Functional fragrance has totally changed the way we view, consume and appreciate perfume. Long have we known just how impactful certain smells can be on our mood and emotional state—and fragrance brands have finally caught up. Tapping into the power of neuroscience, functional fragrances make us feel, as well as just smell good. And in an era where cortisol levels are at an all-time high and human interaction is at an all-time low, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The focus of late, however, has been something more niche: functional fragrance has been feeling distinctly, well, sexy. From marketing campaigns to product copy, the notes and way they interact with our brains are not the only things promoting a ‘sex sells’ mentality. As with functional fragrance more widely, this era seems to be directly tapping into our need for more touch and human connection, and may even serve as a partial antidote to new generations' alleged "sex recession".

Look to Vyrao, the Australian-born brand founded by Yasmin Sewell. Sewell’s foray into this world is the first of the brand’s kind. Described as "gender-neutral sex scents", the perfumes Ludatrix and Ludeaux certainly have not tried to disguise their erotic roots: the notes used scream sex (latex, lipstick, peach skin and musk), their marketing campaign has been overtly sensual, too. Vyrao is proud about their ability to "support mood, arousal, confidence and self-esteem".

Likewise, a new project by indie fragrance brand Jouissance is proving just how intertwined fragrance, sex and mainstream culture are becoming. Founder Cherry Cheng has delved into the world of erotic literature – something she herself is passionate about. The brand’s new limited-edition online library boasts a curated collection of first and collectable editions of literary works such as Simone De Beauvoir's ‘Brigitte Bardot And The Lolita Syndrome’ and ‘The Sadeian Woman,’ by Angela Carter. All, Cheng says, have helped to inspire ‘the brand’s olfactory world.’

Gregory Allen, founder of modern aromatherapy brand Moods, believes that while ‘sex sells’ messaging has always been applicable across the board in fashion, beauty and lifestyle, the ‘tone’ has now changed. “It’s less about unattainable glamour and more about intimacy, confidence and connection. Brands are weaving sensuality into storytelling that feels both playful and empowering, rather than purely objectifying.” The brand’s version of a sex scent is Frisky, which Allen describes as “spicy, warm, and playfully indulgent, with clinically proven notes to boost confidence, arousal and most important, self-assurance.”

As mentioned, this evolution in the fragrance space seems to be an attempt to act as a potential ‘solution’ for the current generation’s habits which prioritise screen-time over in-person connection, and that is currently experiencing what experts describe as a ‘sex recession.’ “We’re living through a moment of high stress and digital disconnection. Fragrance offers a sensory way back to the body—a subtle antidote to what some have called the 'sex recession'. It gives people permission to reconnect with themselves and with others in a tactile, instinctive way,” comments Allen.

According to sex experts, fragrance can certainly aid in connection, too. “Fragrance connects directly to sensuality. It is invisible, intimate, and powerful,” adds Sex Therapist Dr Viviana Coles. “While this may not be the ultimate solution to the so-called sex recession, it reflects a broader cultural moment in which people are turning to tools that help them feel sexier and more confident in their own skin.”

And this is what’s important to acknowledge—while attraction and arousal are a focus of these scents, boosting empowerment and confidence is really at their heart. This in turn, can aid in a search for love or intimacy. “When you feel calmer, more confident and in tune with yourself, you project that outward,” notes Allen, while Dr Coles adds: “Wearing a scent that feels personally empowering can change posture, energy and confidence in an instant. That kind of self-assuredness is naturally attractive.”

With brands like Charlotte Tilbury and The Nue Co. also joining the sex scent revolution, it’s clear this is a trend that’s set to continue—and I for one (as a beauty and sex writer), am all for it.

“Duping is basically trying to sell people something that it doesn’t do—they’re duping the consumer,” Charlotte Tilbury recently said on the pop culture podcast, Shameless. I can see why she’s not a fan. If I had worked tirelessly for over a decade to build a trusted, globally-loved brand, and then a bunch of my bestsellers were being copied—shade for shade, packaging and all—I wouldn’t be a huge fan of dupe culture either.

When beauty dupes first appeared, they felt almost revolutionary. The idea was to provide beauty fanatics with products that were similar, not identical to their favourite brands—a blush with the same texture and finish, a lipstick in a comparable shade—but at a fraction of the price. It levelled the playing field a little, making beauty products once reserved for luxury counters accessible to a wider audience. There was also a thrill in the discovery and with sharing your finds with people who were equally as obsessed with beauty.

Today, things look very different. Beauty dupes are no longer a niche corner of the internet. Entire business models are built on them. Take MCo Beauty, Australia’s number one beauty brand, now available in the UK, whose shelves are lined with near-carbon copies of high-end brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Dior and Sol de Janeiro. The products often mimic not just the colour but the packaging and sometimes even the names. But beyond outward appearances, whether or not the product delivers the same quality and wear is an entirely different matter.

One argument that's flying around about formulas almost acts as a justification for beauty dupes. The idea is that many brands, luxury and mass, use the same contract manufacturers. Rumours online suggest that Kylie Jenner Cosmetics and Colour Pop Cosmetics use the same manufacturers and thus are the same products, just packaged differently and with notable different price tags. In fact, Beauty Pie based their entire business around this premise, with slogans like, "luxury beauty minus the luxury price tags".

