When Hourglass announced the launch of its brand new mascara, I knew it would be good, but I didn’t expect it would become the MVP in my makeup bag in a matter of days. The Hourglass Cosmetics Unlocked Extension Mascara (£29) promises to give “more definition, more lift, and more length to transform lashes with impossibly real results,” and they’re not bloody wrong.
The sell out mascara (no seriously, it sold out on its first day on Space NK) is completely true to its name. The biggest selling point? It’s ability to give extension-like length with a single coat. The two times I’ve left the house wearing this mascara (lockdown life), I’ve been asked if I was wearing falsies — it’s that good. There are a number of reasons as to why I adore this mascara, so let’s waste no time and get into the details.
The main reason the Hourglass Unlocked Extension Mascara is set apart from others is due to the tubing formula, which unlike traditional mascara formulas, uses tube-like polymers to wrap each individual lash for natural-looking results with the length many of us long for. The best part? It’s totally smudge-proof but comes off in a matter of seconds with a quick splash of warm water (though I prefer a swipe of micellar water). Sounds too good to be true, right? We promise you it’s not. Basically, tubing mascaras have all the benefits of your favourite waterproof mascara without the total AG of trying to remove it (not to mention risk of tugging on your delicate lashes) at the end of the day.
Since it has a tubing formula, it will mostly give you intense length, which is why I like this mascara so much. In general, with mascara I tend to look for a little volume but a lot of length to give that extreme, spider-like effect all while looking natural and nonclumpy.
As the formula is quite wet, I only need one coat, which also guarantees it stays as natural-looking as possible. I sometimes go in with a second coat to really accentuate the outer edge lashes, but generally one coat is all it takes for me (which is how I’m wearing it in the photos). My technique? I zigzag from root to tip with a light hand and really focus on the outer lashes to give a fanned-out effect. Full disclosure: I religiously use RevitaLash Advanced Serum alongside my mascara, I find the combination of serum and mascara makes the outer edge lashes really stand out.
Best of all for me, the length doesn’t drop hours after application. I find with a lot of lengthening mascaras, my lashes don’t stay long or curled, and by the end of the day, end up looking pretty droopy. After an eight-plus-hour day, my lashes look as fresh and long as they did immediately after application.
As for the wand, if I’m honest, I didn’t expect to like it as it’s rubber (I typically go for soft fibre bristles), but I can’t fault that either; it’s slightly tapered and packed with hundreds of teeny, short bristles. For me, the wand is an ideal size as it catches every lash and gives a supereven coverage with just a few strokes.
I can’t not comment on the packaging. If you’ve as much as held an Hourglass product for just a few seconds, you’ll know how luxurious all of the products feel. The gold tube is weighty, which for me, makes it not only feel luxurious but also easier to control. I like mascaras that are slightly heavier because I find it gives me a little more control (I’m dyspraxic, so basically clumsy AF), meaning I don’t end up with black smudges all over my eyelid.
Oh, and if all of that wasn’t enough, the mascara is vegan and cruelty-free, plus five percent of profits from the mascara (as with all of Hourglass’s unlocked products) are donated to The Nonhuman Rights Project.
At £29, it’s definitely on the pricier end of the mascara selection out there, but the standout formula, beautiful packaging, and the charity donation make it worth every penny in my opinion. Having said that, I can see how the price might be a turnoff to people wearing multiple coats of mascara every day.
Welcome to my makeup bag staples, beloved Unlocked Extension Mascara, you make me happy every morning, and in lockdown times, that is a huge win.
