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| Above: Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation in Shade #6…light to medium coverage for a glowing finish. |
After being backordered for nearly a month, I was beyond excited to finally receive the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation a week or two ago. Although I am still experimenting with it, I wanted to share my preliminary thoughts on this lovely formula, as well as swatches of every shade (which, up to this point, have been mournfully absent on the Internet!). I’ve also included some images of the foundation in action as well as photos from the Charlotte Tilbury event I attended earlier this month!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches, a recap of the Charlotte Tilbury line’s debut at Nordstrom in LA and the Bottom Line…
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| Above: The sturdy tube is a perfect companion for one’s handbag. |
Here are the official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation is an air-light formula that illuminates, smoothes, hydrates, minimizes pores and reduces wrinkles for perfect skin. A pool of youth-boosting actives help give you a gorgeous baby-skin effect, smoothing and evening out tone. Its formula lasts for up to 18 hours and while stimulating epidermal renewal by kick-starting collagen production, delaying the onset of wrinkles and creating the perfect makeup base.
How to use: Shake well and squeeze a small amount of foundation onto the back of your hand. For a daytime look, use your fingertips or a brush to blend into your skin from the middle outwards for a tinted moisturizer effect. For the evening, carry out the same application but pat onto areas where you need extra coverage.
- 1.4 oz.
- Suitable for dry, normal and combination skin types.
- Oil-free.
- By Charlotte Tilbury.
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| Above: Shade #6 (a befitting match for my NC 25 skin) , swatched in direct sunlight. |
My Thoughts:
Prior to this foundation’s arrival, I had read on more than one occasion that this formula offered light coverage; although I much prefer medium+ coverage, my enchantment with the Charlotte Tilbury line prompted me to try this nonetheless. Overall, I am glad I embraced the adventure! This foundation is lovely, especially for “great skin days” and casual moments when a more pared-down complexion is desired (e.g., weekends or after work and post-shower).
The finish is natural…not overly glowy or matte; I love the nearly HD quality effect…once buffed into the skin (I prefer to use a dampened Beauty Blender), it is virtually invisible while still blurring pores, unevenness and imperfections. If I prefer a more illuminated finish, I add a pea-sized amount of the Wonderglow for a radiant look. In terms of lasting power, I get 5-6 hours of wear before feeling the need to touch up. If I set it with powder directly following application, the wear time can even be extended! It is lightly scented and hasn’t in any way irritated my sensitive skin.
Because the formula is initially sheer (albeit buildable to medium), the shades are forgiving and the range of 10 are sure to match a wide spectrum of skintones. Before ordering, I struggled to determine my best match as swatches online were frustratingly absent. That being said, I settled on #6 and could not have chosen a better option! It is a lovely light-medium beige with olive yellow undertones and it blends perfectly with my NC 25 skin. Although my early experiences have been positive thus far, I will continue to experiment with this formula and weigh back in after a few more weeks!
Shade Descriptions (in my experience):
- 1: Very light alabaster beige for fair skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 10)
- 2: Light beige for fair to light skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 15)
- 3: Light beige for light skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 20)
- 4: Light beige for light skin with neutral to yellow undertones (@N/NC 20)
- 5: Light-medium beige for light-medium skin with warm peachy undertones (@N/NW 25)
- 6: Light-medium beige for light-medium skin with olive to yellow undertones (@N/NC 25) **This is my shade!
- 7: Medium beige for medium skin with neutral to warm undertones (@N/NC/NW 30)
- 8: Medium-dark beige for medium-dark skin with warm olive undertones (@N/NC 35-40)
- 9: Dark beige for tan-dark skin with neutral to warm undertones (@N/NC/NW 40-45)
- 10: Rich dark brown for deep skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 45-50+)
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| Above: Swatches of the fair to light shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches of the medium to dark shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches of all 10 shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic nudes…all three are a pale lip color lover’s dream. |
While in the Charlotte Tilbury spirt, I opted to swatch three of her pinky, peachy nude lipsticks (previously reviewed HERE and HERE)…is there anything better? Available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter, Nude Kate, Penelope Pink and B*tch Perfect are incredible options for a muted lip that still brings life to the face.
