Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Cosmetics is a luxury beauty brand widely recognized for its high-performance formulas, elegant packaging, and commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004 by beauty industry veteran Carisa Janes in Venice, California, the brand launched with a focus on bridging clinical ingredients with luxury aesthetics. Its early success was bolstered by its flagship product, the Veil Fluid Makeup, which gained legendary status after reportedly being used on high-profile film sets.

Over the years, the brand has remained at the forefront of innovation, notably with its Ambient Lighting collection and its successful transition to becoming a 100% vegan brand in 2020. This commitment to cruelty-free luxury has become a defining pillar of its identity. While the brand is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, its products are manufactured across premium facilities in the United States, Italy, and South Korea to ensure high-quality production standards.

In 2017, Hourglass was acquired by the global consumer goods giant Unilever as part of its 'Prestige Beauty' division. Under Unilever's ownership, the brand has significantly expanded its international footprint, operating in over 30 countries. As of 2026, the brand continues to operate as a key subsidiary of Unilever, with founder Carisa Janes maintaining an active role while also pursuing independent ventures in the beauty and wellness space.