The truth, however, is more complex. “It’s highly unlikely for two products to be identical unless they’re white-labelled,” explains chemist and facialist Ceyda Faik-Yildirim. Two formulas may share the same star ingredient but differ wildly in texture, absorption, and long-term results. “More affordable dupe products may use cheaper raw material blends. So while the active ingredient might be the same, the formulation and blending can be of lower quality,” she told Marie Claire.

Many consumers discover after purchase that dupes don’t always deliver. “I once bought a perfume dupe that smelled amazing in the shop but vanished after an hour,” says Chloe, 29, a London based primary school teacher. “It looked identical to the designer bottle, but the scent didn’t last more than 15 minutes.”

Supermarkets like Aldi have leaned into dupe culture, rolling out lookalike concealers and fragrances as part of their regular stock. Legally, they skirt the rules and get away with these copies. As long as dupes avoid specific trademarks, there’s little room for pushback, even when the similarities feel uncomfortably close.

For now, the current state of our economy keeps dupes thriving. In a climate where £34 for a lipstick feels a little too indulgent, brands like MCo Beauty feel like a good alternative.

“I love makeup, but I just can’t justify £40 on foundation right now,” says Amira, 24, a retail assistant from Manchester. “If I can get something close enough for a third of the price, why wouldn’t I?” It’s hard to argue against saving money in one of the most expensive consumer industries. But not all dupes are equal.

And yes, some beauty dupes impress. Aldi’s take on Armani’s Luminous Silk concealer, for example, is surprisingly good. Others miss the mark, leaving you buying both the dupe and the original—not much of a saving after all.

Either way, the pull is undeniable: #dupe has billions of views on TikTok. The appeal is obvious, a £7 lipstick that looks like Charlotte Tilbury or a £9 mascara reminiscent of Benefit lets you buy into a luxury look without the guilt of a £30+ spend. In a cost-of-living crisis, a budget-friendly version of glamour can feel like a small indulgence when everything else feels so expensive.

While this mode of democratisation of beauty may initially feel empowering, the cycle of replication feels hollow. If every “new” product is just a dupe of a dupe, where is the breakthrough innovation and clever artistry? And where does it leave the true trailblazers, who have put their heart and soul into creating something truly unique for their customers, only for dupe brands to capitalise off their hard work?

In the short term, consumers may win. But in the long term, the industry—and the customer—will lose. And that would be a sad state of affairs for everyone.

When it came to wedding make-up, I felt a bit lost. Despite being a beauty editor and trialling make-up for a living, I wasn’t sure where to turn for the big day. I knew I wanted something timeless, but I didn’t gravitate towards that ‘no-make-up make-up’ look that seems to fill most bridal make-up artist pages. They were beautiful, but I knew I wanted something a bit more glam.

Then I discovered Charlotte Tilbury’s bridal make-up service. As a long-time fan of the brand, I had high hopes that it was the perfect solution. And, after having my make-up done by one of the Charlotte Tilbury bridal make-up artists, Sophie Mabel, I knew right away it was the ideal choice for my wedding make-up. It was exactly as I’d wished for and more.

So, here’s everything I think you should know about Charlotte Tilbury’s bridal artist service.

Step 1: Enquire

The first step is enquiring, which you can do super easily on the Charlotte Tilbury website. Simply let the team know all of the details of your wedding day to check availability and that you’re a good match. Doing this as early as possible can help avoid disappointment.

Step 2: Phone consultation

Once you’ve agreed to the terms and a bridal make-up artist is chosen for you, the team will set up a phone consultation where you can chat to your bridal artist. Sophie and I chatted about all things make-up for about 30 minutes: we spoke about my day-to-day make-up, looks I like, looks I don’t like, my inspiration, and what Charlotte Tilbury products I have used before. She was warm, professional, and asked all of the right questions to figure out my style and to settle any nerves surrounding the big day.

Taking my preferences and using some of my inspiration photos, Sophie created a mood board to show what to expect from the final look—it was a lovely touch.

Step 3: Trial appointment

Next was the make-up trial day. I met Sophie downstairs at the new (and incredibly gorgeous) Charlotte Tilbury boutique in Covent Garden where she had all of the products laid out and my mood board ready. She had mentioned wearing white as it can help you to see what the make-up will look like when you're wearing a wedding dress, which is a great tip.

Sophie started on skin prep, and we discussed my skin type, routine and any products I will be using ahead of the big day. She then moved on to my eyes—my only request was not to use too much pink since I have rosacea. With each step, Sophie showed me what she was doing and asked if I was happy. She asked plenty of questions, and honestly, I told her to do her thing—she knows far better than I do, and I trusted her knowledge.

Finally, it was on to complexion products, which is what I was most nervous about. Sophie understood that I wanted my skin to look natural but still glam; flawless both in real life and on camera.

