For a hot minute there, it felt like Hourglass might be slipping quietly out of our makeup bags. Stock was scarce, shelves were bare and the group chats were asking the same question: wait… is Hourglass leaving Australia?
Cue Sephora swooping in like a perfectly blended hero.
Hourglass Cosmetics has officially found a new home in Australia and New Zealand, launching as an “Only at Sephora” exclusive from February 26 — and honestly, the relief alone deserves a setting spray. Luxury complexion lovers, you can exhale. Your glow is safe.
And on a very personal note: I can finally stop rationing my ride-or-die Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Glow like it’s liquid gold. Knowing it’ll still be within arm’s reach? Immediate calm. Inner peace restored.
The cult cruelty-free brand — known for its impossibly good skin finishes and editor-approved formulas — is joining Sephora’s growing stable of prestige exclusives, alongside Rare Beauty, FENTY BEAUTY, Haus Labs and Makeup By Mario. It’s a big, glossy vote of confidence in Sephora’s ANZ beauty dominance, and a very welcome save for anyone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to their Ambient Lighting powders.
Sephora’s Global Chief Merchandising Officer Priya Venkatesh calls Hourglass one of the retailer’s most loved brands globally, and it shows. This move cements a deeper partnership, bringing Hourglass’ best-sellers (and future innovations) back into easy reach for Australian and New Zealand beauty lovers — no overseas carts or backup brands required.
The launch will spotlight Hourglass’ complexion heavyweights, including the Vanish Airbrush Concealer, Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 and Veil Hydrating Skin Tint — products that don’t just sit on your skin, but actively make it look like you drink water, sleep eight hours and have your life together.
Founder and President Carisa Janes describes Hourglass as purpose-driven and performance-led, with cruelty-free and vegan formulas at its core — a philosophy that’s helped the brand build a fiercely loyal following worldwide. Partnering with Sephora, she says, marks an important new chapter for the brand in ANZ, allowing Hourglass to reconnect with customers and grow in a way that actually makes sense.
And because no good beauty comeback is complete without a little sparkle, Sephora’s Pitt Street store will host a special pop-up from March 2–8, becoming just the third location globally (after New York and London) to offer the highly anticipated Ambient Lighting Edit: Charms collection. It’s limited edition, customisable, jewellery-inspired and extremely likely to cause impulse purchases.
For those who like to move fast (or flex quietly), early access drops via the Sephora app on February 25, with the full launch rolling out online and in stores the following day.
So yes, there was a moment of uncertainty. But all’s well that blends well. Hourglass is back, it’s exclusive to Sephora, and my Dim Glow — and yours — is officially safe.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
