I firmly believe you’re either a lipstick lover or you cannot stand it. I sit in the latter. Lipstick is just a bit high-maintenance for me. I always look a little too “done” wearing it, most formulas dry out and irritate my lips (both my mum and grandma are both allergic to most lipsticks, and I suspect I’m somewhat sensitive to them too) and I really just can’t be doing with the upkeep either—I’m always that person who has lipstick on their teeth.
But, while lip oils and lip balms have a special place in my makeup bag, sometimes I want something with a little more pigment, but still non-committal. I want to swipe on and go. I want it to hydrate and plump. And most importantly, it needs minimal upkeep—I’ve got things to do. And being a beauty magpie, I want something chic that I can slip out of my bag throughout the day—something I know one of my favourite makeup brands, Hourglass, can deliver on.
So, when the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm (£36) entered my life, I officially kissed lipstick goodbye—and I’ve not looked back since. I’m now the proud owner of eight different shades, and I’m here to tell you why you need to try them too if you haven’t yet. This is my love letter to the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balms.
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Review
Eleanor wearing Hourglass Phantom Glossy Balm in shade Trace
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Shades: 20
Finish: Glossy, plumping and hydrating sheer pigment with zero stickiness
The Formula
These pigmented balms have the most luxurious, sensorial application I’ve ever tried. Coming in a twist-up bullet, it looks like a lipstick, but on contact with your lips you’re met with a melting texture that imparts the glossiest, juiciest lacquer. They’re buttery soft and leave my lips looking plump and feeling hydrated.
As for the formula, it’s the hydration and feel of a lip balm, the mirror-shine of a lip gloss and the pigment of a sheer, satiny lipstick. I love pairing these with a lip liner as an everyday lip combo. And the beauty of them is that you can wear them as sheer tint, or, apply a second layer for more intensity and opacity.
We have to talk about the packaging too. These feel so luxe to use. The gold packaging looks and feels expensive, and the lipstick twists up with a satisfyingly quiet click. Of course, with these being a gloss formula, they do need topping up after eating and drinking, but when they look and feel this good to apply, do you really mind? It’s a little luxurious moment.
The Shades
I love these glossy balms so much, that I’ve collected quite a few shades now. Scroll on ahead to see swatches of the shades I love.
Trace
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Trace
Trace is a sheer, warm beige that’s perfect for everyday—the perfect neutral tone.
Mist
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Mist
Mist is a sheer pale pink. It’s the first shade I ever owned (and a favourite amongst the Who What Wear UK editorial team) and I reach for it a lot.
Secret
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Secret
Secret has a beautiful pearlescent finish (you’ll notice the subtle gold sparkles) within a deep rosy hue.
Wander
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Wander
Wander has become a new favourite, which is a pretty peachy-pink with gold and silver sparkles. I’ll be reaching for this a lot over summer.
Rise
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Rise
Rise is a seriously wearable cool-toned beige that I’m wearing on repeat right now.
Invite
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Invite
When I want drama, I reach for invite. It’s a deep, rosy brown with gold sparkles that I’ve been reaching for during evening outings.
Slip
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Slip
Slip is the prettiest rose hue, and I find this particular shade is really pigmented too.
Red
Hourglass
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Red
Hourglass is renowned for its vegan formulas and traditionally, to create a red lipstick colour you have to use carmine, a pigment that derives from insects. However, Hourglass pioneered the first vegan replacement for carmine. Red is the perfect sheer red that’s so wearable.