- Nude Kate: A pale pinky beige with a cream finish.
- Penelope Pink: A peachy nude beige with very little pink ; ) My favorite of the three!
- B*tch Perfect: A light-medium peachy pink nude cream with intense opacity.
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| Above: In direct sunlight. |
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| Above: In natural lighting (by a window). |
The images below reflect the foundation in action, along with a host of favorite Charlotte Tilbury products…taken at dusk on my way to teach a class ; ) #alwaysworking
Charlotte Tilbury Products Used:
- Light Wonder Foundation in #6 mixed with Wonderglow (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) for a custom blend of coverage and radiance, buffed on with a dampened Beauty Blender
- Filmstar Bronze and Glow (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) to add contour and highlight to the face
- Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blush in First Love (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) on the apples of the cheeks for a subtle peachy beige flush
- Airbrush Flawless Finish Micro-Powder in Medium (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) to set the look
- Two coats of the Full Fat Lashes 5 Star Mascara (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter)
- Penelope Pink Lipstick (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter)
Finally, in honor of this Charlotte Tilbury-centric post, here is a brief visual recapitulation of her line’s debut at the Nordstrom at the Grove in LA (initially mentioned HERE and HERE), which took place earlier this month…
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| Above: Arriving for the event. |
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| Above: Cordial servers offering beverages and popcorn…what a glamourously unique atmosphere, no? |
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| Above: Makeup artists giving visitors the Charlotte Tilbury experience. |
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| Above: Spin the wheel for a gorgeous look. |
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| Above: Sadly, this was as close as I got to Charlotte since I was working during her personal appearance earlier that day… |
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| Above: All of the Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks…in the flesh! |
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| Above: Always documenting… |
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| Above: A Charlotte Tilbury makeup artist in action. |
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| Above: A delicious sage lemonade to refresh the evening. |
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| Above: Nordstrom + Charlotte Tilbury…a wonderful partnership, indeed! |
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| Above: Ending the evening in the magical golden hour. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: The Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation is a marvelous option for those seeking light to medium coverage and a natural, slightly glowing finish. The entire Charlotte Tilbury line (available at Nordstrom and Net-A-Porter) is pure delight and I am glad I have this foundation formula in my arsenal, especially for casual moments when just a bit of skin refinement is necessary.
I hope you enjoyed the close up of her gorgeous nude lip color as well as the overview of her LA debut event!
What are some of YOUR favorite Charlotte Tilbury products?
Good things ahead, including my October Favorites video, new product releases and a skincare closeup. Have a magnificent Halloween weekend…any fun plans?
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (43)
Hi Rachel, is this foundation similar to Mac F & B? Thanks for posting & Happy Halloween! All treats, all the time!!!
Hello! I find that this is more cushiony and less "thin."
Hope you are having a lovely week…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I am always jealous of your forays with events like this but this one has my heart racing. I'd love to be able to see this whole line and get my makeup applied. I'm looking at those lipsticks, seriously looking at your swatches since I think Nude Kate and Penelope Pink are in my comfort range.
Hi Marcia,
I hope you are doing well! I wish you lived in LA to enjoy all of the incredible makeup events at our disposal! I think you would love both Nude Kate and Penelope Pink…both are wonderful nudes for us nude lovers ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I must say, I really love Charlotte Tilbury' s line. I find her foundation is a great go to foundation. I find it makes my skin look very refreshed. I adore the Wonderglow. I wear it under foundation as a primer or sometimes mixed. It gives a pretty, not greasy, glow. I've been wearing mostly Penelope Pink and Hepburn Honey. I also have her eye shadows in The Sophisticate. They are well pigmented and last on me a good 9hours without increasing. They are rich and creamy, not powdery. As you can see, I am smitten!
