Reviewed: Hourglass Cosmetics Unreal Liquid Blush
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Most of us In-depth review will feature honest, incredibly compelling editorial perspectives on entire product categories or multiple products from a specific beauty brand, but occasionally, we’ll include a special single-product format called Honestly, I like it.. As the name suggests, these reviews focus on a standout beauty formula that our editors can’t stop talking about. This time, I’m highlighting Hourglass Cosmetics Unreal Liquid Blush ($36).
Blush is a big trend this summer. Boyfriend blushedsunset cheeks, peach girl makeup—this season is definitely marked by rosy cheeks. And I’m not mad about it! Blush is my go-to makeup product, as it adds so much life to my overall complexion that I often don’t go a day without applying a little color to my cheekbones.
But with all the summer blush love, there’s also been a slew of summer blush launches. I’ve been testing so many new products over the past few months that if I wanted to, I could wear a different blush every day of the week. (I actually do, but that’s a story for another day.) So when I find myself drawn to a standout product, I know it’s a really good one.
Enter Unreal Liquid Blush from Hourglass Cosmetics. I’ve been testing out the new launch for the past month leading up to its July 11 launch, and it’s been my go-to blush since I brought it home. It’s been hard to keep it a secret, especially when people ask why I look so tan and all I want to do is reveal every detail, but it’s finally here—and I don’t plan on staying quiet about it any time soon.
As the name suggests, this is a liquid blush that feels like a serum and melts right into my skin. In my opinion, the best blushes give a natural, soft flush that looks like you’ve been dancing or going for a quick run. This Hourglass Blush delivers! In the photo above, I used the shade Moment, which is a warm peachy shade that’s perfect for summer. I’ve always loved the “peach girl makeup look,” so I was immediately drawn to this soft orange shade. I also dabbed a small amount of Imagine (a deep terracotta shade) on my cheekbones and temples to add depth to the overall look.
The packaging is cute, with a soft-touch button at the bottom that dispenses the perfect amount of product onto the back of your hand. The process reminds me of using eye drops. (Of course, don’t actually use it in your eyes. That would be bad.) However, the formula is highly pigmented—you really only need a drop—which means this little bottle will last a long time.
At first I didn’t think one drop would be enough for both cheeks, but again, this is such a highly pigmented formula that I usually don’t need all of it. I’ll use the excess on the back of my hand to dab onto my eyelids and lips for a monochromatic moment.
Unreal Liquid Blush comes in seven gorgeous shades, and while I usually go for warmer tones, I decided to step out of my comfort zone with Whim, a bright bubblegum pink. Cool-toned pinks tend to look a little weird on me, but I really like how this one turned out! I guess because the formula itself is more serum-y, it blends with my skin tone and helps the pigment look bright but still natural.
I usually don’t spend also I spend a lot of time talking about skincare actives in makeup, but I have to mention the hyaluronic acid and lupin seed extract in the formula. Both of these ingredients are known to plump and hydrate the skin, and I could see that effect after just one application here. Immediately, my skin texture looked smoother, my cheeks were more plump, and my overall appearance looked much more youthful. (I admit that blushes look more youthful in general, but these actives definitely help balance things out.) I also have somewhat sensitive cheeks, and I’m happy to report that this blush didn’t aggravate my easily irritated skin.
My favorite thing, however, is the incredible staying power. Cream and liquid blushes are just Love to melt my face at noon (especially in the summer), but this formula stays on my skin all day long. Even at 3:00 p.m. (when I notice my skin looking dull but still sweaty, a really annoying combination), my Hourglass blush stays true, giving me a sun-kissed glow that has more than a few strangers exclaiming, “Your skin looks radiant!”
What inspired Hourglass to create a liquid blush?
Our Founder and President, Carisa Janes wanted to create a liquid blush formula that provided natural, buildable color that lasted all day. We purposely developed this formula with Blush Brush No. 15 for easy blending for a seamless colour. We always want to create products that appeal to all consumers. We have spent time developing this formula to ensure our products are innovative, providing unique benefits to our customers that have never been seen before.
What makes this product different from other liquid blushes on the market?
The Unreal Liquid Blush is formulated with our Unreal Lifting Complex, a blend of hyaluronic acid and recycled white lupin seed oil. This blend helps lift and plump the skin and has a long-lasting wear of 12 hours. It really feels like a serum and just blends wonderfully. The packaging is also unique and dispenses the perfect amount for each use.
What makes blush so long lasting?
This liquid blush is expertly formulated with the perfect balance of pigments that penetrate the skin for all-day wear.
How do you recommend I apply blush? Can you give me a quick tutorial?
The best way to use Unreal Liquid Blush is to, first, shake the bottle well with the cap on. Then, press the soft button at the bottom and apply a small drop onto the back of your hand. Use Blush Brush No. 15 (created specifically for Unreal Liquid Blush), tap brush onto hand and pick up half of product. Apply to cheekbones, blend upwards and repeat using remaining product on the other side. Any remaining product on brush can be swept across the bridge of the nose for a natural flushed effect.
What shades do you like to blend and/or layer the most?
My favorite combo is to apply Whim to the apples of my cheeks and then blend Future onto the high points of my cheekbones. This creates an ombre “sunset blush” effect, perfect for summer!
More Hourglass products I love
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Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
This shade is loved by celebrities, makeup artists, and insiders, including this beauty editor! Shade 3 gives me the best foundation, my skin but better.
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Phantom Volumizing Lip Balm
This lip balm straddles the line between satin and gloss. Perfect for days when you want sheer, glossy color but don’t want to apply lip balm.
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Curved eyebrow pencil
Most brow pencils leave my sensitive brows red and tender, but this option contains a creamy wax that creates a soft, smooth effect.