On Friday, I had the honor of meeting the inimitable Charlotte Tilbury in advance of her US launch (slated for Monday 2/22) of the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (also available on the Charlotte Tilbury site and preliminarily reviewed HERE). During our visit, I was able to learn about what makes the Magic Foundation so unique as well as to see a demonstration of some of her latest skincare releases (the innovative Magic Rescue Night Cream is detailed later in this story). I was also able to swatch EVERY shade of the Magic Foundation, which I hope will be an exceptional resource for those ordering this fiercely anticipated formula online.
Despite her astronomical fame and respect in the beauty industry, Ms. Tilbury lacks all traces of pretention; she is immensely down to earth and possesses a contagious energy and passion for her products that makes every beauty lover feel at home in her presence!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches of EVERY shade and images of the foundation in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| At the end of our visit (vest by Joie). |
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| Imagine my delight when I discovered that all 12 shades were on hand for swatching! |
Five years in the making, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (to be available on Beautylish and Charlotte Tilbury on Monday!) is designed to be the answer to every individual’s foundation dreams. Boasting natural, medium to full coverage with a demi-matte finish that simply looks like perfected skin (rather than a mask), this creamy liquid comes in a chic frosted glass bottle with a dropper for precise control over product distribution.
Those with sensitive skin (like me) will be glad to know that it has a barely-there scent that dissapates upon contact and that–in my experience with the formula over the past couple of months–it does not cause irritation. It works well for a range of skin types, from oily and problematic to dry and aging (and everything in-between) and is designed to blur pores and fine lines upon contact without settling into crevices over the duration of wear. Safe for those prone to breakouts, rosecea and melasma, this soothing formula is infused with skincare benefits including brightening Vitamin C and SPF 15 to have you loving your skin during wear and after its removed.
For flawless results, I prefer to apply the Magic Foundation with a dampened Beauty Blender and find that a quarter-sized amount of the formula is more than enough to impart instant medium to full coverage that doesn’t look obvious or cakey. I intentionally captured the images at the end of this post in harsh outdoor sunlight to showcase how smooth, even and clean it makes the skin look. I get 7-8 hours of touch-up free wear with this foundation, ensuring that it’s a formula I would recommend for those seeking immense wear time.
All in all, the Magic Foundation is a marvelous choice for foundationphiles of all ages (this formula has an extensive target demographic) who want to create their best canvas. It clearly has more coverage than the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder formula (reviewed HERE) and will suit a variety of skin concerns. So happy it has finally reached the United States!
The foundation comes in 12 shades:
- 1 Light: Alabaster beige with slightly yellow undertones (@N/NC 10…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 1 )
- 2 Light:Alabaster beige with neutral undertones (@N/NW 10…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 2)
- 3 Light: Light beige with peachy undertones (@N/NC/NW 15…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 3)
- 3.5 Light: Light beige with yellow undertones (@N/NC 15-20…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 4)
- 4 Light: Light beige with slightly rosy undertones (@N/NW 20…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 4 or 6 )
- 4.5 Medium: Light-medium beige with golden yellow undertones (@N/NC 20-23…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 4 or 6)
- 5 Medium: Light-medium beige with peachy undertones (@N/NW 25…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 5)
- 6 Medium: Light-medium beige with neutral olive undertones (@N/NC 23-25…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 6) **My match when my skin is at its winter lightest.
- 7 Medium: Light-medium beige with warm golden undertones (@N/NC 25-27…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 6 mixed with 7) **My match now that the weather is warming up. I am wearing this shade in the images at the end of this post.
