We tried Hourglass’s new vegan, carmine-free red lipstick – here’s what we thought

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What’s in it?

The formula is made using a patent-pending vegan replacement for carmine which has gone through a rigorous development process.

According to the brand, it’s taken 175 colour experiments, 26 pigment combinations and 19 formulations over three years to create.

It’s a mission that’s reflected in the packaging too, which is a super slim, pointed bullet with a beetle decoration that represents the insect not being in the ingredients list.

The colour is described as a true red – a vibrant shade that’s rich in pigment with a bold hue.

How does it feel?

The packaging is as luxurious as you would expect from the hefty price tag of £39. It’s super slim in shape with a rounded bullet as opposed to a more usual point.

As the lipstick itself is so narrow, it does require a very steady hand for precise application, especially on the corners of your mouth and at the cupid’s bow.

The long applicator comes in handy as it means you don’t need to worry about accidentally smudging it with your knuckle or the tips of your finger.

Upon first look we thought it’d be a matte finish, but it’s actually more satin-like, with a very smooth, creamy and not-sticky texture.

Take your time applying it, however, as the colour is so richly pigmented that one coat is more than enough for a bold, high-impact look.

You can always tidy up any smears with a cotton bud or dab of carefully blended concealer, however.

Does it last?

Creamier textures often feel more comfortable than matte or gloss, but are more subject to transfer onto cutlery, glasses, mugs of tea and cheeks.

We were impressed that this lipstick stayed put all afternoon, through three cups of tea and dinner, without budging one bit. If you are going to eat, we would recommend blotting just to be on the safe side, but there was almost zero transfer and we didn’t need to touch up.

The colour faded ever so slightly, but it was still an even shade across our lips and we can foresee this holding up well on post-lockdown nights out.

Bold red shades can be hard to pull off as they can leave your lips looking overloaded with product, dry, and messy if not applied evenly, but this managed to feel lightweight with great colour payoff and a long-lasting formula.

While you wouldn’t guess it from the look of the lavish packaging, it’s refillable too, just like the rest of Hourglass’s lipsticks. Simply pull firmly on the black bullet and it pops out. You can replace it with a less-expensive refill (£22, Hourglasscosmetics.co.uk).

The verdict

If you have a bigger budget to spare and are on the hunt for a new favourite red lip product, we couldn’t recommend the Hourglass confession lipstick more. It feels no different to our usual red lipsticks, lasts incredibly well and is rich in pigment – essential for an even application of any bold colour.

The refillable aspect is expected from Hourglass, and it goes to show you don’t have to scrimp on luxury for your make-up to also be eco-friendly.

The packaging is undoubtedly appealing too, fitting compactly into any pocket or handbag – perfect as colours like this one often require touch-ups after eating – and reflecting the high price tag with its glossy chrome finish and insect detailing.