Hourglass at Imitation of Christ S/S 12

 Hourglass  1 Response »
Sep 102011
 

On-again off-again line Imitation of Christ showed at New York Fashion week S/S 12, with a joyously clean look using some lovely Hourglass products.  The show featured a wedding motif, and the makeup seemed like one could actually wear this look to a wedding.

Imitation of Christ S/S '12 NYFW

Unlike this Fall’s fascination with clumpy lashes, the look on this model is modern, clean and could be worn by almost anyone.  The skin virtually glows (with some thanks to a new primer that Hourglass will be releasing), the lips make a serious statement, and brows look like they remain healthy but were not overwhelming.  Hallelujah!!

Click to enlarge:

NEW

Models were prepped with a new Primer Serum (launching Summer 2012), which is a silky blend of 28 oils and vitamins.  This primer glides on to create a retexturized surface for foundation, leaving hydration and fragrance behind.

Models with oily complexions were sporting Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, launching Spring 2012. The advanced new makeup base delivers an exquisitely matte finish that lasts all day—without the need for touchups. In addition, the foundation uses clinical levels of two anti-aging ingredients to visibly improves the skin’s texture and help create a more youthful-looking visage.

GET THE LOOK

SKIN: Start with Primer Serum to create a moisturized canvas for makeup. Follow with Illusion Tinted Moisturizer, or Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, and apply with No. 2 Foundation brush. Conceal dark circles or blemishes with Hidden Corrective Concealer.

EYES: Apply Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Lagoon (blue), Dune (gold) or Prism (silver) on the lid and blend with fingers. Follow with a subtle application of Script Precision Liner to enhance the lash line. Follow with Film Noir Mascara to define the lashes and finish with a glossy topcoat of Film Noir Lash Lacquer.

CHEEKS: Apply Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush to the apples of the cheeks and blend with the fingers. Highlight cheeks with Illume Crème-to-Powder Bronzer Duo in Bronze Light.

LIPS: Apply Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Flush to lips

 


Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer Review

 Hourglass, Mascara  8 Responses »
Aug 212011
 

Hourglass was kind enough to send one of their newly released Film Noir Lash Lacquer ($28), together with a sample sized Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (full size runs $28) to try at Cafe Makeup.  Film Noir Lash Lacquer is a newly designed product that is like a top coat for nails, or gloss for a lipstick.  It is used to add a wet look, together with the addition of length, volume and shine.

As you can see from the photograph, above, it comes with a brush applicator to “paint” lashes similar to the way that one would paint nail polish on your nails.  Application tips:

- Film Noir Lash Lacquer works with many mascaras, and works best on lashes already coated with a good lengthening mascara (not tubing or volumizing)

- Hold the wand at a horizontal angle to your lashes and delicately paint in short strokes

- You can use all over lashes (top and bottom), or just the ones on the outer corner

Liz and I were very impressed the Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara.  We liked the separation and length, and thought that it was a real contender against Guerlain’s Le 2 mascara ($36/ reviewed here).  Liz said that she would definitely re-purchase it. It had great separation and curling properties.  Our little sample gave us plenty of reasons to believe that this is an excellent choice at $28.

Film Noir Lash Lacquer was easy to use–the directions were clear, and we found the brush easy enough to control.  For these pictures, Liz applied Lash Lacquer over the Full Spectrum Mascara.  We found that it did add a deep glossy look to lashes.  The volumizing properties tended to occur by adding volume.  We did experience some clumps, but expected that effect from a volumizing product.  Perhaps this is due to the brush configuration, which does not attempt to separate lashes.

Here is a comparison without Film Noir Lash Lacquer.  Only the Full Spectrum Mascara is applied, below:
Overall, Film Noir Lash Lacquer adds drama, volume and a deep black lacquer effect.  We found the product easy to use.  I separately tried Film Noir Lash Lacquer, and got a very similar effect to Liz’s–it gives a very fringy, very black, with a tendency to pull the lashes together (rather than having separation).   We thought that it achieved the promised effect of maximizing lashes.  We actually loved the Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara by itself more, which should not be surprising given that we prefer a more natural look.  However, if you are looking for drama, the Lash Lacquer certainly delivers.

