[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] It’s difficult to make a good red lipstick without using carmine – not impossible, but certainly not the easy option. Hourglass maintains its cruelty free status with this deeply saturated red using their own patented ingredient, Red O, which is the best name for an ingredient I’ve heard in a long time.

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Red O

I’m completely smitten with the beetle on the packaging – an insect on it, not in it. Formulated with vegan pigments, it’s punchy – and matte – so if you like a really strong lip, it’s for you.

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Red O

I really like the fact that it’s refillable (all Hourglass Confessions are) because I think once you’ve had this applicator you might never want another. I think I’d like to see a gold one too – in fact, this lends itself so well to a metallic finish that almost any colour would be amazing. Ooh, black!

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Red O

In terms of texture, I think I’d suggest you prep your lips well for this with some balm the night before. It’s not dry exactly but it is very matte – my lips always need some moisture pre-matte and for that reason I don’t often wear them but do like to test new textures. The red shade has brickish elements – it’s not a pillar box red exactly. It’s not necessarily a swipe and go – I think it needs a little consideration around what else you’d wear with it. I found it much easier to wear once I’d warmed my tone a bit with some creme bronzer and added a bit of mascara. But, I like it for that – it’s a dip back to times when lipstick was really special and formed part of a ‘face’ – mirror, dressing table, manoeuvre :-).

The swatch is one swipe! It’s really that saturated. At £39 it’s at the top end for lipstick but I actually thought it would be more. It’s very special – a limited edition – and HERE at SpaceNK.  Non-affiliate is HERE.

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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.