In an industry saturated with brands, Carisa Janes is redefining luxury beauty and setting herself apart with an unwavering commitment to ethics and sustainability. Her journey into beauty began at her grandmother’s vanity, were she first experienced the transformative power of colors and textures. “I grew up with a passion for beauty and fashion,” Janes says, recalling how her fascination with beauty products began. These early experiences would lay the foundation for her pioneering brand, Hourglass Cosmetics.
Janes’s entrepreneurial drive is inspired by her father’s business acumen, sparking her dream to create a brand of her own. “My journey into the industry began at Urban Decay, where I was one of the first few employees,” she explains, recalling her tenure at the iconic indie brand that was a pioneer in clean beauty. This role offered invaluable sights into the beauty world and strengthened her passion for cosmetics. “It was at Urban Decay that I realized how impactful a brand could be—not just in product, but in shaping culture and inspiring consumers.” This experience ultimately led her to establish Hourglass, a brand with a purpose extending beyond beauty.
Hourglass products showcase Janes’s unique creative approach, drawing from many disciplines. “Art, music, fashion, and even people spark my creativity. I’ve always been drawn to brands and designers who redefine their industries,” she shares. Janes believes in the power of art to “unlock new ideas and perspectives,” and this focus on emotional resonance shapes Hourglass’s aesthetic—classic, sophisticated, yet bold.
Without formal mentors, Janes’s career has been influenced by enduring brands that remain relevant without skimping on values. “I most admire the brands that continue to stay relevant without compromising their integrity, even after decades,” she reflects. This philosophy of integrity defines her work at Hourglass, where innovation and ethics go hand in hand. Hourglass made headlines with its creation of Red 0, a vegan alternative to carmine—a red pigment typically derived from crushed insects. “Developing Red 0 was a labor of love and a representation of our commitment to creating ethical and innovative products,” she explains.
Janes’s approach to business blends vision with adaptability. She has a clear end goal but allows flexibility, relying on her team for support. “I can see the ending, but I rely on my team to help map out the path to get there,” she notes, reflecting her balanced leadership style. When launching new products, she combines instinct with consumer demand. “I start with a creative vision I’m passionate about, believing that if it resonates with me, it will resonate with others,” she says.
This instinct has driven Hourglass to push boundaries and seamlessly transition from idea to execution. Looking to the future, Janes is motivated to keep innovating. “I just want to keep going. As long as I have new ideas that excite me, it’s simple. It’s really just about enjoying the ride,” she shares. With an unwavering commitment to artistry and ethics, Carisa Janes is not only changing the beauty landscape but setting a new standard for creating with integrity and impact. Hourglass Cosmetics stands as a testament to her belief that luxury and ethics can coexist, shaping a more conscious future for beauty.