Hourglass Script Liquid Eyeliner: Review and Swatches

 Hourglass, Le Metier de Beaute  16 Responses »
May 032011
 

Hourglass Cosmetics has just released a new felt tipped liner, the Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner ($32) (available at Sephora).  Unlike the earlier version, the Hourglass Calligraphy (pictured at top, above) (reviewed here) ($32), the Hourglass Script has a very, very fine-tipped point.  Otherwise, both have:

  • A deep, inky-black color
  • Long-lasting, no-smudge and no-flake wear
  • A smooth, even application and ink flow

Both Hourglass pens allow the liquid ink to flow without any pumping or twisting–the ink is deposited with slight pressure.  They are both well-machined, foolproof and beautifully packaged.  Both have a slight “heft factor” that is pleasant and balanced.  At $32, these are in line with the price range of other high end liquid liners (Chanel’s Automatic Liquid Eyeliner is $34).

I’m very comfortable applying liquid liners–fearless, in fact.  Start by practicing on the back of your hand.  Like Julia Child flipping a potato pancake, it’s easier if you go in confident.

Let’s compare the Hourglass Script, the Hourglass Calligraphy, and the Le Metier de Beaute Precision Liquid Liner ($42) (reviewed here).  As shown here, the tip of the Hourglass Script is quite precise–the tip is tiny.

I was surprised to find how distinct all three liners are.  You can see that when Hourglass says that the Script is precision, they are not kidding–the fine point allows you to draw an extremely fine line.  It must be layered to get a thicker line.

Below, on the left you can see a light and a heavy line that I drew with Le Metier’s Precision (in Noir).  In the second line, you can see how lightly Le Metier’s can be applied.  Here, the ink isn’t quite a deep and dark (it looks almost brown).  Had I added another layer or two, the Le Metier would be as black as the Hourglass swatches.  Hourglass Script (in Jett) is swatched in the center.  Hourglass Calligraphy (in Ebony) is on the right.

Both the Hourglass Script and Calligraphy provide a deeper, blacker line out of the brush, compared with Le Metier de Beaute’s.

No, you don’t need all three.  If you have light-toned skin, delicate features or prefer a very natural look, you will prefer the ability to draw a more subtle line that the Le Metier Precision Eyeliner allows. The Le Metier must be applied with some pressure, or in built-up layers, to get a full-on black line. “Priming” the brush helps, by holding it down on the back of your hand for a second to get the ink flowing freely (but that’s a little messy).

If you want a deep, black ink out of the pen, the Hourglass delivers beautifully.  Between Script and Calligraphy, it’s going to depend on whether you prefer a thin or thick line.

Note that I found that I was able to get a very fine line with the Hourglass Calligraphy by using just light pressure on the very end of the tip, but it was not easy.  Really, if you want a fine line then go with the Script.

However, I’m glad that I do own all three.  I find myself reaching frequently for my Hourglass Calligraphy when a want a good, quick defined black line.  I love the Le Metier when my makeup is very subtle.  I have no doubt I’ll use up the Hourglass Script, because it adds something that the others don’t have–a quick, very deep black fine line that works well for my coloring and features.  I love it–highly recommended.

Hourglass Script and Calligraphy were provided to Cafe Makeup for review/consideration by Hourglass.

 

 

Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner Review

 Eyeliner  Comments Off
Mar 082011
 

Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner ($32) in Ebony/Black is a well-engineered liquid felt-tip liner.  Out of the box, this liner was ready to deliver a steady, predictable, precise line without requiring any practice.  There is no pumping or twisting required.  One simply applies that tip where one likes, and the pen does the rest of the work.

The ink is beautiful, bold and lasts all day.  If you’d like more ink to flow, simply press the liner tip on the back of your hand to freshly saturate the tip.  Hourglass’ Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner is a gorgeous, easy to use eyeliner that will give you a consistent line at all times.

You might be wondering how Hourglass’ Calligraphy compares to Le Metier de Beaute’s Precision liner ($42), reviewed here.  Here are some thoughts:

  • The Hourglass Calligraphy is $10 less in price, and physically larger–probably twice as large.  I can see tucking Le Metier’s Precision into the smallest bag without concern.
  • Both have a very fine, sharply-shaped tip.  However, Le Metier’s is more flexible.  If you have small lids, or a small area around the lashline, Le Metier’s will give you more control.
  • The stiffer Hourglass Calligraphy tends to give a thicker line, unless you touch with the finest end of the tip.  However, due to its stiffness, you’ll want to work carefully.  The Le Metier Precision is a little more forgiving in this regard;  the brush is softer and has more bend/give than the Hourglass.
  • Le Metier’s delivers a much finer line on the first application, which can be built to a thicker line.
  • In contrast, Hourglass Calligraphy will provide a more traditional liquid-eyeliner look with very little effort.

