The Hourglass Holiday Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes have been released for 2025 and they are simply gorgeous! I purchased three out of the four and have already tested them with demos on Instagram. While I believe there are many shades that are similar to past releases, I find these to be absolutely stunning. By popular demand, I’ve compiled a review along with side-by-side comparisons to last year’s palettes.
All the palettes are now officially available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bluemercury, Ulta Beauty, and Hourglass ($94 each). Each palette comes with a complementary dual-ended Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II ($52 each). The Horse Palette is a Sephora exclusive.
Additionally, there are various other sets launched, including a Face and Eye Travel Brush Set, Best Sellers Set, and Sculpt Gloss Duo. I’m particularly interested in the brush set, although from the stock images they seem to be mini or short-handled. I still own the Vegan Travel Brush Set (which includes all full sizes) and I love it and use it weekly, but the new option this year looks fantastic for a more compact choice.
Deer Palette
The Deer Palette is the lightest variant and I think it’s excellent for achieving a natural appearance. You can view it in action here. On my medium tan complexion, the colors tend to be quite subtle, but when I layer a cream or liquid blush underneath, the powders show up with more pigment.
- Finishing Powder Dream Light
- Finishing Powder Aura Light (new)
- Bronzer Diffused Bronze Light
- Highlighter Iridescent Strobe Light
- Blush Radiant Peach (new)
- Blush Vibrant Pink (new)
Look featuring the Deer Palette:
I retrieved last year’s Dragon Palette from 2024 swatches for comparison.
Swan Palette
The Swan Palette represents the medium tone selection and I really enjoy it. I do feel that all the shades are quite reminiscent of last year’s offerings (including the new ones), but that mauve purple is absolutely stunning, so it’s definitely worth a look. If I had to choose one for travel, this provides the most options with its three different blush tones. You can witness it in action here.
- Finishing Powder Dim Light
- Highlighter Golden Hour (new)
- Bronzer Natural Bronze
- Blush Luminous Coral (new)
- Blush Sunset Flush (new)
- Blush Mauve Fusion (new)
Wearing the same makeup look as the Deer Palette, lip color is the Hourglass Phantom Glossy Balm in Mist, shown below wearing the Sunset Flush Blush.
Below with Mauve Fusion.
I pulled last year’s Evil Eye Palette 2024 for comparison. I think I prefer the appearance of last year’s version, especially with the pink highlighter, but both are beautiful.
Horse Palette
The Horse Palette and Brush are both exclusive to Sephora and consist entirely of previously released shades. I would say this is my favorite among the three, but since it features all repeats, you may want to shop your collection if you already have many past palettes. You can see it in action here.
- Finishing Powder Soft Light
- Blush Mood Exposure
- Highlighter Supernatural Strobe Light
- Blush Iridescent Coral
- Blush Iridescent Rose
- Bronzer Glistening Bronze Light
The makeup worn is the same as above, but the lip color is the Unlocked Lipstick in Dahlia. Below wearing Mood Exposure + Glistening Bronze Light.
Below wearing the blush in Iridescent Coral.
I found it a little challenging to determine which one to compare this to, but opted for the swatches from Leopard 2023, although I think there may be others that the Horse 2025 palette is akin to due to the repeats.
Overall, I love it. I believe the brushes are beautiful and exceptionally crafted. Based on your feedback, the opinions are mixed. Some of you are completely enamored with the launch while others feel there are still too many duplicates and similar shades. At this juncture, I certainly do not require another one, as I’ve been collecting these holiday launches for so many years. Nonetheless, I genuinely look forward to these launches and derive a great deal of use from them. Palettes can be tricky to love since there’s often one or two shades I’m not particularly fond of, but with these, I can confidently say EVERY single shade is usable. I appreciate that you can mix and layer as well. They’re perfect for travel or if you need to toss something in your bag for makeup on-the-go.
I passed on the darkest palette, Fox, because the deeper shades are typically too dark for me. However, I’ve seen a plethora of great tutorials that make me want to explore it. If I do purchase it, I’ll provide another review.
The new Hourglass Palettes are all available now. You can find them at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bluemercury, Ulta Beauty, and Hourglass.
**Title: Discovering the Hourglass Holiday 2025 Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes**
As the holiday season draws near, beauty aficionados eagerly await the arrival of exclusive collections that embody the spirit of festive elegance. This year, Hourglass has once again elevated expectations with its Holiday 2025 Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes. Renowned for their opulent formulas and commitment to cruelty-free principles, Hourglass continues to push boundaries with these exquisite palettes that promise to enhance your holiday appearance.
**The Collection: A Harmonious Blend of Light**
The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes for Holiday 2025 showcase a meticulously selected assortment of shades aimed at enhancing every skin tone. Each palette encompasses a balanced mix of Ambient Lighting Powders, Blushes, Bronzers, and Strobe Powders, permitting a customizable glow suitable for any occasion. The collection comprises three distinct palettes, each providing a unique combination of hues:
1. **Ethereal Glow**: Ideal for those who prefer a gentle, romantic look, this palette features cool-toned shades that yield a soft, ethereal luminosity. It includes a blend of frosty pinks, gentle mauves, and shimmering pearls.
2. **Golden Hour**: Taking inspiration from the warm, golden tones of sunset, this palette is perfect for achieving a sun-kissed glow. Luxurious bronzes, warm corals, and golden highlights merge to impart a luminous, lit-from-within effect.
3. **Midnight Magic**: For individuals who favor a bold, dramatic style, Midnight Magic presents deep, sultry shades that are perfect for evening gatherings. This palette includes rich plums, deep berries, and sparkling onyx hues.
**The Formula: Cutting-Edge and Ethical**
Hourglass is celebrated for its pioneering formulas that deliver a flawless finish. The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes adhere to this reputation, utilizing the brand’s Photoluminescent Technology. This unique technology captures, diffuses, and softens surrounding light to refine the skin’s appearance, blurring imperfections and amplifying the skin’s natural radiance.
Beyond their performance, these palettes exemplify Hourglass’s dedication to ethical beauty. The Holiday 2025 collection is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with the brand’s commitment to achieving complete vegan status by 2020. Each palette is meticulously made with high-quality, sustainable ingredients, allowing for indulgence in luxury beauty without compromising values.
**Packaging: A Touch of Festivity**
The packaging of the Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes mirrors the exquisite nature of the products contained within. Each palette is housed in a sleek, metallic compact decorated with intricate festive designs. The compact also features a generously sized mirror, making it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups during the bustling holiday period.
**How to Use: Crafting Your Ideal Glow**
To maximize results with the Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes, adhere to these straightforward steps:
1. **Set the Base**: Use the Ambient Lighting Powder to set your foundation and create a uniform canvas. Apply it generously across the face for a subtle, soft-focus finish.
2. **Add Dimension**: Use the Bronzer to infuse warmth and dimension into the face. Apply it to the hollows of the cheeks, temples, and jawline for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
3. **Flush of Color**: Select a Blush shade that complements your complexion and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards the temples for a vibrant, youthful flush.
4. **Illuminate**: Complete your look with the Strobe Powder on the high points of the face, including the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose, to elevate your features with a radiant glow.
**Conclusion: An Essential for the Holiday Season**
The Hourglass Holiday 2025 Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes are essential for anyone looking to enhance their holiday beauty routine. With their adaptable shades, innovative formulations, and dedication to ethical beauty, these palettes offer something to suit every taste. Whether you’re gifting them to someone special or treating yourself, these palettes are guaranteed to infuse luxury and sophistication into your holiday festivities.