Isn't it wonderful, Jan?!
Thanks for sharing your favorites from the line…always a treat to read what others adore ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
This foundation looks amazing on your skin. Have you tried the Vitalumiere Aqua powder foundation? I am not a fan of powder foundations but saw it applied on skin and it had this gorgeous glow. Gorgeous.
Thank you so much!! I haven't yet tried the Vitalumiere Aqua Powder Foundation but you have me now trying to track it down…it doesn't appear to have debuted in the US yet ; )
Thanks for the tip!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
After it being on backorder for several weeks, B-Perfect finally came in the mail yesterday from Nordstrom. And the color is simply divine. I think I finally found a lipstick that I like better than Tom Ford Pink Dusk and Lipstick Queen Pink Sinner. Those two have been my holy grails. I also like pairing B-Perfect with Nars Raquel for a more muted look. It's a lovely recommendation. As for this foundation, it looks lovely, but I think I would prefer more coverage. I've yet to find a dewy foundation better than the Kanebo Sensai CP Cream foundation. Tom Ford is my favourite matte one. I like the new D&G one but it's longevity doesn't measure up to KS.
Hello MG!
I am thrilled that you are loving B-Perfect…YES! I thought you would love it! Combining it with NARS Raquel is a brilliant idea…must try. Truly, the foundation search is a forever one…I am thinking about ordering the latest Kanebo Cream Foundation from Harrods…the shipping will atrocious but I can't forget about it ; )
xoxo, my friend, and talk soon!
–The Beauty Professor
I really want to try her stuff but we don't have a counter yet here in my neck of the PNW. Shade 1 looks perfect for winter for me though!
Fantastic…hope you get to try her line soon! I started my obsession by ordering select pieces from Net-A-Porter and Nordstrom!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
I must admit, I'm massively in love with this line… The lip liners, colour chameleon pencils, eye liners, shadows, and mascara are all fantastic. So is the filmstar bronze and glow.
My only issue with this line is that when I was in London earlier this year I was matched with shade 4 in the foundation. At the time I thought it looked outrageously dark (and the lady at the counter gave me a 30 min lecture on how I really do have a warm undertone – never mind that any time I put on a base too warm I look ill) so I didn't purchase it. I regret it somewhat, as I did buy the powder (its in medium… If I caught that before I purchased it and got back to Canada, I would have gotten fair) and would like a foundation that suits it if I fake tan. I’m now going back and forth between 3 and 4, wondering which I should get. I tend to vary between NW15- NW20, but I would like to wear it to an event and may be tanned for that. Decisions, decisions.
Conclusion: I think the yellow/gold based lights they have at the counter in Selfridges warps skin tones. So frustrating!
Glad to hear it, Anon…I agree that the line is spectacular. Sorry that you had an issue with your shade match…indoor lighting can be very misleading!
#3 definitely has the neutral tones you describe with your NW 15-20 skintone but if you want a match for when you self tan, #4 had that slightly golden undertone that coinsides with the effect of a light self tanner.
Hope that helps and that you have a marvelous rest of the week!
–The Beauty Professor
Finally making my way to this post! Thank you so much for the swatches and your review! The event looks amazing, and I am obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury's entire line. It sounds like the foundation may not quite be enough coverage for me now but maybe it will work better after a few weeks/months of SK-II treatment. 🙂 Have you tried any combinations to amp up the coverage? It looks absolutely flawless on you! xoxo.
Hi Blondie!
Glad you made it here ; ) The event was a blast and yes, the foundation offers light to medium coverage but is definitely marvelous for good skin days and casual, pared-down moments, I have mixed it with a touch of the TF Traceless Perfecting foundation and Ardency Inn Custom Coverage Concentrate to amp of the coverage and both work very well!
