There’s something of fanfare among beauty buffs any time Charlotte Tilbury launches a new product. Be it her newest iconic Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm or the wedding lipstick that took TikTok by storm, you best believe that anything the iconic make-up artist lends her name to will have the power to sell-out. Case in point, the new Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation which is, we predict, set to become a bonafide beauty icon.
Touted as 'a ring light in a stick', the brand describes it as a 'sheer glow tint hydrating foundation stick for the ultimate no-foundation foundation.' It's also bursting with impressive skincare credentials - but more on that later. Given the current beauty climate, it's a launch that makes perfect sense. These days, the masses are looking to sheer makeup bases made with skin-loving ingredients - think skin tints and tinted moisturisers. Routines should be streamlined and the products themselves should work hard. Case in point? Google searches for 'skin tint' are up 114%.
The packing is chic and minimal
What does Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint do?
Ultimately, the Unreal Skin Glow has been formulated to create a 'soft focus, blurred glow that looks natural, refreshed and rested.'
For this one, Tilbury has trademarked the term 'light mapping mesh tech' which, she says, allows for a ring light effect - there's her 'soft-focus blurring, smoothing emollients and glow moisture mesh formed from hyaluronic acid and pearlescent pigments' to thank for that. So far, so Tilbury.
It's also fair to say that it's brimming with skincare goodness - think vitamin E to nourish and soothe, daikon radish seed oil to plump and plant-powered collangeneer (another CT trademark) to 'snatch the jawline.' There's no denying it's a barrier boosting concoction that goes beyond a basic base.
Our thoughts...
When this one first did the rounds in the office we were, to say the least, slightly apprehensive. One swatch across my hand revealed what looked like a glittery, almost iridescent pigment. Considering it's aimed at those who prefer no to minimal foundation, it all felt a little overwhelming. In fact, I had to double check the packaging to ensure it wasn't actually a highlighter I was about to blend all over my face. Yet when I was brave enough to apply it properly I was pleasantly surprised. The pigment melted into my skin beautifully, improving the overall tone and texture with just a few swipes. It felt comfortable too, and played well over my skincare. As for those aforementioned pearlescent pigments? Well, they were working hard. Although erring on the more subtle side of sparkly it's helpful to note that this formulation is a glittery one. And there's no getting away from it. If you don't mind a touch of shimmer then that's all well and good but if, like me, you err on the oilier side, then you may not want quite so much added luminosity. That said, with a bit of trial and error, I was impressed with the overall finish. Teamed with a touch of concealer and a dusting of of setting power my complexion looked brighter and more radiant. Don't judge a foundation by the initial swatch.
The initial texture is rich and balmy and the high-shine pigment pay-off would give any highlighter a run for its money.
Shop: The New Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation
Best for dry, dull skin types
Glowing skin your MO? Look no further. Swipe all across your complexion for summery skin that oozes luminosity.
Pros
- Hydrating formula - ideal for drier skin types
- Handy format for travelling
- Non-comedogenic
- Available in 20 shades
- Pairs well with skincare and SPF
Cons
- Oily skin types may need a hefty dose of powder to set
- The glittery sheen left behind might be a bit much for some
'On my skin it's balmy and glowy, but coverage is minimal so a concealer (and a setting powder) were a must'- Rachael Martin, Grazia beauty editor
How to use Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation
As with all foundations, how you apply it is a matter of personal preference. Often stick foundations can be applied directly to the skin, and simply blended in using the warmth of fingertips. Of course, different application methods deliver different results. If you prefer something a little fuller and more full-glam (Tilbury does say this is buildable), then a damp beauty blender pressed into the skin in rolling motions may work well - be sure to work the product well around creases, like the sides of the nose. For a lighter, more subtle finish (which is best suited to this particular product, IMO) a stippling brush will add a light layer of pigment to even out skin tone.
Final thoughts...
A sheer foundation stick that may play best with drier skin types. Those who love a serious glow will find favour with this one, while oilier complexions mightn't be so convinced initially. That said, with clever placement (and some setting powder and concealer) you could be well on the way to a beautiful summer radiance.
Shop on the CT app from the 17th of June or on all retailers from the 20th of June.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.