- 8 Medium: Medium beige with warm golden undertones (@N/NC 30-35…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 7)
- 9 Dark: Medium-dark beige with neutral to rosy undertones (@N/NW 30-35…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 8)
- 9.5 Dark: Rich tan beige (@N/NC/NW 35-40…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 9)
- 10 Dark: Dark tan with neutral to rosy undertones (@N/NW 40-45…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 9 mixed with 10)
- 11 Dark: Dark tan with warm golden undertones (@N/NC 45-50…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 10)
- 12 Dark: Deepest chocolate brown (@N/NC/NW 50-55+…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 10)
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| Light and Medium shades in indoor lighting. |
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| Light and Medium shades in outdoor shade. |
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| Blended Light and Medium shades in outdoor sunlight. |
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| Blended Light and Medium shades in strong and direct indoor lighting. |
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| Medium and Dark shades in indoor lighting. |
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| Medium and Dark shades in strong and direct indoor lighting. |
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| Blended Medium and Dark shades in outdoor shade. |
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| Blended Medium and Dark shades in outdoor sunlight. |
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| Charlotte Tilbury showcasing the transformative effects of the Magic Night Rescue Cream. Charlotte Tilbury Director of Communications Emily Bromfield in the background. |
To complement the *Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, I combined Medium #7 with the following products:
- I prepped my skin the night before with the newly-launched *Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Rescue Cream. As promised by Charlotte herself, I woke up with plump, dewy, rested looking skin that was ready to face the day. From 8 key youth-boosting ingredients to a luminous gel-cream-elixir texture, the results from this luxurious formula were noticeable! More on this evening gem soon.
- After a pump of the *La Prairie Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold (reviewed HERE), I applied a bit of the new *Giorgio Armani Prima Lip & Eye Perfector along the corners of my orbital areas to brighten and smooth and dabbed a veil of the silky formula over my lips to prime them for the subsequent lip color. This brilliant formula works to lock in makeup and also combats under eye darkness while contributing to fuller lips with continued use. So far, so good!
- A touch of the LORAC Double Feature Conclealer Highlighter in Medium…I blended the concealer portion along Domed Dmy under eye region (not much sleep lately!) with my trusty *Jenny Patinkin Domed Multi Blender Brush (reviewed HERE), which I use daily.
- Tom Ford Moodlight (reviewed HERE)…I swept the darker shade along the hollows of my cheek bones with the sublimely soft *Surratt Beauty Highlight Brush for a subtle bronzing effect.
- *Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Euphoric Glow (reviewed HERE) swept along the upper cheekbones and down the bridge of the nose for a soft glow.
- *Surratt Beauty Prismatique Eyes in Visual Eyes (reviewed HERE)…I opted for a soft and luminous indigo blue effect. Although this shade could be intimidating to those (like me!) who prefer an ultra-neutral eye, I love how versatile it can be. When applied with a light hand, it is on-trend and entirely wearable, even in daytime hours.
- *By Terry Terrybly Growth Booster Mascara (reviewed HERE)…
- *Edward Bess Lip Definer in Barely (reviewed HERE)…a soft pinky peach with creamy opacity, this shade makes the pefect base for neutral lip color.
- La Prairie Cellular Lip Color in Tawny…this gorgeous rosy nude has an intensely hydrating formula and pigmented, velvety cream finish. This is not a new lip color release but it’s new to me and I adore it…fast becoming a staple.
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| The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Rescue Cream…instantly hydrating and emollient for dewy and rested looking skin upon waking. |
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| I can wear the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in both shade 6 (on the lighter side) and 7 (likely my match from now through the end of summer). |
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| Swatches of the Magic Foundation in Shade 6 (@NC 23-25) and Shade 7 (@NC 25-27) in direct sunlight. |
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| A swatch of the La Prairie Cellular Lip Color in Tawny, a stunning, creamy “my lips but better” shade. |
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| Lip trio. |
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| Final lip look. |
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| All about eyes. |
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| Swatches of all products used in direct sunlight. |
The following images refect all products in action in natural sunlight…
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| Above: Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you found this swatch-heavy foundation feature helpful as you pursue your perfect match in the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (also available on the Charlotte Tibury site)! The formula is an excellent medium-to-full coverage, demi-matte finish option for all skin types and the vast spectrum of hues ensures that most will find their optimal shade.
Will YOU be trying Magic Foundation? Do tell!
We’re less than a week away from the Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills Project Beauty on Saturday, February 27th, which I will be hosting! The event, which features a cavalcade of new spring beauty as well as sips and snacks and an array of beauty and skincare brand experts, will begin at 11 AM! There will be an amazing swag bag for attendees (I got a preview of it late last week!) and special events going on at each counter of the beauty floor for the hours following the beauty runway show.