Overall, Hourglass Calligraphy is an excellent product.  When I first tried Le Metier’s Precision, I wondered whether there was a duplicate out there for a less price.  After testing the Hourglass Calligraphy, I can see that these are different enough such that one customer is likely to prefer one over the other.  Generally, both deliver beautiful, long-lasting lines without having to pump or twist.  Their mechanisms both work quite well.  However, the Hourglass Calligraphy will please those who want a more traditional eyeliner size.  Le Metier’s allows a more subtle look, but then must be built to obtain the fuller look.

Hourglass Calligraphy Eyeliner was provided to Cafe Makeup for review without charge.

Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Rouge: Swatches and Review

 Blush  12 Responses »
Feb 162011
 

Adrienne Vittadini Runway – New York Fashion Week February 16, 2011

Today during New York Fashion Week, Adrienne Vittadina featured models wearing Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush ($45 for .27 oz.), a soft sheer red.  Face chart from the show:

To get this look:

Skin: Using the #2 foundation brush, Michael started by applying Veil Mineral Primer to prep her skin, followed by Illusion Tinted Moisturizer in Ivory for a dewy finish. He continued by using Illume Crème-to-Powder Bronzer Duo in Bronze Light- using the bronze to contour the cheekbone and the highlighter for strong definition. He finished the cheeks with a touch of Hourglass’ newest product – Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush.

Eyes: To emphasize Niki’s gorgeous eyes, he mixed the matte bone and shimmer shell shades from the Vol 6. Palette in Neo-Classic, using the #3 brush and swept them over the lid. He then applied the chocolate brown shade in the crease of the eye for a smoky effect, followed by Script Precision Liquid Liner which he slightly winged out in an upward direction. He finished with Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara and a coat of Lash Lacquer for intense & dramatic eye lashes.

Lips: He traced the lips with Trace Lip Liner in Voice. He then filled them with Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Whisper and added a dab of Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss in Opium to create the perfect pout.

I was fortunate that Hourglass sent me an Aura Sheer Cheek Stain to try, mine in Rouge which is a light pink-red.  I thought that today’s show was a timely opportunity to introduce you to the product.

My former experience with cheek stains include Benefit’s Benetint, that famous product that came with in a clear glass bottle with a thin brush.  When Benetint was first introduced, I bought it immediately.  I loved the sheer, natural color on my pale skin.  If I could apply it right, it looked like “my cheeks but better.”  However, I found Benetint difficult to control.  The brush tended to apply too much liquid, and immediate swiping was required to avoid brush lines.  Brushes didn’t fit into the bottle.  Applying with fingers left me with stained fingertips (not pretty).  Let’s not even talk about the possibility of spilling it.  On the upside, the product lasted all day and really did give a pretty glow.

Hourglass has reconfigured the application completely, making my dreams come true.  Instead of a clear bottle, Aura comes in an opaque wand.  At one end is a fabric-colored applicator, and at the other is a twist knob that turns to get product flowing.

I found that this really solved all of the application problems that I’d experienced with Benetint.  First off, I twisted the control knob about 20 times to get product to the sponge applicator.  Spilling is impossible.  Drop it and there is no shattering bottle.  Once the product is started, the applicator is stained with the product, and can be applied directly to the cheeks.  No messy brush marks or stained fingers.  Here’s the applicator once the product is flowing, you can see the red-pink color Rouge here:

Hourglass Aura gives me something that no other cheek stain could–control.  The large application area allows me to apply the color exactly where I’d like to.  The dry time is longer than Benetint, but still relatively quick (I’d estimate 30 seconds).  The product goes on very sheer at first, and must be built up to get a more intense color.  This allows you to control your application very easily.  I probably did five “layers” of product to get a saturated pink, although I could have stopped with one or two for a softer look.  Once applied, the staying power lasts all day.

At $45, this blush is not inexpensive but it looked really, really good.  It’s not at all heavy.  Liz promised to do a face this weekend with it, hopefully we’ll be able to fit it into our schedules and post early next week.  Here’s a swatch:

Hourglass Aura in Rouge gets my love–it’s a transparent, natural stain. Absolutely gorgeous.

A few more details:

  • Sephora carries there here
  • Available in three shades: Rouge (sheer rose) (this is the one I tried); Flush (sheer red); Petal (sheer pink/coral shimmer)(on the model)
  • Enriched with Vitamin E
  • Oil-, fragrance-, and phthalate- free

Page 2 of 2 1 2