Thanks for your sweet words…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you! I really need to pick up the Ardency Inn concentrate, it sounds like one of those must haves! I can't wait to try the wonder glow as well.
I am desperately wanting to try the foundation and have requested a few different shade samples which I am anxiously awaiting. I am a long-time Bobbi Brown girl and have been wearing Foundation Stick for years…now a shade 4/Natural. As I have gotten older (44 now), the sun spots/redness have required my foundation shades to change and it's difficult to match. I definitely want good coverage so after reading, CT may not be the best option for me. I have tried Chanel Perfection Lumiere and it's chalky and too dark on my dry-ish skin. Any suggestions???
And Nude Kate is fantastic!!!
Hello! Thanks for your question. If you are looking for good coverage, I suggest the Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation (Bisque should be a good match); it has a natural skin finish and lasts forever. I am on my third bottle (and I try A LOT of foundations!).
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hey!!! Love your post! I am just unsure what shade to order erm… I am fair, but don't think as fair as shade 1 or 2. Generally, I am considered "warm fair" and I just don't know whether to get shade 3 or 4! For reference, I wear shade 002 in dior nude bb cream, the light shade from Guerlain, and I am 021 linen from Dior. I just don't know what to do… Hmm… I feel 4 may be too dark/gold but I fear that 3 will be too pinkish? Blah. Haha.
Hi Sabrina,
Thank you! I suggest shade #4…this is so sheer that it should blend perfectly with your complexion!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there, I have always loved following your blog. It has the most comprehensive swatches of foundation EVER.
In fact , after reading and checking out your swatches for Cover Expert, I matched myself to a No. 2. Which turns out to be a perfect match for me. Yay.
Now about CT foundation, I can't decide if I'm a 1 or 2. And I hope you can help.
I'm a 115 in MUFE HD, Mac Matchmadter 1.0, By Terry Cover Expert no. 2.
Which do you think will be a better match for me?
Btw, since you were at CT event, did you try their Wonderglow base as well,? I've heard that it contains shimmers in them.
Have you tried their limited edition gold bar?
I have to apologise that I have so many questions. I'm sorry. It's because I'm from Malaysia and we can only get to purchase CT items blindly, sight unseen.
But then again we don't get A LOT of brands here.
Looking forward to your reply and thanks a lot.
Hello and thanks for the kind words!!
I suggest #2 in this formula as it is closest to the MUFE #115 and By Terry #2! I have indeed tried the Wonderglow and love mixing it into matte foundation formulas for extra radiance. I haven't yet tried the LE Gold Bar but you have me intrigued ; )
I truly hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beautyprofessor,
I'm trying to shade match myself. My current shades in other foundations is;
1. Chantecaille Just Skin in Bliss
2. Chantecaille Future Skin in Alabaster
3 By Terry Sheer Expert in 3
Which shade do you think would fit me the best? I'm thinking either 1 fair or 2 fair. They look similar in lightness but the 1 looks a bit more yellow and the 2 more neutral or I'm I wrong?
Thanks for a great site with brands that's not easy to find.
All the best Diana
Hello Diana,
I would suggest either #1 or #2 (though, you could even probably get away with #3 as this formula is so sheer and #3 is similar to By Terry Sheer Expert #3).
I hope that helps…so glad you enjoy my site!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there!
I have question regarding the light wonder foundation. I wear Bobbi Brown's Skin weightless Powder Foundation in Warm Natural 4.5, which light wonder foundation color do you think would match me best?
I am currently using the wonder glow under a #7 foundation (I had to return my #6 I was initially matched with) and top it with the #2medium powder but I get a white cast when taking pictures with flash! 🙁 For some reason my face looks like I'm wearing sunscreen. I apply my film star on top but still get this cast. Any tips? Or anything I should change?
Hi!
