This review on the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation has shamefully sat in my drafts since autumn since owning it from the summer time. I have found myself being one of those people who writes up a lot of drafts and gets pre-occupied with new ideas popping up left, right and centre then before i know i have 86 drafts needed photos and publishing - yikes. My aim is to get more organised throughout 2016 and set scheduled days. Anyway, you may have spotted by now that I have an unhealthy obsession with foundations, and there have been a number of new foundation launches this year. I'm still trying to work my way through the foundations i have accumulated the past 6 months. Too many products and not enough faces lol. I like to test out every foundation i can so that i am full of knowledge to be able to make recommendations for everyone of every skin tone, age, texture and skin concern. After becoming fond of the Wonder Glow foundation last year, when i saw that Charlotte had conjured up a magic foundation i knew i had to try it....
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation took a long time of perfecting to create, in fact it took Charlotte five years to get it perfect! With her aim to create a 'miracle in a bottle' that gives full coverage, weightless coverage to help transform everyone's skin tone, skin type and skin flaw. However, this is no ordinary foundation. Skincare mixed within foundations may not be a new innovation but this is unique because of the Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with cell regeneration and fights the signs of ageing, smoothing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It also helps by reducing skin pigmentation and sunspots. So instead of this foundation just covering up 'pigmentation issues' it actually helps to decrease the appearance of them over time, leaving you with brighter rejuvenated skin! Now that makes it pretty magical. Other ingredients in this magical potion include: Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and helps it to lock in moisture. Laricyl, which is a concentrated mushroom extract that helps to firm the skin and tighten pores, whilst providing the skin with extra moisture and Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide - which provide broad-spectrum sun protection.Though i would recommend you still use an additional sunscreen of at least 30+. The formula is also fragrance free and all of Charlotte's products are cruelty free.
Packaging
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation is housed in a frosted glass jar with a rose gold lid and pump dispenser. The pretty packaging alone ticks every rose-gold lovers box ( Charlotte always knows how to reel us in with her rose gold details ). It contains 30ml of product. Upon first impressions, looking at the bottle it is definitely one of those foundations that will look pretty gracing your vanity table. Though i won't deny that the packaging is aesthetically pleasing on the eye, i wouldn't say that this is practical for travel or with freelancing kits due to the glass packaging; but also because the lid doesn't click tightly shut. It comes off easy which poses a risk of foundation leakage in your bag. However this is the only teeny flaw with the foundation's packaging and it can always be decanted for travel.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation medium 05
The Magic Foundation comes in a choice of 15 shades. I chose the shade 5 and though its a bit more peachy-toned than i would usually go for, once blended into the skin it suits me very well. Shade 6 is described as a 'neutral golden/yellow for medium skin tones with neutral olive undertones which i think will be suitable also for my MAC NC25-MAC NC30 skin tone. One thing i really like about ordering from Charlotte's website directly is that she sends along 3 sample sizes when you order your foundation. One of the shade you ordered and another one shade darker and lighter. Many other companies could benefit from doing this as it prevents wastage and if you chose the wrong shade you can just return and purchase the correct shade. This is genius seeing as their aren't Charlotte Tilbury makeup counters widely available.
If you are a fan of the lightweight finish of the Light Wonder Foundation and aren't a fan of a full coverage, then this won't be for you. The Light Wonder is more of a natural 'skin tint' and the Magic foundation is more of a full coverage, long-lasting foundation. Though it is full coverage i find it to be more medium-buildable full coverage. I find it to help minimise the look of my pores, cover dark circles ( though i personally do not like to apply foundation under my eyes ) and give the skin a beautiful and flawless healthy look. I do however find that it can cling to any dry patches, even ones you never knew you had! Which doesn't make this foundation too friendly for those with uneven skin texture, mature skin or really dry skin-types. Upon trying it numerous clients i have found that i really like this foundation on those with Normal, Combination and Oily skin-types. There are times my skin can look lack-lustre and fatigued, and i find this foundation can be the perfect pick me up.
Left - Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation medium 05. Right - Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow medium 05
Swatches: Left - Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation medium 05. Right - Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow foundation medium 05
This foundation was not love at first try for me, as i mentioned here. It took several uses to find the perfect way to use this as it takes quite a bit of work to blend this into the skin, due to it's thicker consistency. I find that 2 pumps is sufficient enough product to be able to cover my entire face. A buffing brush is recommended by Charlotte for this foundation and she did bring out the coinciding brush called the Magic Complexion Foundation Brush ( which retails for £45 in the UK and $55 in the USA ) reluctantly i decided to pass as i already own many foundation brushes but also because i have heard that it sheds quite a bit. I personally prefer to use a Beauty Blender along with a spritz of Mac Fix+ to give me a flattering medium coverage that looks natural and doesn't cling ( as badly ) to dry patches. However if you desire a more full coverage, i would recommend using a brush. Regardless whichever method you use, your skin will be flawlessly evened out. If i do use a brush on myself or others my personal favourites are the 'It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe 07 Brush' $48, the Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush 56- $32 ( which works in smaller sections and is more ideal for those with imperfect skin ), Real Techniques Sculpting Brush £9.99 and the Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush £11.50 ( which is the best for those with oily skin ). You can also apply this foundation with the warmth of your fingers, but i have found that it applies more uneven than a tool.
I have found that the key to getting the best results with the Magic Foundation ( and pretty much every foundation ) is skin Preparation. You have to make sure that your skin is well moisturised and primed before application. The foundation formula itself is pretty versatile and layers well with most moisturisers, primers and concealers ( so there really is no need to have to purchase the other 'Charlotte Tilbury' items recommended ). I like to stick to lightweight moisturisers ( so just use one you already like that isn't too rich - unless you have dry skin ) and a good hydrating primer ( not silicone ). My favourite primers to use with this foundation are: the Becca Backlight Priming Filter £32, Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow £38.50 or the Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Radiance Makeup Base £46. All of which are luminous hydrating formula's that help the foundation not only glide on smoothly, but give that beautiful lit-from-within glow. The finish is semi-matte, with a slight luminosity to it. The longevity of a foundation is important to me and i find with a good setting powder this lasts around 9 hours on me, with a blot mid-way in the warmer months. I love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Powder £33 in conjunction with the foundation. Two brushes i recommend with the powder are below. Despite being more coverage that i usually like, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic foundation has actually made it into my Top 5 foundations of all time
Myself wearing the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation medium 05
I really need to get better at taking photos of myself so that i can do better foundation reviews for you guys, with before and after photos as well as close ups so you can see how the product sits on my skin. I will be looking to invest in a new lens for my camera and a ring light this year, hoping it will improve my camera quality. I just don't like taking a lot of photos of myself and much prefer shooting photos of beautiful products.
My Verdict
If you are someone who has either Normal, Combination or Oily skin who likes flawless, full coverage but wants a foundation that still looks like 'skin' i highly recommend this foundation. It's brilliant for anyone with lack-lustre dull looking skin who needs that little pick me up.
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic foundation retails for £29.50 in the UK and $44 in the USA through:
Selfridges - Nordstrom - Beautylish - Charlotte Tilbury - John Lewis -
Will you be trying the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation?
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