IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT PRODUCT
As flawless skin has become a focal point, complexion products have gained importance in helping women achieve Instagrammable make-up looks.
While offering a complete range of cosmetics, Hourglass is an authority on primers and powders that along with foundation and concealer constitute a regimen for creating smooth and radiant skin.
“We specialise in high-performance luxury cosmetics that are easy to apply in order to achieve the best possible version of yourself. The regimen can involve less products and is customised based on skin condition, lifestyle and how much time you want to spend on doing make-up,” said global artistry trainer, Lisa Marie Ruggiero, who was in Bangkok for the opening of Hourglass counters in Paragon and The Emporium department stores.
“Our presence is growing rapidly not only in Southeast Asia but all over the world,” she said. “Here in Thailand, women gravitate towards our water- and sweat-proof formulas as they provide staying power in a hot and humid climate.”
Hourglass was founded in 2004 by Carisa Janes as a luxury cosmetics brand with a focus on active ingredients, modern design and functionality. Its success over the years attracted an acquisition by Unilever, which was big beauty news in 2017.
Like Janes, Ruggiero is an alumni of Parsons School of Design in New York City.
“I never went to beauty school, but doing make-up just comes easy to me. It’s like painting on a canvas, or sketching a design on paper but the medium instead is the face,” said the global artistry trainer. “There’s no rule to doing make- up and in using Hourglass products to enhance facial features, until what you see in the mirror makes you look and feel good.”
Lighting plays a big part in the appearance of the skin and Hourglass is best known for its Ambient Lighting Powders available in six shades, from the pale-yellow Diffused Light and pearly Champagne-coloured Luminous Light powders that respectively mimic soft morning light and an incandescent candlelit glow on the skin.
“We really wrote the book on recreating ideal light through proprietary Photoluminescent Technology. By manipulating and filtering out harsh light, the powders conceal imperfections and deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skin tone, for a glowing and younger-looking complexion,” she explained.
The light-emulating concept was inspired by pink light bulbs and lamps in the house of the founder, whose mother thought that such lighting casts a flattering effect on her skin.
The new talc-free Veil Translucent Setting Powder is infused with diamond powder for a refined light refraction without any flashback while its golden sifter and custom cap are designed for dispensing the right amount of powder, without making a mess.
Hourglass products are also free from parabens, sulphates and gluten, among other controversial ingredients.
Other best-sellers include multitasking Veil Mineral Primer that evens skin tone, blurs imperfections and creates a smooth surface for application of foundation while repelling water so that make-up appears fresh throughout the day.
The primer is one of the vegan products and in 2020, Hourglass aims to be a truly vegan besides being a cruelty-free brand.
“This is the way of the future for us in being a modern luxury brand, and we’re working on plant-based or other technologies to become 100% vegan,” she said.