Hourglass Holiday 2026 has launched with four new limited-edition palettes, matching dual-ended brushes along with a few beautiful sets.
There are three Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked palettes available at all retailers Hope, Wish and Luck ($98 each, Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty & Sephora) and one that is a Sephora exclusive called Love ($98).
By this point I’ve collected so many palettes over the years, doing my usual side by side comparisons seems overwhelming. There are definitely repeats and similarities. While I usually don’t call these must-haves, I really love them and I do think they are worth the splurge. I bring 1-2 with me on every trip even if it’s a mini staycation! Having everything in one palette is so convenient for me.
According to Hourglass there are 18 news shades across the 4 palettes. First is a look at the 3 palettes more widely available at all retailers: Wish, Hope and Luck.
Wish Palette
The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Wish is this year’s lightest variation. This is still pigmented enough to show up on my tan skin and I think this is my favorite for the most natural look. See it in action here.
Shades included:
- Diffused Light Finishing Powder
- Moonstone Glow Highlighter
- Ethereal Bronze Bronzer
- Mauve Flush Blush
- Pink Aura Blush
- Desert Rose Blush
Hope Palette
The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Hope Palette is a medium toned palette but I still think it could work for light/fair skintones. For some reason this one looked the most similar to past seasons so I didn’t expect to really love it. However after trying it, I was really surprised how much I like it. Based on your feedback from my demo here, most of you said this was the better option on me. See it in action here.
Shades included:
- Soft Light Finishing Powder
- Brilliant Pink Blush
- Soft Rosewood Blush
- Luminous Opal Highlighter
- Rose Quartz Blush
- Sunlit Bronze Bronzer
Luck Palette
The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Luck Palette is the darkest variation. This one is definitely too dark for my skin tone, but the shades are still really beautiful. I did try this one with a lighter hand but the shades still pull a little too dark for me.
Shades included:
- Radiant Mauve Blush
- Topaz Glow Highlighter
- Orchid Flush Blush
- Eternal Light Finishing Powder
- Soft Dahlia Blush
- Velvet Bronze Bronzer
Love Palette (Sephora exclusive)
I ordered the Love Palette from Sephora after I purchased the others and I’m glad I did because this one is hands down my favorite. It’s currently sold out at Sephora (sold out SO fast!) and I really hope they restock it.
You can see a mini demo here.
- Vivid Coral Blush
- Rose Gold Glow Highlighter
- Natural Bronze Bronzer
- Electric Pink Blush
- Dim Light Finishing Powder
- Rose Heat Blush
Brushes & Sets
This holiday Hourglass has a Travel Brush Set ($184) and a Best Sellers Set ($295). They also have their limited-edition Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II ($56 for a double ended angled style).
I have mixed feelings about the dual ended brushes. This year’s Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II is absolutely beautiful but the design is the same as 2025. It’s a well made brush for sure but the brush is on the more dense side. For powder cheek products I prefer something a little more fluffy. I bought one to try and I love the details but don’t think it’s a must-have.
I did splurge on the 2026 Travel Brush Set as I used and loved the 2025 version. The brushes are the same except for one. This year they included the angled cheek brush which I think is better than last year’s version. At $184 it is incredibly steep but I have used my set from last year numerous times. It’s great to throw in my purse if I need to touch up my makeup while on-the-go.
These rarely go on sale, but if you have your eye on one, I’d bookmark it to either Hourglass, Ulta or Nordstrom. Hourglass usually does a Friends and Family sale during the holiday. Nordstrom occasionally has their 15% off beauty sale and Ulta always has ongoing deals or bonus point events.
That wraps up my holiday review! Overall my favorite is the Love Palette and Wish in close second. Hope is still really beautiful too. I personally would skip the dual-ended brush and opt for one of their regular brushes from the permanent line or save up for the brush set.
You can find the Hourglass Holiday Palettes available at Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty & Sephora.
Did you already splurge on anything from the collection? What did you think? Do you have your eye on anything?
