Hourglass Cosmetics: Who Owns and Where to Buy
Introduction
Hourglass Cosmetics has emerged as a powerhouse in the luxury beauty market, gaining attention for its high-performance products, cruelty-free ethos, and stunning packaging. The brand has cultivated a loyal global customer base and is famous for its innovation and for setting trends in clean beauty . Whether you're curious about who owns the brand or where you can get your hands on their signature products, understanding Hourglass Cosmetics involves more than just looking at lipstick and foundation. There's a story behind its ownership, a strategy behind its growth, and a reputation built on unique ingredients—including titanium dioxide, often used in its sunscreens and powders.
Hourglass Cosmetics: Who Owns and Where to Buy explores the brand’s identity, ownership, and availability. We’ll uncover its roots, explore the companies behind its operations, and show you exactly where to find genuine Hourglass products online and in-store.
This article which is about Hourglass Cosmetics begins with the story of the brand itself. Built on the foundation of cruelty-free luxury, Hourglass Cosmetics was established in 2004 by beauty entrepreneur Carisa Janes.
From the beginning, the brand set itself apart with its sleek metallic packaging, skincare-infused formulas, and commitment to innovation. It quickly gained a reputation for products that blend science and artistry—especially in complexion-enhancing formulas like the Veil Mineral Primer and Ambient Lighting Powders.
One of Hourglass’s standout features is its use of advanced ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide plays a major role in many of its products due to its sun protection and skin-smoothing qualities, particularly in setting powders and liquid foundations. Despite being a common cosmetic ingredient, Hourglass manages to refine its usage into lightweight, non-chalky formulations, appealing even to those with sensitive skin.
Hourglass is also known for its vocal stance against animal testing. It became one of the first prestige brands to commit to going completely vegan, a move that resonated strongly with environmentally conscious and ethically minded consumers. Its branding blends modern luxury with substance—an increasingly rare feat in the highly competitive beauty industry.
Who Owns Hourglass Cosmetics
Hourglass Cosmetics: Who Owns and Where to Buy leads us into the ownership story, which reveals some interesting corporate connections. Initially an independent brand under Carisa Janes, Hourglass quickly captured the attention of major beauty conglomerates due to its rapid success and unique market position. In 2017, Unilever acquired Hourglass Cosmetics, incorporating it into its growing prestige beauty portfolio.
Known for owning many household brands across food, personal care sectors and hygiene, Unilever is a global consumer goods giant. With the acquisition of Hourglass, Unilever made a clear statement about its commitment to expanding into cruelty-free and premium beauty products. While Hourglass continues to operate with a degree of creative independence, the backing of Unilever has allowed the brand to expand globally and increase production capabilities.
The acquisition didn’t change the brand’s core values. In fact, it amplified its reach while maintaining its vegan promise. Carisa Janes remains involved in product development and brand direction, ensuring continuity. The financial muscle of Unilever has helped Hourglass enter more international markets and has supported research and innovation, particularly in refining formulas that include elements like titanium dioxide for better skin compatibility and performance.
Where to Buy Hourglass Cosmetics
Hourglass Cosmetics: Who Owns and Where to Buy wouldn’t be complete without a guide on where to purchase their acclaimed products. Hourglass is available through a variety of trusted channels—both online and in physical retail stores—making it easy for consumers to access no matter where they are.
Globally, Sephora is the brand’s most prominent retail partner. Nearly all Sephora outlets carry Hourglass, both in-store and online. Sephora's online platform often features exclusive sets and first-access launches from the brand. Similarly, you can find Hourglass products at department stores like Nordstrom, Harrods, and Mecca depending on your region.
The brand’s official website, hourglasscosmetics.com, is also a trusted source. It not only offers the full product range but also features exclusive bundles, limited-edition launches, and early access to new collections. This is particularly useful if you're seeking special products formulated with titanium dioxide for sun protection or luminous skin effects.
E-commerce giants like Amazon and Cult Beauty stock Hourglass as well, though shoppers should exercise caution and ensure products are sold directly by the brand or verified retailers to avoid counterfeits.
One unique point of difference with Hourglass is their emphasis on in-store experience. Many counters provide consultations to help match skin tones accurately—especially useful for foundations and powders that include sun-protective ingredients like titanium dioxide.
Conclusion
The journey through Hourglass Cosmetics: Who Owns and Where to Buy unveils a luxury brand that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful. Hourglass has carved out a niche by combining high-end performance with ethical practices, all while staying committed to scientific innovation. Whether it's their inclusion of safe, effective ingredients like titanium dioxide, or their refusal to compromise on cruelty-free values, the brand stands as a model of modern beauty.
Backed by the powerhouse Unilever yet still led creatively by its founder, Hourglass maintains its distinct identity in an increasingly crowded marketplace. From Sephora shelves to the official website, purchasing genuine Hourglass products is easy and convenient. With its global expansion continuing and product innovation on the rise, Hourglass is poised to remain a leader in ethical, luxury beauty.
Whether you're a skincare-savvy consumer or a makeup minimalist, Hourglass offers something exceptional—products that don’t just look good but also do good.