If you are a Southern CA local (or will happen to be in the area at the time), please plan on attending…it would be wonderful to meet you in person. ** Reserve a seat with a $25 deposit, refunded in a gift card to be spent in-store. If you pay with MasterCard, MasterCard will match it and you’ll end up with $50 to spend! To RSVP, call 310.550.5900 ext 4416 or 2261. Cosmetics, Lower Level
Good things ahead, including my cleansing routine, a Sephora-centric story and a host of new product procurements. I am also still in the midst of responding to your latest batch of lovely emails and comments…thanks, as always, for your patience ; )
If you are a Southern CA local (or will happen to be in the area at the time), please plan on attending…it would be wonderful to meet you in person. ** Reserve a seat with a $25 deposit, refunded in a gift card to be spent in-store. If you pay with MasterCard, MasterCard will match it and you’ll end up with $50 to spend! To RSVP, call 310.550.5900 ext 4416 or 2261. Cosmetics, Lower Level
Good things ahead, including my cleansing routine, a Sephora-centric story and a host of new product procurements. I am also still in the midst of responding to your latest batch of lovely emails and comments…thanks, as always, for your patience ; )
Have a fantastic day!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (24)
Good to know that shade 1 or 2 might work. I think 2 is better though but I could go with either.
Glad to hear it, Clever Girl!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Been looking forward to your review. Does this foundation has a good slip? I use Makeup Forever HD Ulta 127 would shade 6 be a good match. Thank you for the great blog and Instagram.
Hi Gail,
This foundation has decent slip but still stays in place throughout the day…thanks for your kind words!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
What a fabulous experience to meet Charlotte Tilbury! I love watching her videos, especially when she does her own eyes. The foundation looks great on you, Rachel. I have been wondering about that night cream. I love her mask with the rose. She really has a wonderful selection of foundation colors. Thanks for the info!
Hi Debi!
It was truly a treat to meet Charlotte…her energy is contagious! Thanks for your sweet compliment and yes, the night cream is unlike anything I have ever tried in terms of texture and immediate moisture!
XO and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
How amazing to meet Charlotte Tilbury, this foundation sounds lovely!
http://xxchloescloset.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks for the kind comment, Chloe!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I love CT make-up and can't wait to try this! Thank you so much for swatching these shades, it is ever so helpful. I certainly looks GORGEOUS on you.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Thank you ever so much, Suzy and glad to hear that my swatches were helpful!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Wonderful review Rachel. We are in the same shade, #7! I would love to attend the event! It sounds like so much fun.
Xo,
Dom
Thank you so much, Dom!
Love that we're the same shade…hope your week is going well!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I had a nice chat with Beautylish and they're going to send me a few samples of this foundation to try out! I hope I love it! I'm always interested in trying out new stuff 🙂 I just hope the colors I'm send match me! I feel like I'd be a mix of 2 and 3.5!
Hi Sabrina,
That is wonderful news! Beautylish is so fantastic for the sampling option!
Hope you found your way to your perfect shade!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Wow! Your skin looks amazing!! I mean you always look beautiful but the finish on this foundation…even in harsh mid-day sunlight… looks flawless! Thank you for swatting every shade! How amazing is that?! Oh and Charlotte is electric and her joy is palpable.
Thanks again!
Danielle
Thank you, Danielle! Your sweet words are much appreciated!
Yes, Charlotte is definitely a joy and I was honored to be able to meet her and swatch everything ; )
XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for the swatches galore, BP! I will try it for sure. I reckon 3.5 will be my match. I love the whole makeup look you created.
Hello, my friend! The swatches are my pleasure!
Thanks for the kind words and hope all is well…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
The foundation looks magical on you! (excuse the pun)
Anyways, would you please help me find a shade? I am nc20, 213 in Koh Gen Do Aqua and Alaska in Nars Velvet Matte Tint. Would 3.5 be a good match for me?
Thanks!
Hi Mischief,
Thank you…and the pun made me smile ; ) I would suggest 3.5 (on the lighter side) and 4.5 (on the darker side). I hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Just beautiful! xoxoxo
Thank you, Judi!
XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
Praise for your super amazing review !!! Super helpful!
I was wondering what shade would match my skin tone, the only foundation I've ever used is the Giorgio Armani Maestro in shade 6.5, but it's quite one hair darker then my skin tone at the moment, I'm half south East Asian, so I got the yellowish tone, I think I'm a NW20 / NC25..
Your help would be well appreciate! Thank youuuu
Thanks, Widika…happy to share. I would suggest Shade #7 in the Magic Foundation!
xx
–The Beauty Professor