The Ferarri of Lip Glosses: Hourglass Extreme Sheen in Primal

Meet the most expensive gloss I own. At RM100, it even trumps Naked Man Gloss for price. Touted as THE gloss favoured by Angelina Jolie of the very-famous-lips, promised as long-lasting and waterproof, this baby has a lot to live up to besides its hefty price tag. So, how did it do?

Packaging

The tube is lux, substantial and very posh. The antique bronze shade is also very classy without being in the least old fashioned. I also love the brush as it's perfect for precisely applying gloss evenly. Having said that, they could provide a better insert - see how much gloss is on the wand? A good insert would keep the wand clean and provide just the right amount of gloss on the brush so it doesn't drip. Stage's Glosses are great in this respect, but the absolute best design in this regard goes to the Naked Man Gloss (all applaud Urban Decay!)

Formula & Flavour
The formula is that coveted thick formula that once on, clings to your lips and NOTHING else. It formes a smooth glossy layer that isn't sticky in the least, but lasts very well. I would say in terms of lasting power it matches Clinique's Long Last 8 Hour SPF15 gloss. But, as this gloss disappears, it lays down pigment that can actually get more intense over the day. I find myself topping with just lipbalm around teatime.

Promising to be waterproof (but not "dry finger-proof" as make-up artist Michael protested), you'll find it will last through delicate food like sandwhichs and hors d'ouvers. It doesn't quite stand up to greasy Malaysian food though. Darn..

The gloss contains coconut oil and vanilla essence making it very moisturinsing. However, I'm not crazy about this gourmand scent even though it's natural. It can be a little heady on a hot day or when I'm full. But I don't hate it either. So while I can do without it doesn't turn my stomach (thank God!)

And for the all-natural gals among us. I think this critter and vegan loving baby may qualify!

Ingredients
(From Sephora)
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

Ocytldodecanol, Polybutene, Isocetyl Stearate, Ethyl Cellulose, Isostearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Dilinoleyl Alcohol, Frarance (Parfum), Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Silica May Contain: Mica (Ci 77019), Titanium Dioxide (C I 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Carmine (Ci 75470), Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140).

Shade
Don't you just LOVE the name, Primal? I do. *purrrs*

But for the less linguaphilic among us, Primal is a truly unique and versatile shade. If I had to splurge on a gloss I'm darned glad it comes in a unique shade that's glossy, classy, shimmery, natural and when layered, vamp!

It's even both cool...


And warm...
Don't ask me how it goes with everything but it does.

It perks up my complexion when I'm tired, and at the end of the day if I really layer it on it turns red and glamorous. But throughout the day if I want to I can keep it sheer and natural.

I love it so much you can see how much the tube has depleted! *eep*

Conclusion
Am I happy with it? Yes! Thank heavens! Would I buy another? Ah... honestly I don't know. I love it, but I do believe comparable glosses can be found. Still the next time I'm in Singapore and feeling streseed - who knows? It does give me a kick to use it everytime I pull it out.

Singapore Confessions & a look at Hourglass Cosmetics

It is shocking, truly shocking the amount of financial damage you can do when you're stressed. One working day-trip to Singapore (for an F1 event), one mall (Takashimaya), two shops (Watsons & Sephora), and 1.5 hours makes for SGD$100 in damages. Ouch.

Watsons (Damage ~SGD$60)
1. 2 Nivea Pink Grapefruit Balms - $6.50 for 2
2. 2 Clean & Clear Pink Grapefruit Blotters - $10 for 2
3. Clean & Clear Powder Blotters LE - $6.50
4. 2 Insolia Shoe Inserts - $13.50 each
5. Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Balm in Mint - ~$5
6. Nexcare Microfibre Face Towel - ~$5
7. Juice Organics Lip Plumping Gloss (Free Sample Kit) - $10

Sephora (Damage - $42)

I had decided to spend SGD$100 on myself (and not buying anymore cosmetics for the rest of the month) and so after Watsons I went into Sephora to see what I could snag for that price and wandered right into the clutches of Hourglass Cosmetics makeup artist, Michael Pierce who was in Singapore just for that weekend to promote the new counter in Sephora, Singapore.

Michael proved truly lovely and I suspect he was rather grateful to find someone who had heard of Hourglass cosmetics - and heard great things. I was wavering over their expensive but legendary gloss, Extreme Sheen when he swayed me by loading me down with samples to try and a full-sized eyeliner that was about the same price as the gloss - $42.

Yes that's my justfication for going crazy and splurging RM100 on one gloss. I've never done this before. Even the naked man gloss wasn't this pricey. But it IS a really nice gloss and Angelina Jolie loves it. And if it's good enough for Angie's pout...

*cough*

Now about Hourglass cosmetics, it's a high-priced line with a select range of cosmetics that are high quality. No MAC-style releases with this line. All shades are very flattering, all formulas are cutting edge and sophisticated, and each capsule collection is designed to make you look pretty, not arty. Packaging is lush, solid and very very pretty. Founded by Carissa Jane, the line is cruelty free and packed with natural ingredients so the makeup almost amounts to skincare. I can't wait to review the goodies I've got! I've already cracked open the gloss (of course) and liner and love them both to bits. Pity I'll very probably never be able to afford them again. *sighs*

On the plus side, even though the prices are high the prices in Singapore are much the same as the prices in the US. None of us like paying the huge markups lines like Benefit, Smashbox, and Clinque exact from their Asian consumers. So at least you're paying a fair price.

Standby for reviews!