The Hourglass Nº 13 Precision Smudge Brush is a brush that I had been considering for a while, and I finally picked it up during a recent sale. This smudge brush has very soft Taklon bristles that are gentle on the skin without sacrificing efficacy.
This brush is ideal for smudging liner into the lower lash line, but also works well for a soft and smoky smudged effect in the upper lash line. It can be used with powder, cream or liquid products and the pointed dome fits nicely in the lash line. I often use it to soften my pencil liner or smudge powder and cream shadows into my lash line. It also blends and softens harsh lines effortlessly. The metal handle is comfortable in the hand, and it is nicely weighted for ease of use.
According to Hourglass, this is a: "Tapered dome bristles are ideal for drawing along the lower lash line."
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products
• Vegan and cruelty free
Directions: Use to smudge products onto skin, such as along your lashline.
The tapered dome, and its soft Taklon bristles are comfortable against even the most sensitive skin.
I have washed my brush many times, and it still has not shed a single Taklon bristle.
Overall Assessment: If you are looking for an excellent smudge brush, then look no further.
Hourglass Nº 10 Angled Liner Brush is a short, angled brush, with cruelty-free Taklon bristles. The bristles are soft, and yet firm, and they provide precise lining of the eyes. This brush can be used with cream, liquid and powder products, and it is also perfect for filling in the brows as well. It has a perfectly weighted metal handle that makes maneuvering effortless. If you are a fan of a precision winged eyeliner, then this is a fool-proof brush that will deliver your desired results with ease. I washed my brush before use and after I used it for a couple of days and it didn't shed a single bristle, and retained its shape. This is a wonderfully practical, and hardworking, brush that is definitely worth having.
According to Hourglass, "the Hourglass Nº 10 Angled Liner Brush lines and defines eyes with precision and control."
TO CLEAN: Gently clean brush with mild soap and water. Lay flat to dry.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products
• Vegan and cruelty free
Close-up of the bristles
The bristles offer the perfect width and depth for ease of use
Overall Assessment: I am so happy with my purchase, and highly recommend this wonderfully effective brush.
The Hourglass Nº 12 Beveled Shadow Brush is yet another one of my recent purchases, and I am so happy that I finally have it. This is a cruelty-free, and vegan, synthetic Taklon bristle eyeshadow brush with a very densely packed, sloping head. It works well with powder, liquid and cream products, and it does an exemplary job strategically placing eyeshadows, and blending them to perfection. The dense bristles, which are unbelievably soft against the skin, pick up and deposit shadows effortlessly, and the balanced metal handle offers maximum control and comfort in the hand. I washed my brush before I used it, and after a few days of use, and it did not shed a single bristle. I have been using it with cream shadows and powder shadows, and I am very impressed by its overall performance and efficacy.
According to Hourglass, "Densely packed bristles and sloped edge designed for strategic eyeshadow placement."
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products
• Vegan and cruelty free
TO CLEAN: Gently clean brush with mild soap and water. Lay flat to dry.
Overall Assessment: This was such a worthwhile purchase for me, and because it works so well for powder, cream and liquid shadows, I may by a second one so that I have one for wet and dry formulas, respectively. A+
The Hourglass Nº 7 Finishing Brush is a recent splurge, but this was not out-of-the-blue, by any means. I have wanted this brush for many years now, and finally purchased it during the recent Sephora VIB Spring Sale (along with a few other things).
This is a large, ultra-soft Kabuki-style brush with densely-packed Taklon bristles that can be used with cream, liquid and powder products. This brush is very effective at depositing foundation, blush, highlighter and bronzer, and then blending them for a seamless finish. The weighted metal handle fits into the hand perfectly and comfortably, and allows for maximum control as one maneuvers the contours of the face. This cruelty-free, and vegan, brush is just as effective as its luxury natural-hair counterparts, and it is a real pleasure to use. While this is most definitely a luxury splurge item, that I didn't need, it is now one of my most reached-for multipurpose brushes. I should note that I have washed it twice already (once before use, and once after), and it has not shed a single hair.
Directions: Swirl the brush into liquid or powder foundation until the desired amount of pigment is deposited. f using powder, tap the brush on its side to remove any excess pigment. Apply to the face in circular or sweeping motions.
According to Hourglass,
The Hourglass Nº 7 Finishing brush is a full and rounded brush, and is designed to effortlessly buff on foundation, blush or powder.
Features:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products
• Vegan and cruelty free
TO CLEAN: Gently clean brush with mild soap and water. Lay flat to dry.
Overall Assessment: This was a really great purchase for me, and I am so happy with this obsession-worthy brush. A+
HOURGLASS Nº 9 Domed Shadow Brush is the last of my recent makeup brush purchases, and it does not disappoint! Nº 9 Domed Shadow Brush is a very densely packed dome shaped brush with soft Taklon bristles, and they are so soft against the skin. The small brush is built for precision, and it picks up and deposits powder, liquid and cream shadows effortlessly. The domed-shaped head ensures the effortless application of eyeshadows, and the perfectly weighted metal handle is very comfortable in the hand. I have washed this brush three times already, and it hasn't shed a single bristle.
According to HOURGLASS,
The Hourglass Nº 9 Domed Shadow brush is densely packed, with domed bristles to create eye definition with ease of control.
Features:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristles.
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies.
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application.
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products.
• Vegan and cruelty-free.
All HOURGLASS products are 100% cruelty-free
The domed-shaped head of bristles ensures the effortless application of eyeshadows.
Overall Assessment: This is such a good brush, and I am so happy that I bought it!