Thanks for the question…I haven't experienced flashback with this particular formula and wonder if perhaps you have some "hidden" sunscreen perhaps in your moisturizer or primer? If not, I am not sure what could be causing this!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
I am so happy to have found this post. Thank you for the fantastic swatches and relating them to the mac foundation shades. I cannot find Charlotte Tilbury anywhere even remotely close to me so I have been looking for good swatches before I order online. You made it so much easier.
Hi Jen,
Thanks for the lovely feedback…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
HI. Thanks for the post. I love your blog and your honest opinion and tips on make up products. Will be glad if you can help me. I am from Florida and CT products are not available here. The only option i have is to order online. I am have warm/yellow skin tone and medium to fair complexion. I have combination/oily skin. Currently using jane iredale pressed mineral foundation which I have to touch up every 3-4 hrs in T-zone. Not happly with Jane iredale as it wears off after 5 -6 hrs. Do you think I should try CT foundation? Whats your opinion? Which foundation according to you is best for acne prone/oily skin and long lasting? I know you mentioned tom ford but dont you think its super expensive? Thanks
Hi Anon,
My pleasure…so glad you enjoy my blog! With regards to your question, the CT foundation offers beautiful light to medium coverage and, in my experience, lasts 6-7 hours without touch ups (depending on the weather conditions). Truly, if you are looking for a foundation that doesn't budge, even in humidity, then I recommend the Tom Ford Traceless Perfection formula. It is pricey, but it's the one that I grab when I know I am going to be in hot, humid conditions because it doesn't melt off of the face. I hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm debating between the 3 and the 4. The one time I found a counter the artist matched me to 1- definitely way to pale. I wish they'd test foundation outside!
Hope you find your way to the perfect shade, Emily Marie!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I would say shade 9 would be a closer match for those of NC 42 to 45. Shade 8 is quite a good option for those on the NC 35/37/40 or anyone whom is on the lighter side of the of the NC 40 shade, I'm NC 35 to 40 and shade 8 is the closest match 🙂 xx
Thanks for the input…have a fantastic week!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! I'm Fiji in all day foundation by bars and vanilla in born this way. Do u think #4 can be a good option? I prefer foundations a little lighter that darkes. I love the coverage of these 2 but I been hearing good things about this one so I will like to try it, but I'm no sure because I'm no looking for a bb cream, I want something that can help with redness with a nice finish different from what i do have now.I have good skin tho but I like a nice coverage too. Do u thing this is good for redness? Thanks
Hello Maria,
I would recommend #4 (on the lighter side) or #6 (close to NARS Fiji). The coverage of this formula is light (light to medium at most) and works really well to subtly perfect the skin, banishing redness, pores and unevenness.
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm so happy I found your post! I've been debating on what shade to purchase since I am located in San Francisco and we don't have any Charlotte Tilbury make-up counters up here. Thank you for showing the colors and for sharing what color you are so I could figure out what to buy. Great blog!
-Cherlyn
My pleasure, Cherlyn…thanks for taking the time to share the positive feedback!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for the detailed information, I am not sure of the shade to order as there aren't any counters here in NC, but I have ordered several of her items through Nordstrom. I am wondering what shade of foundation and powder to order for me. I wear guerlain lingerie de peau in 02 beige clair, Diorskin Nude' BB Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 10 in 002. I am cool/pink undertones. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-M
Hello…my pleasure! I am guessing you will find a match in 03 as it is close to the shades you describe.
I hope that helps!
xx,
-The Beauty Professor
Love your blog! You have the most in depth reviews-thank you for your honesty and awesome swatches! Quick question for you: Im quite neutral. I'm 020 in Dior Forever foundation, 32 in Marc Jacobs Genius Gel and Groenland in the Nars Radiant tinted moisturizer. With that said, what shade/or shades would you suggest? Someone at Beautylish suggested shade 7, but it looks pretty dark!
Thank you!
Ally
Thanks, Ally!
Based on your current matches, I would recommend #4.
I hope that helps!
xx
–The Beauty Professor