Man, that’s a long and somewhat confusing title, isn’t it?! The Holidays are pretty much upon us and with the re-release of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette in Ghost Unlocked, I thought it might help to look at it and the recently released Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit Palette to give you my thoughts on these beauties. I have a soft spot for face palettes and for all things that make beauty as convenient and effortless as possible. Since I have both of these palettes, I have some thoughts on each of them. Let’s break these palettes down so you can decide which (if either) is the better choice for you!
The Packaging
When the Ghost Edit first released, the packaging was a polarizing topic amongst beauty lovers. Some adored it while others thought it looked cheap. The Unlocked re-release is in the same Ghost packaging with the addition of a little bunny to symbolize their 100% cruelty-free and vegan status.
The Ghost packaging is sturdy plastic that has great quality to it. The top is shiny silver while the bottom is frosted clear plastic. Both palettes have a nice sized mirror in the lid. The packaging design seems on point with the Ghost theme.
Personally, I love the packaging. It’s a little modern while being a little retro at the same time. The frosted clear bottom gives me lucite/acrylic vibes while the high reflective shine seems ultra sleek. Note that the shine is a little less sleek once your fingerprints hit it. But a quick swipe with a soft cloth takes care of that very quickly! Now let’s get into each palette…
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost Edit
While I’m a huge face palette and Hourglass fan, the Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit was the first full Hourglass palette I’ve purchased from them. Crazy right?! Since it seemed like most of the Ambient Lighting Palettes contained existing blush shades, it just seemed like I’d never use them. But since the blushes and bronzers are completely new in Ghost, I was intrigued, despite the fact that it includes existing finishing powder and highlighter shades. I just had a feeling it would be a great all-in-one face palette.
What’s in the palette
Ghost Edit features 3 best selling powders and 3 new powders to create a beautiful, versatile face palette.
Bottom Row (L-R): Eternal Bronze Light • Iridescent Rose • Sublime Flush
PREVIOUS AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER SHADES:
- Diffused Light| Ambient Lighting Powder
- Dim Light | Ambient Lighting Powder
- Iridescent Strobe Light | Ambient Lighting Bronzer
NEW SHADES
- Iridescent Rose | Ambient Lighting Blush
- Sublime Flush | Ambient Lighting Blush
- Eternal Bronze Light | Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder
Swatches
Keep in mind that the powders don’t show up much since they are so close in color to my skin tone.
Sublime Flush • Iridescent Rose • Iridescent Strobe
Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Review
I’ve been reaching for this palette multiple time a week…more than what I thought I would actually. Ghost Edit really is the perfect everyday or travel palette. The bronzer is neutral enough to bronze and contour with (if contouring is your thing). I also use it as a transition or crease color on my eyes. I use each blush alone or mix them together and they always look beautiful. The highlighter is beautiful and not too over the top. And if you do go overboard with any of the shades, you can easily tone it down with the finishing powders that are included after you’ve finished your makeup. I’ve been mixing the two shades and sweeping them over my finished makeup for an ultra airbrushed look. If I were leaving on a trip, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring only this palette for my face products. It’s beautiful.
However, there is an important thing to note about the Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit. For reference, my skin tone stays around NC25 most of the year (NC30 in the summertime). I’d say if you’re much deeper than NC35/40, this palette may be a bit light for you, which brings me to our next beauty….
• Sephora | Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit Palette – Limited Edition – $80.00
VIB Rouge: use code HOLIDAYSAVE to get 20% off through 11/11! ($64). VIBs save 15% | BIs save 10% In store and online
• Beautylish | Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit Palette – Limited Edition – $80.00
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost Unlocked Edit
I just wasn’t interested in this at the time of its release last year. But since I adore my Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit Palette so much, when I heard the Hourglass Unlocked Ambient Lighting Edit Palette was going to be re-launched in the Ghost packaging, I was all about it! So somehow I went from having zero Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes to having not one, but two within a relatively short time span.
Additional information: 5% of the profits from the purchase of Ghost Unlocked will support the Nonhuman Rights Project.
What’s in the palette
The Hourglass Ghost Unlocked palette features the same sell out shades as in the original Unlocked Ambient Lighting Edit from 2018. But this time, the palette is in the new limited edition Ghost packaging. (see above for my thoughts on the packaging.)
Bottom Row (L-R): Nude Glow • Mood Flush • Champagne Strobe Light
Hourglass Ghost Unlocked contains six light-diffusing shades that are exclusive to this palette.
- Soft Light | Ambient Lighting Powder
- Filtered Light | Ambient Lighting Powder
- Golden Bronze Light | Ambient Lighting Bronzer
- Nude Glow | Ambient Lighting Blush
- Mood Flush | Ambient Lighting Blush
- Champagne Strobe Light | Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder
Swatches
Nude Glow • Mood Flush • Champagne Strobe Light
Hourglass Ghost Unlocked Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Review
I adore this palette and am so glad I grabbed it with the relaunch. Kudos to Hourglass for listening to its customers and rereleasing such a popular product!
As with the Ghost palette, I find this palette ultra wearable and stunning on the skin. The shades are beautiful on my skin tone, despite being slightly deeper than the shades in Ghost. The highlight is a bit more metallic and shiny than the one in Ghost Edit. But it still looks smooth and beautiful…not chunky or glittery. The bronzer is also slightly warmer. I love that I can use the blushes or powders alone or swirl them together and get different looks. Ghost Unlocked is a gorgeous, versatile face palette that would work on a multitude of skin tones to give a perfected look on the skin.
• Beautylish | Hourglass Ghost UnlockedAmbient Lighting Edit Palette – Limited Edition – $80.00
• Nordstrom | Hourglass Ghost Unlocked Ambient Lighting Edit Palette – Limited Edition – $80.00
Summary
I love both palettes and do not find them interchangeable due to the tone and shade differences. I’m so glad I have both. I definitely think medium and slightly deeper skin tones should go for Ghost Unlocked vs. Ghost Edit. If you want a more obvious highlight, Ghost Unlocked is a better bet for you as well.
Sublime Flush • Iridescent Rose • Iridescent Strobe
GHOST EDIT| Bottom (L-R): Filtered Light • Soft Light • Golden Bronze Light
Nude Glow • Mood Flush • Champagne Strobe Light
Due to the fingerprint factor, I find myself wishing they would have included a little pouch, ala Tom Ford. While some say the palettes are smaller than expected, I think they’re the perfect size for travel and for holding while getting ready. I use tapered or smaller brushes and have no problems using them whatsoever.
I love how perfected and luminous my skin looks when I use Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. Having all types in one convenient palette is great for travel or times when I want to get ready in a rush. I find I’ve been reaching for both of these on a regular basis. For me, there are no dud shades in either palette. If you’ve been contemplating either one, I’d scoop it up now before it’s gone!
I want to purchase the ghost I think it’s hard to decide but Im waiting for a sale then can’t wait to try ty for all of your information about both it really helped
If you had to pick just one, which one would you pick? I think I’m close to your skin tone
Author
Ghost is more suitable to me for everyday. 🙂
I just recently bought both of them also. Which brushes are you using with the palette?
I bought the Edit palette when it was first released last year. It was too deep for my NW18 skin tone. It was painful to return it. I wanted so bad to love it!
I gave the Ghost palette a shot the day the rouge sale opened. I’m SO GLAD that I did! I have used it every day since. I use all 6 colors and adore them! I travel a lot January thru June, and I wanted a new multitasking palette. I recommend it 100% to anyone with fair skin. I’m glad the rereleased the Edit for medium skin tones. I just wish they would release a palette to suit deep skin tones!