Hourglass Holiday 2026 has unveiled four new limited-edition palettes, coordinated dual-ended brushes, and a selection of stunning sets.
Three Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked palettes are accessible at all retailers: Hope, Wish, and Luck ($98 each, available at Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty & Sephora), along with a Sephora exclusive named Love ($98).
At this stage, I’ve amassed numerous palettes over the years, making my typical side-by-side comparisons feel daunting. There are undoubtedly repetitions and resemblances. While I generally refrain from labeling these as essentials, I genuinely admire them and believe they justify the indulgence. I take 1-2 with me on every journey, even if it’s a brief staycation! Having everything consolidated in one palette is incredibly convenient for me.
According to Hourglass, there are 18 new shades distributed among the 4 palettes. First, let’s take a closer look at the 3 palettes widely available at all retailers: Wish, Hope, and Luck.
Wish Palette
The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Wish represents this year’s lightest option. It remains sufficiently pigmented to appear on my tanned complexion, and I believe this is my favorite for achieving the most natural appearance. View it in action here.
Included shades:
- 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 features medium tones but I believe it could still suit light/fair skin tones. For some reason, this one resembled previous seasons the most, so I didn’t anticipate truly enjoying it. However, after testing it out, I was unexpectedly pleased. Based on your comments from my demo here, most of you indicated this was the more favorable option for me. Check it out here.
Included shades:
- 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 deepest variation. This one is definitely too dark for my skin tone, but the shades are still exceptionally lovely. I tried using this one with a lighter touch, yet the tones still appear a bit too dark for me.
Included shades:
- 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 getting the others, and I’m pleased I did because this one is undoubtedly my favorite. It’s currently sold out at Sephora (sold out SO quickly!), and I sincerely 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 season, Hourglass presents a Travel Brush Set ($184) and a Best Sellers Set ($295). They also offer their limited-edition Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II ($56 for a double-ended angled style).
I have mixed feelings regarding the dual-ended brushes. This year’s Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II is undeniably stunning, but the design remains consistent with the 2025 version. It’s certainly a well-crafted brush, yet it leans towards the denser side. For powder cheek products, I prefer something a tad fluffier. I purchased one to test and love the details, but I don’t consider it essential.
I did indulge in the 2026 Travel Brush Set as I thoroughly used and appreciated the 2025 version. The brushes are mostly the same except for one. This year, they included the angled cheek brush, which I feel surpasses last year’s edition. Priced at $184, it is quite steep, but I have frequently utilized my set from last year. It’s perfect to toss in my bag for makeup touch-ups on the go.
These rarely see discounts, but if you’re interested in one, I recommend bookmarking it at either Hourglass, Ulta, or Nordstrom. Hourglass typically holds a Friends and Family sale during the holidays. Nordstrom sometimes has a 15% off beauty sale, and Ulta consistently offers ongoing deals or bonus point events.
That concludes my holiday review! Overall, my favorite is the Love Palette, with Wish as a close second. Hope is also exceptionally beautiful. Personally, I would forgo the dual-ended brush and prefer one of their standard brushes from the permanent line or save for the brush set.
You can find the Hourglass Holiday Palettes at Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty & Sephora.
Have you already splurged on anything from the collection? What are your thoughts? Is there something you have your eye on?
**Holiday Schedule for Hourglass 2026: Organize Your Year Ahead**
As we anticipate 2026, it’s vital to plan for the holidays to optimize your time with family and friends. Whether you’re intending to travel, unwind, or celebrate, knowing the holiday schedule ahead can assist in organizing your year. Here’s a thorough guide to the 2026 holiday schedule for Hourglass, ensuring you don’t overlook any significant dates.
**January:**
– **New Year’s Day** – Thursday, January 1, 2026
Begin the year with festivities and resolutions as you welcome 2026.
– **Martin Luther King Jr. Day** – Monday, January 19, 2026
A day to commemorate the civil rights leader’s legacy and contemplate equality and justice.
**February:**
– **Presidents’ Day** – Monday, February 16, 2026
Celebrate the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and honor all U.S. presidents.
**March:**
– **No major holidays**
**April:**
– **Easter Sunday** – April 5, 2026
A major religious holiday for Christians, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
**May:**
– **Memorial Day** – Monday, May 25, 2026
A day to commemorate and honor military personnel who have died while serving.
**June:**
– **Juneteenth** – Friday, June 19, 2026
Recognizing the end of slavery in the U.S., a day of reflection and celebration of African American culture.
**July:**
– **Independence Day** – Saturday, July 4, 2026
Celebrate the independence of the United States with fireworks, parades, and cookouts.
**August:**
– **No major holidays**
**September:**
– **Labor Day** – Monday, September 7, 2026
Honor the contributions of workers and the labor movement with a long weekend.
**October:**
– **Columbus Day** – Monday, October 12, 2026
Acknowledge Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.
**November:**
– **Veterans Day** – Wednesday, November 11, 2026
A day to honor all veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
– **Thanksgiving Day** – Thursday, November 26, 2026
Gather with loved ones to express gratitude and enjoy a festive meal.
**December:**
– **Christmas Day** – Friday, December 25, 2026
Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with traditions, gifts, and family gatherings.
– **New Year’s Eve** – Thursday, December 31, 2026
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with festivities and reflections on the past year.
**Conclusion:**
The 2026 holiday schedule for Hourglass presents various opportunities to celebrate and reflect throughout the year. Mark your calendars, arrange your vacations, and take full advantage of these special occasions with your loved ones. Whether you’re commemorating historical figures, celebrating cultural traditions, or merely taking a break from the daily grind, these holidays provide the ideal opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.
