Rare Beauty stands out for its affordability, complete vegan commitment, and inclusive shade range, making it accessible to a broader audience. Hourglass Cosmetics, while offering luxurious packaging and high-quality ingredients, comes at a higher price point and isn't fully vegan, which may deter some consumers. Both brands have strengths, but Rare Beauty's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity gives it a slight edge.
| Attribute | Hourglass Cosmetics | Rare Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Product Range | Foundation, concealer, skin tint, lip balm, lipstick, eyeshadow palettes, mascara, bronzer, primer, setting powder, blush, brushes | Foundations, concealers, liquid blushes, liquid luminizers (highlighters), brow pencils and gels, lipsticks, lip balms, primers, setting mists, tools and brushes, skincare, bath & body products, and fragrances. |
| Price Point | $20 to $73 | Affordable |
| Cruelty-Free Status | Certified cruelty-free by PETA | Certified cruelty-free by PETA's Global Beauty Without Bunnies and Leaping Bunny |
| Vegan Options Availability | Many products are vegan, but not 100%. Aiming to be 100% vegan | 100% vegan brand |
| Ingredient Quality and Safety | Excludes parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, GMOs, Triclosan, and nanoparticles from many products. Some products contain undisclosed fragrances, retinyl propionate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), phenoxyethanol, synthetic dyes, and titanium dioxide. | Thoughtfully formulated, thoroughly tested, and comply with worldwide regulations of quality and safety. Uses ethically sourced ingredients. |
| Skin Type Suitability | Veil Mineral Primer is oil-free (oily/acne-prone). Veil Hydrating Skin Tint contains plant-based squalane, hyaluronic acid, and meadowfoam seed oil (dry skin). | Suitable for sensitive skin |
| Longevity and Wear Time | Vanish Airbrush Concealer is crease-resistant and long-wearing. Ambient Lighting blushes may not last all day. Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick lasts 12 hours. | Soft Pinch Liquid Blush lasts up to 12 hours. Rare Eau de Parfum lasts for up to 12 hours. |
| Pigmentation and Color Payoff | Rich pigments and lightweight formulas. Ambient Lighting Powders flatter every skin tone. | Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is highly pigmented. |
| Packaging Quality and Design | Luxurious packaging with tactile 3D foil finishes. Moving towards sustainable aluminum packaging. | Emphasizes ease of use and accessibility, even for those with dexterity limitations. Sleek and pocket-sized for portability (fragrance layering balms). |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Refillable products (Curator Eyeshadow Palette). Recycled plastic and FSC-certified paper. Vegan alternatives to carmine. | Uses 100% recyclable boxes made from responsibly sourced, FSC-certified materials, and print with water-based ink. Uses recycled fiber for shipper boxes, welcome cards, and tissue, all bearing the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. |
| Shade Range Inclusivity | Criticism for not always being inclusive. Vanish Airbrush Concealer (32 colors). Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation (18 colors). | Inclusive shade ranges, offering 48 foundation shades. |
| Customer Service and Return Policy | Complimentary returns within 45 days with pre-paid shipping label. Refund to original payment method. Contact CS@hourglasscosmetics.co.uk for returns. | Contact customer service at 1-888-892-RARE (7273) Monday">–Friday, 7am–4pm PT, or via email at hello@rarebeauty.com. For U.S. orders, items returned within 30 days of purchase qualify for free return shipping. They also offer a 21-day return window from the delivery date. |