HOURGLASS PALETTES 2026: HOPE vs LUCK vs WISH
Three palettes. Six pans each. One rather difficult decision.
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked palettes are back for 2026, this time in Hope, Luck and Wish. Each limited edition face palette brings finishing powder, bronzer, highlighter and blush together in one compact, with five NEW shades in every palette.
And the makeup is only part of the appeal. Previous editions have put artwork in the spotlight, but this year Hourglass has teamed up with French jewellery designer Lauren Rubinski to create metal charms for each palette. Wish comes with a four-leaf clover, Luck a horseshoe and Hope a key and heart.
With a little insider help from our buyers, we've broken down the differences, the standout shades and who each palette may suit best.
108.10€
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108.10€
108.10€
Hourglass Hope vs Luck vs Wish: At a Glance
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked in Wish
First up, Wish, the lightest of the three 2026 palettes.
108.10€
Inside are six complexion powders spanning finishing, bronzing, highlighting and blush, with five NEW shades making their debut. The standout is Strobe Lighting Powder in 'Moonstone Glow', which brings an extra hit of light to the complexion.
Wish works just as well for a pared-back makeup day as it does layered up with more colour and luminosity. The four-leaf clover charm is a nice finishing touch too. We'll happily take the hint.
Wish in a nutshell: the lightest 2026 palette, with six complexion powders and 'Moonstone Glow' taking centre stage.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked in Hope
Next comes Hope, which is recommended for medium skin tones.
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108.10€
This is also where you'll find Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Rose Quartz', a muted neutral plum and one of the shades causing the most excitement behind the scenes.
It's also the palette our buyer would personally choose:
"I would personally choose Hope as I love the design and the Rose Quartz blush is calling to me."
We see the vision.
Alongside blush, Hope brings together finishing, bronzing and highlighting powders, making it a strong all-rounder if you like several complexion steps housed neatly in one compact.
Hope in a nutshell: the medium-depth palette, with 'Rose Quartz' firmly on our radar.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked in Luck
Completing the trio is Luck, the deepest of the three 2026 palettes.
108.10€
Five of the six shades are NEW, with Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Orchid Flush' standing out in particular.
Like Hope and Wish, Luck brings finishing powder, bronzer, highlighter and blush together in one palette, so you can keep things minimal or build up more colour depending on the look you're after.
And yes, it comes with a horseshoe charm. The clue was very much in the name.
Luck in a nutshell: the deepest of the three palettes, with 'Orchid Flush' taking the spotlight.
What Makes the 2026 Hourglass Palettes Different?
This year, it's all in the details.
Rather than focusing on artwork across the compacts, Hourglass has partnered with French jewellery designer Lauren Rubinski on a different metal charm for each palette. Wish features a four-leaf clover, Luck a horseshoe and Hope a key and heart.
Each palette also includes five NEW shades, so there is plenty here even if an Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked already has a place in your makeup drawer.
For a wider look at the brand and its signature formulas, head to our 101 Guide to Hourglass.
How to Use the 2026 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palettes
Six pans does not mean six steps every time.
For an everyday look, start with finishing powder, add bronzer where you want warmth, then sweep blush over the cheeks. Finish with highlighter on the high points of the face when you want a little more light.
Keeping things minimal? Pick one or two powders. Want more impact? Layer away.
That flexibility is what makes these palettes work just as well for everyday makeup as they do for a more polished complexion look.
And if your brush kit could use a match, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II in Love is designed to pair with the palette, with a double-ended shape for applying and blending complexion powders.
You can also explore the wider Hourglass Ambient Lighting range for individual powders, blushes and bronzers.
Are the 2026 Hourglass Palettes Better for Gifting or Keeping?
Why choose?
The limited edition designs and Lauren Rubinski charms certainly give Hope, Luck and Wish gifting appeal, but the six-pan format means they're designed to earn their place in an everyday routine too.
With finishing powder, bronzer, highlighter and blush all in one compact, they have plenty going for them long after the wrapping paper has disappeared.
Which leaves one final question: gift it, or quietly keep it?
We'll leave that one with you.
Quick Questions About the 2026 Hourglass Palettes
Which 2026 Hourglass palette is best for lighter, medium and deeper skin tones?
Wish is the lightest palette, Hope sits in the middle and Luck is the deepest. Each contains six complexion powders, including finishing, bronzing, highlighting and blush shades.
Which shades stand out in Hourglass Hope, Luck and Wish?
The shades to know are Strobe Lighting Powder in 'Moonstone Glow' from Wish, Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Rose Quartz' from Hope and Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Orchid Flush' from Luck.
How many new shades are in the 2026 Hourglass palettes?
Each 2026 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked palette contains five NEW shades within its six-pan complexion line-up.
What is different about the 2026 Hourglass palette packaging?
For 2026, Hourglass has partnered with French jewellery designer Lauren Rubinski on metal charms for each palette. Wish features a four-leaf clover, Luck a horseshoe and Hope a key and heart.
