Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara

Brand: Hourglass Category: Personal Care

Hourglass Unlocked is a "tubing" mascara—instead of coating lashes with pigment that smudges, it forms tiny tubes around each lash that slide off with warm water. The result: dramatic length that doesn't flake, smudge, or require makeup remover. It's become a cult favorite for its staying power and easy removal.

Hourglass is a prestige brand known for cruelty-free, vegan formulas—a rarity in luxury cosmetics.

Hourglass formulas are vegan and cruelty-free. Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance. The tubing technology means fewer harsh preservatives needed since it doesn't rely on traditional waxes.

Concerns addressed: Ophthalmologist-tested. Safe for contact lens wearers. Safe for sensitive eyes. Vegan and cruelty-free certified.

Tubing mascaras excel at length and definition without clumps. The tubes wrap around each lash individually, creating a dramatic, separated look. Staying power is excellent—no raccoon eyes or smudging throughout the day.

The trade-off: tubing mascaras typically don't volumize as much as traditional formulas. If you want dramatic thickness, this isn't your mascara. For length and definition, it's exceptional.

At $29-34, Hourglass is firmly in the luxury category. Drugstore mascaras ($8-15) perform adequately. The question is whether easy removal, no smudging, and cleaner ingredients are worth 2-3x the price.

Cost per month: ~$10-15 (assuming 3-month life) Comparable alternatives: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions ($25, also tubing), L'Oreal Double Extend ($14, tubing), Maybelline Lash Sensational ($10, traditional)

Hourglass Unlocked is a premium mascara for people who prioritize clean removal, no smudging, and defined length. If you've struggled with mascara smudging or hate using makeup remover, the tubing formula is worth trying. For dramatic volume, look elsewhere.

Best for: Sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, those who hate raccoon eyes, easy removal fans, length over volume seekers, vegan/cruelty-free requirement.

Skip if: You want dramatic volume, budget is tight, or you prefer dramatic "false lash" looks.

Brand: Hourglass Category: Personal Care

Hourglass Unlocked is a "tubing" mascara—instead of coating lashes with pigment that smudges, it forms tiny tubes around each lash that slide off with warm water. The result: dramatic length that doesn't flake, smudge, or require makeup remover. It's become a cult favorite for its staying power and easy removal.

Hourglass is a prestige brand known for cruelty-free, vegan formulas—a rarity in luxury cosmetics.

Hourglass formulas are vegan and cruelty-free. Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance. The tubing technology means fewer harsh preservatives needed since it doesn't rely on traditional waxes.

Concerns addressed: Ophthalmologist-tested. Safe for contact lens wearers. Safe for sensitive eyes. Vegan and cruelty-free certified.

Tubing mascaras excel at length and definition without clumps. The tubes wrap around each lash individually, creating a dramatic, separated look. Staying power is excellent—no raccoon eyes or smudging throughout the day.

The trade-off: tubing mascaras typically don't volumize as much as traditional formulas. If you want dramatic thickness, this isn't your mascara. For length and definition, it's exceptional.

At $29-34, Hourglass is firmly in the luxury category. Drugstore mascaras ($8-15) perform adequately. The question is whether easy removal, no smudging, and cleaner ingredients are worth 2-3x the price.

Cost per month: ~$10-15 (assuming 3-month life) Comparable alternatives: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions ($25, also tubing), L'Oreal Double Extend ($14, tubing), Maybelline Lash Sensational ($10, traditional)

Hourglass Unlocked is a premium mascara for people who prioritize clean removal, no smudging, and defined length. If you've struggled with mascara smudging or hate using makeup remover, the tubing formula is worth trying. For dramatic volume, look elsewhere.

Best for: Sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, those who hate raccoon eyes, easy removal fans, length over volume seekers, vegan/cruelty-free requirement.

Skip if: You want dramatic volume, budget is tight, or you prefer dramatic "false lash" looks.