Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm is three products folded into one stick: the nourishment of a balm, the visible plumping of a volumiser, and the wet shine of a gloss. It carries real colour too, finished with a dewy, high-shine surface.

There is also a cooling hit on application — a deliberate part of the formula rather than a side effect.

What it actually does

• Does three jobs at once. Hourglass describes it as nourishing and hydrating like a balm, visibly plumping for fuller-looking lips, and finishing with gloss-level shine.
• Cools on contact. Menthyl lactate provides the immediate cooling sensation, per the brand.
• Conditions with oils and emollients. The brand's Conditioning Complex is a blend of emollients and oils credited with nourishing, conditioning and hydrating the lips.
• Smooths quickly. Hourglass says lips look smoother almost immediately and feel conditioned, with cushiony colour that glides on for comfortable wear.
• Brand consumer results. Hourglass reports 100% saying lips felt instantly hydrated, 96% saying lips looked plumped all day, and 96% saying lips looked smoother all day. Self-reported figures from the brand; results vary by person.
• Formula callouts. Free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates SLS and SLES, with under one percent synthetic fragrance. Listed as vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free.
• Award. The brand notes it as an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

How to use

1. Twist the base a small amount to push out the product you need.
2. Do not over-twist — the pen does not retract, so anything you dispense stays dispensed.
3. Apply across the lips, and add a second layer if you want deeper colour.

Is it right for you?

Questions

Why does it feel cold on my lips?

That is menthyl lactate, included specifically to deliver an immediate cooling sensation. It is part of the intended experience.

Can I twist the product back into the tube?

No — the brand is explicit that the pen does not retract. Dispense small amounts at a time so none goes to waste.

Is it a gloss or a balm?

Hourglass formulates it as a hybrid of both, plus a volumiser. It conditions like a balm, plumps, and leaves the kind of shine you would expect from a gloss.

How do I get more colour out of it?

Apply a second layer. The brand's own instruction for more intense colour is simply to go over the lips again.

How long does delivery take, and how can I pay?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. Payment is by credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets — no cash on delivery.

What is the return policy?

Defective, damaged or expired items only, reported within 1 day of delivery. Approved refunds reach the original payment method within 15–30 days.