HOURGLASS No. 3 All-Over Shadow Brush is yet another recent purchase that I made. Once again, I had been contemplating this brush for a while, and finally decided to treat myself. This vegan and cruelty-free medium sized eyeshadow brush, with its soft Taklon bristles, features a nicely weighted metal handle that offers perfect control and balance. The bristles are velvety soft against the skin, and yet not so soft as to be ineffective. It picks up and deposits shadows effortlessly, and can be used for powder, liquid and cream products. It also is quite effective in is ability to blend shadows, and it is very easy to clean. I have washed mine three times, and I haven't lost a single bristle.
According to Hourglass,
The Hourglass Nº 3 All Over Eye Shadow brush seamlessly applies, layers and blends powder eye shadow over the entire lid.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle.
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies.
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application.
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products.
• Vegan and cruelty free.
Overall Assessment: This was a lovely gift to myself, and once again I wish that I had purchased this brush sooner since I reach for it all of the time.
Without any exaggeration, whatsoever, HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush is the best concealer brush that I have ever used (hands down). I would go so far to say that it has already achieved holy grail status for me, and it was definitely one of my best purchases of 2020. The unique half-moon shaped bristle head is the perfect shape for blending concealer around the eye area, and by this I mean I can think of no better design on the market or in my imagination.
The cruelty-free Taklon bristles are densely packed, and ultra-soft against the skin. The density and soft texture lend themselves to a seamless airbrushed finish, and the weight and balance of the elegant metal handle offers maximum control as one navigates the contours of the face. It works equally well with cream or liquid formulas, and can also be used to blend foundation around the nose, or it can be used to cover blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
There is no question that this brush boasts quality construction, and after several washes it still hasn't lost a single bristle.
According to HOURGLASS,
A high-performance concealer brush that delivers unprecedented precision and blending. This brush features a unique half-moon shape for controlled application to the contours of the face, especially under the eyes. Bristles have the ideal density and texture to blend seamlessly. Designed for use with liquid and cream formulas, it optimizes performance of Vanish Airbrush Concealer.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristles.
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies.
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application.
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products.
• Vegan and cruelty free.
HOURGLASS Cosmetics is a 100% Cruelty-Free luxury beauty brand.
The unique half-moon shaped bristle head is the perfect shape for blending concealer around the eye area.
Overall Assessment: This is the best concealer brush I own, and the best one I have ever tried! A+
HOURGLASS Ambient Powder Brush is not something that I needed, in the least bit, but I bought it anyway. There were two primary reasons: First, I wanted it for a long time and every time the I stopped at an HOURGLASS display it was the first thing that I picked up and contemplated purchasing. Second, I was about to lose my VIB status at Sephora because the pandemic this year resulted in far lower spending. However, I finally purchased this brush since I wanted it for so many years, and now I am just wondering why I waited so long.
While it was conceived for use with the Ambient Lighting Powder, it is also great brush for applying face powder, blush, and bronzer. It also does an enviable job blending powders, and I have successfully used it for blending liquid foundations. The short plastic handle offers maximum control, it fits in the hand comfortably and the Taklon bristles are soft and feel great against the skin. While the bristles are soft, they are not too soft to be ineffective at picking up and laying down powder. I should note that I have washed my brush twice, and neither time did it shed a single bristle.
According to HOURGLASS,
A synthetic-bristle brush with a full, slightly rounded head and a short handle. Designed for use with liquid, cream or powder products, this brush is made from high-grade ultrasoft Taklon bristles and features a weighted metal handle that provides control for effortless blending and application. The Hourglass Ambient® Powder Brush is ideal for evenly dispersing Ambient® Lighting Powder all over the face.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle
• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies
• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products
• Vegan and cruelty free
The size of the brush is perfect for sweeping across the Ambient Lighting Powder palette, but it is good for far more than this alone!
Overall Assessment: This was such a worthwhile purchase, and I highly recommend this brush.
When HOURGLASS Caution Extreme Lash Mascara was first launched I received a sample, and I immediately began using it. I need to preface this by stating that I often forgo mascara altogether– largely because I have very little time to spare in the mornings before heading out the door for work, and therefore when I review a mascara it is generally because I like the formula so much that I am willing to take the extra time to apply it. I immediately loved this mascara, and therefore I watched in absolute horror as the loaded wand fell to the floor right where one of the kitties had been sitting. I whimpered as I tossed it into the garbage can, and vowed that I would immediately go buy another tube. I never got around to buying another one, and was elated when a tube magically appeared on my doorstep!
HOURGLASS Caution Extreme Lash Mascara is a wonderful lightweight mascara that gives lashes impressive volume and length. It separates lashes and thickens them without looking too extreme. It offers buildable coverage without flaking, clumping or smudging, but I do prefer to apply it lightly for a more natural look. The shape of the brush allows you to get all of the upper lashes with ease, but it also permits you to get the lower lashes without any trouble as well. The color is an intense black, which will be more dramatic if you have light-colored lashes, but since my lashes are naturally nearly black the intensity of the black hue just serves to frame my eyes in a slightly more pronounced way. For me, it stays put until I remove it at the end of the day, but your wear-time may vary. I should note that I have sensitive eyes, and this mascara has never irritated them in the least bit, and it has no detectable fragrance.
According to HOURGLASS,
An all-in-one mascara that delivers endless length, intense volume and sky-high lift for extreme, dramatic lashes. This mascara is designed with a 4D amplifier brush which combines two brushes in one to deliver volume, length, lift and definition for extreme lashes. It saturates lashes from root to tip for the most volume in a single stroke while perfectly coating the bottom lashes without smudging onto the lower lashline. The tapered end reaches even the smallest lashes in the corner of your eyes. The smooth, buildable, ultra-black formula creates dramatic but weightless lashes that don't smudge or flake.
Directions: Starting at the base of your lashes, pull the mascara brush through from root to tip. Layer until your desired effect is achieved. It removes easily with soap and water.
