
Good
Hourglass
$32.00
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara by Hourglass earns an R3 Score of 7.7/10, rating "very good" among personal care products. Our research analyzed safety (8.0/10), efficacy (8.5/10), and value (6.5/10) using 1,000+ data points from peer-reviewed studies, regulatory databases, and real-world testing.
Common questions answered by our research team
Yes, Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara by Hourglass has good safety credentials with a Safety Score of 8.0/10 based on our analysis of ingredients, certifications, and regulatory compliance. Our research methodology evaluates potential toxicity, allergen risks, and safety testing data.
Source: Auto-generated from product data
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara has an R3 Score of 7.7/10. This score is calculated from three weighted factors: Safety (40%), Efficacy (30%), and Value (30%). Our methodology analyzes 1,000+ data points from peer-reviewed studies, FDA databases, and real-world testing.
Source: Auto-generated from product data
At $32.00, Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara has a Value Score of 6.5/10. While the product performs well in other areas, you may find better value alternatives in our personal care reviews.
Source: Auto-generated from product data
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara ranks well in our personal care category with an R3 Score of 7.7/10. View our full Personal Care rankings to see how it compares to alternatives on safety, efficacy, and value.
Source: Auto-generated from product data
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara is manufactured by Hourglass. At Raised on Research, we independently evaluate all products regardless of brand reputation, focusing solely on scientific evidence and real-world performance data.
Source: Auto-generated from product data
Last updated: November 26, 2025
Overall
Safety
Efficacy
Value
Luxury tubing mascara that lengthens without clumping. Removes with warm water, no harsh makeup remover needed.
Calculated using category-specific weights for personal care products.
Ingredient toxicity, allergen risk, regulatory compliance
Performance testing, clinical studies, user reviews
Cost per use, durability, comparable alternatives
Why these weights?
Personal care products balance safety (40%) with effectiveness (30%) and value (30%) for daily-use items.
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.
Evidence supporting our analysis
EWG rates mascara ingredients for eye safety, noting parabens and fragrance as common concerns.
EWG→EWG Skin Deep: Mascara SafetyCIR reviews cosmetic ingredients for safety, including those used in eye area products.
Cir→Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Eye Makeup SafetyWater-based, fragrance-free cosmetics recommended for contact lens wearers to minimize irritation.
PubMed→Contact Lens and CosmeticsLeaping Bunny certifies products and companies as cruelty-free with no animal testing at any production stage.
Leapingbunny→Leaping Bunny CertificationNo similar products from Hourglass found
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