's safe to say your skin isn't going to be left parched after applying this guy.

It leaves you with baby-soft skin that looks enviably plump and dewy, no matter how many margaritas you may have had the night before...

Hourglass Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm

I've learned that very few beauty editors don't have one of these tubes in their handbags (it's an epidemic, I'm telling you). It's clear to see why the beauty community is so obsessed; the balmy texture is a doddle to apply and moisturising, leaving behind a non-sticky glass effect on the lips. Plus, it has a pleasant minty tingle upon first swipe.

I find the darker shades tend to need a few more layers to get a rich tone but the nudes are perfect for a fuss-free pout. Due to their shininess, they're not the longest-lasting but the sleek packaging makes touch-ups chic and easy.

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

This elongates my lashes more than any mascara I've ever used. I'm usually a fussy customer when it comes to mascara and swear by more budget-friendly options, but this is one of the few exceptions to my cheapskate ways.

Aiming to be a saviour for short stubby lashes, this provides you with a false-lash effect without the fuss, thanks to 'featherweight fibres' that coat every little lash and can be washed off with warm water.

As mentioned, one swipe gives you spidery-long lashes and a lot of volume, while smudging isn't an issue. I wish it separated my lashes a tad more, but it's a small price to pay for the longest lashes of my life.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Over the years, I've ditched powder bronzers for cream formulations, so reaching for this felt like a throwback. Unlike the bronzer powders I've previously broken up with, this is super easy to blend – no tiger stripes to see here.

However, I wish more cooler tones were available for those with pasty skin (hi, hello, me). The marbled colour combo left me looking a tad too orange for my liking, but I think it works as a bronzer/blush hybrid.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick

The OG foundation stick, if you're after high coverage that will also keep your t-zone grease at bay, look no further.

Coming in 32 shades and claiming to stick around for 12 hours, this creamy stick blends out seamlessly and covers my redness like a dream. It's not the most hydrating though, so if you're on the dryer side a primer might be a good idea.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Possibly the product that put Hourglass on the map thanks to the 2016 YouTube beauty blogging era, I was intrigued to see whether this iconic powder formula lived up to modern-day standards.

I'm surprised that I hadn't remembered it was such a mattifying formula (ideal for my greasy t-zone) but compared to other powders now in the market, I don't think this is nearly as glowy or soft-focusing as I remembered them being (probably due to other brands catching up, but still). It's a pleasant lightweight powder that doesn't crack under pressure (read: on my dry patches).

Hourglass Shape and Sculpt Lip Liner

Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick

Want a low-effort smokey eye? Look no further than these creamy eyeshadow sticks. I was surprised by how lightweight yet metallic these were upon first application. Blending issues? Not with these guys.

Are these 100% crease-free? Not for my lids, unfortunately. But, then again, I've not met an eyeshadow stick that is. Still, I love that you can build up the drama and layer these. Plus, the earthy shades they come in are oh-so-flattering.

Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray

I love the fine mist this setting spray delivers, which avoids unnecessarily soaking the skin and separating your makeup – a massive pet peeve of mine.

It softens any powders you use underneath to deliver the promised soft-focus effect but doesn't necessarily deliver hydration. Those with oily skin will love this but those on the drier side might prefer something more thirst-quenching.

Hourglass Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel

Want the head of your brow to be fluffy, while the tail is more defined? This tinted gel can do both. Featuring micro fibres to plump up those hairs, this keeps your brows in check without any crunchiness or dryness.

The dual-sided brush allows you to create a bolder, more defined look with the shorter bristles, while the fluffier end delivers a more feathered effect. It's also mess-free to use and leaves my arches looking fuller but au naturale at the same time.

Hourglass Unlocked Soft Matte Lipstick

Hourglass Vanish Flash Highlighting Stick

As I was such a fan of the Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick above, I had high hopes for this highlighter version but they were no match for my beloved Merit Beauty Day Glow Highlighting Balm (sorry, Hourglass).

The overly-pink or deep orange tones didn't suit my pale complexion and they're not the most giving in the hydration department. If you're after a strong metallic sheen that's on the more matte side, these are made for you.

Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Gel liners have recently become my go-to as they tend to be more forgiving when I mess up a wing than liquid eyeliners. These claim to be budge-proof for up to 12 hours and Hourglass isn't messing around.

They're super pigmented and dry at lightning speed, so if you're after a more smoked-out wing effect, get blending ASAP. I was pleased to see these kept to their word and didn't transfer onto my under eyes. Well done, Hourglass.