Meet The Visionary Founder Behind Hourglass Cosmetics

My journey into beauty wasn’t linear. I initially thought I’d work in fashion – I studied design and marketing at Parsons – but I’ve had an interest in beauty for as long as I can remember. My first job was at Urban Decay, and I also consulted for several brands, which planted the seed for what would eventually become my own company, Hourglass Cosmetics. It was very clear to me what was missing in beauty, so I created a modern, purpose-driven brand with a focus on beautiful, high-performance, and innovative cruelty-free products.

I launched Hourglass with a full collection. My first hero product was Veil Fluid Makeup, which stemmed from my desire to find an oil-free, full-coverage foundation with SPF and added skincare benefits. The result was a foundation that offers exceptional performance while enhancing the natural texture of the skin. It was formulated using skincare-grade ingredients and cutting-edge innovation, and it embodied the philosophy that would guide every Hourglass creation to follow – uncompromising quality, high performance formulas and an innovative approach to beauty.

Design has always had a huge influence on me. I’m inspired by art, architecture and fashion – all of which shape how our products look and feel. I want people to love using Hourglass products not just for how they perform, but also for the experience of holding them in their hands.

Cruelty-free has never been a marketing angle – it’s who we are. I’ve loved animals my entire life, and we are proud to be a longstanding partner of the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) to support the organisation’s mission to secure fundamental rights for animals. In addition to donating 5% of net profits from the Unlocked franchise to NhRP, we have also pledged 1% of annual net profits from HourglassCosmetics.com to the cause. Becoming a fully vegan brand in 2020 was a natural progression of our values. Previously, most of the Hourglass collection was vegan, but new technological advancements enabled us to develop groundbreaking, high performance formulations without any animal-derived ingredients. This shift not only aligned with our ethical principles but also reaffirmed our belief that luxury should never come at the price of compassion.

Today, some of our bestselling products are also the ones that best represent our philosophy. The Vanish Airbrush Concealer sells every ten seconds* – a testament to the incredible formulation of the full coverage, waterproof concealer that blurs and conceals for up to 16 hours. The Veil Hydrating Skin Tint is another fan favourite, especially for that fresh, hydrated, dewy finish. These essential complexion heroes are the cornerstones of the signature lit-from-within Hourglass glow. Then there’s our Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm — it’s a three-in-one hybrid that hydrates, plumps and delivers serious shine in 20 shades. In addition to delivering results, these products also stand for something greater, and that emotional connection has been key in resonating with our consumers.

Inspiration strikes in both the extraordinary and the everyday. Art and design, architecture, fashion, travel and culture all influence our design and formulation. I also draw inspiration from women, their stories, routines and rituals. I think about how our products can become an empowering part of their day, something that enhances not only their appearance but their confidence and conviction as they get ready to accomplish the goals they set out to achieve. When I am in New York, I love to spend my weekends walking around the city discovering art galleries, new stores, and cafes. I work out three to four days a week. However, I can’t say my life is balanced – but I love my work, and I feel happy and inspired, which drives me to continue. There will be a time to find more balance but it’s not now.

Red 0 was a turning point for us. It’s a vegan alternative to carmine, which is traditionally made from crushed insects, and developing it was a labour of love. Seeing it named Time magazine’s ‘Innovation of the Year’ and being recognised by Fast Company as one of the most innovative beauty brands was a career highlight and incredibly validating. Last year, Hourglass also celebrated its 20th anniversary. I wanted to take the opportunity to pay homage to where we got our start, Barneys New York. We partnered with former Barneys fashion director, Julie Gilhaart, and former Barneys visual director, Simon Doonan, the CFDA, and more than 45 designers, including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, and Willy Chavarria. We brought Barneys New York back for a limited time in the form of a pop-up shop at 14 Prince Street.

My routine is minimal but intentional. I start with our Equilibrium skincare – the Rebalancing Cream Cleanser, Resurfacing Retinoid and Hydrating Cream. Our Equilibrium products are infused with Amnio Youth Lipids and hydrating oils for a healthy, balanced glow. For make-up, I use the Veil Mineral Primer, Vanish Airbrush Concealer, Veil Skin Tint and the Ambient Lighting Edit Palette for that signature lit-from-within glow. I finish with Unlocked Mascara and Phantom Glossy Balm. Hair-wise, I love the K18 Repair Mask or OUAI Leave-In Conditioner, and a spritz of Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Texture Mist.

The Middle East has such a rich and expressive beauty culture. There’s an innate appreciation for artistry, luxury, and bold self-expression but also an increasing demand for authenticity and ethical consciousness. This blend of tradition and modernity inspires us to develop products that are visually striking, sensorially luxurious, and purpose driven. It’s an incredibly exciting dialogue between brand and consumer. Looking ahead, we’re growing the Hourglass eye collection, and I’m so excited for what’s coming in the second half of this year. Today, Hourglass is available in 32 countries and we have exciting plans for the brand to continue to drive luxury innovation and global growth, especially in the Middle East. Expanding into the Middle East feels especially meaningful – it’s a region that shares our values of beauty, artistry and purpose. We’re just getting started.

To anyone starting their own beauty brand, my advice is simple: find the gap. Look at what’s missing and create with authenticity. That’s where your value will lie.

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*Based on 2024 Global Retail Sales