It has been two years since Hourglass launched the amazing Caution Extreme Lash Mascara and for me and many others, that was a huge hit so when I heard the news that a new one was coming, I was very excited. I love Hourglass and class them as one of my favourite all brands as I think they have some key players in their line such as their powders, the palettes, concealer, lipsticks and brow products. 

I am such a mascara lover as lashes are certainly 'ma thing' yet there are only a select few that I truly love.  I love trying new ones of course I do, but I do always fall back into ByTerry Lash Expert (my no1) Lancome, Charlotte Tilbury and Hourglass Caution. 

When it comes to lashes we all have our own take on what we like as a lot depends on what mother nature blessed us with to start. Lash enhancing serums work wonders to help us get longer lashes so the mascara has a lot to do. My own lashes are very fine and fair so I am always tinting, using lash serums etc to make them extra. Hence mascara would be a desert island item for sure as they bring my face to life! Don't lashes just make you feel girly and nice? This is exactly why the lash business is booming. 

So Hourglass is here to 'Unlock our lashes' ... cute name right?

Hourglass Unlocked Mascara

HOURGLASS Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara | £29/ €32 shop here

Designed to give you the look of lash extensions with more definition, more lift and more length to transform lashes using film-forming technology. It coats each lash in lightweight fibres that lock in place for a high-impact, fanned-out finish and smudge-proof wear.  

So this is, in fact, a tubing mascara; this means it coats your lashes in a  'tube' that won't budge or smudge, yet will remove using just warm water! This means it is less likely to smudge, or imprint on your eyelid yet will last on the lashes. Just remember it will come off with warm water so they aren't waterproof but great for those who are super sensitive and struggle with eye makeup and cleansing removers too. 

To remove, simply splash warm water onto your eyes and use your fingers to slide mascara tubes from the lashes.

Features

- Gives the look of lash extensions
- Instant payoff
- Intense length, lift and definition
- Film-forming technology
- Smudge-proof
- Moulded brush targets every lash
- Removes easily with warm water
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Vegan and cruelty-free

Formulated Without

- Gluten
- Mineral Oil
- Parabens
- Phthalate
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrance
- Talc
- Not tested on animals, Hourglass is a cruelty-free brand!

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

I have not used too many tubing mascaras myself but I know they are very popular so good ones are always high in demand. 

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

The Wand / How To Apply

The brush is rubber and bends to allow you to get into the root and the small spikes really grab every lash. Hourglass recommends starting at the base of the lashes and pulling the brush straight through from root to tip. One application provides an instant effect, but additional coats add intense definition, length and lift.

I would make sure you curl your eyelashes beforehand to get the maximum effect and they should hold up. 

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

I have to take a moment to say how stunning the packaging is complete with the Hourglass H and Cruelty-Free symbol on the back of the tube. The golden tube is nice and weighty which really helps with the application and just feels the ultimate in luxury beauty. 

Below is two coats applied to my lashes .... 

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

My Thoughts

The formula is nice and fluid and will not budge or smudge. It is a lovely glossy black so it does give that real extended lash look. Just be careful when applying as it may imprint if you have longer lashes but it wipes off so easily. The staying power will definitely last a long hot summers day or a night out for sure with no fallout.

The wand is flexible yet weighted which really helps you to grab every lash perfectly so that you really do get that defined lash look, just like extensions, and they will still feel nice and not go hard and crunchy. The wand really helps to lift the lashes and fan them out so it will open your eyes beautifully. Removing it is so easy so you could soak a flannel or a cotton pad and just wipe away with warm water. You can even twist through your fingers and it will slide off and dont fret, you won't pull your lashes out as it's that gentle! You will instantly notice how it removes so differently compared to a normal mascara as you'll see the little tubes all fall off. Ideal if you have sensitive eyes or you rub them a lot. 

I will say this is the nicest tubing mascara I have tried to date and definitely the most luxurious one. This is definitely a mascara for length rather than volume and sets fast as tubing mascaras don't generally build up too well. I did struggle at first to build this up without it looking cakey so my advice here is to add your second coat right before it has fully set to keep the definition yet add some more depth and avoid it looking messy. This I found out after a few uses so you may need to play around. 

I do personally prefer a mascara that gives me more volume than this one does so if that's you too then maybe opt for the Hourglass Caution Mascara (review here) but this will surely give you luscious extended lashes! It hasn't taken over from my holy grail No1 (ByTerry Lash Expert) but it's a top one to spend your money on should you want all these tubing lash benefits and Hourglass is always a wise brand choice in general too!  


Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Kelly xx