It was a two-hour appointment, which gave plenty of time to tweak and refine the look, though I hadn’t a single amendment—I was so happy with what Sophie had created. It was one of my favourite beauty experiences to date (and as a beauty editor, I’ve had many). I came away feeling very excited about my wedding day and relieved knowing I have Sophie, whose calm and kind energy is appreciated on such a big occasion.

Step 4: The wedding day

It wasn't long before it was time for the wedding day! Sophie arrived at my hotel room at 9 am to do my mum's make-up (which looked beautiful) before moving onto mine. As I had no requested changes from the trial, she cracked on straight away. First using some eye gel patches (great if you didn't sleep well the night before; though, I personally slept the best I have in my life, I'm not sure what that says about me!) before moving on to skincare prep. She used Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, Magic Cream and Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, which was a great shout because it so sunny on the day.

Sophie has her work cut out on the day because, of course, I woke up with perhaps the worst skin I've had in 3 years! No matter how much skincare prep you do, the stress may just catch up with you on the day. But I didn't stress about it because there's nothing I could do but let Sophie work her magic to cover up those pesky spots.

I adored my make-up on the day; it was fun and looked great in photos. I loved it so much that I asked Sophie to do my make-up for my wedding party celebrating with friends a few weeks later.

On the day, Sophie allows one and a half hours for the bride and an hour for the bridesmaids. It's plenty of time, since we got the look down on the trial session.

The Charlotte Tilbury bridal team will travel to your wedding location and can be on hand for any touch-ups, too, if you need them—though you’ll want to specify all of this while enquiring.

And if you’d prefer to do your own make-up, the team also offers make-up lessons.

Best Charlotte Tilbury Bridal Make-Up Products

Complexion

Eye make-up

Lip products

When it comes to colour on my cheeks, I am usually all about blusher. I love a flush of pink to brighten and add some joy to my naturally pale skin, but when the sun starts to make an appearance again, I find myself reaching for a bronzer to add a different kind of warmth to my complexion.

Because I normally opt for rosy shades, wearing bronzer brings a sunkissed vibe that I really love. But I prefer it to look as natural as possible, and I will always opt for something that melts into the skin for a gentle gold wash, rather than anything heavy or glittery.

The bronzer that ticks all the above boxes is Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun Kissed Glow Bronzer. The silky smooth cream colour feels like a treat to use and brightens my face within seconds, creating a sheen of bronzed colour that lasts all day.

I use a brush to lightly apply the highly pigmented formula over my cheeks, and the strong tone that you see in the palette quickly blends into a softer finish. The cream is quite thick, though, so always start sparingly to avoid overloading your face.

The smooth cream looks great but also works to take care of my skin while I wear it too. The nourishing formulation contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin D to hydrate and soften cheeks, so even after hours of wear my skin doesn’t feel dry or flakey.

It adds a gorgeous sheen to my face, and I never feel like I need to add a highlighter when I use this bronzing product. In fact, this is one of the few products I've found that doesn't sit on top of my foundation with a powdery finish.

Another thing that I love about this is that it's designed to be used on the face and the body.

The jumbo circular palette allows you to easily load up a large brush and swipe over your shoulders, chest and the front of your shins. Wherever you apply it, it adds a natural-looking flush with a healthy dewiness to it—and there isn’t any tell-tale chunky glitter or harsh orange undertone.

It’s perfect for pepping up post-winter skin as well as for adding extra warmth to a fresh tan in those early summer months, and it's humidity resistant so it won't melt on even the hottest of days or during a sweaty train commute.

I wear the "fair" shade which is the lightest option, but there are three other tones to choose from that are all equally flattering.

As with all of the Charlotte Tilbury range, the packaging adds a touch of glamour. The tinted cream is housed in a beautiful metallic, round compact that comes with a handy mirror. The golden design looks fancy, and it makes the whole experience of using it that little more special.

At £45 it is pricier than some of my other makeup products, but I think it's totally worth the spend as the colour pay-off is really impressive and the jumbo size of the bronzer means it lasts for ages.

As mentioned earlier, i'm usually very much a blusher girl, but when the weather warms and my cheeks need some oomph, this bronzer is my holy grail. It brings an unrivalled level of sun-kissed colour to my fair complexion, and I expect to be using it a lot more as we're getting into the summer months.

I know that some people hate any mention of a certain winter celebration too early in the year, but it’s safe to say that I’m not one of them. And now that November has arrived, the countdown to Christmas feels well and truly underway. For me, the excitement of this time of year lies less in the big day itself and more in the lead-up to it—the work parties, overdue trips to the pub with friends, and more occasions for me to dress up. And along a fancier wardrobe comes the opportunity to have a little more fun with my beauty routine too. After all, while most days call for low-maintenance hairstyles and multipurpose make-up, party season means it’s time to bring out the bright lipsticks, shimmery highlighters, and gravity-defying mascaras.

There is nothing, however, that screams special occasion make-up to me more than a smokey eye—and for me there’s only one product that delivers when it comes to creating the perfect one at home. Enter: Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Palette. These instantly-recognisable eyeshadow palettes have to be one of the most iconic Charlotte Tilbury products and, if you’re useless at doing your own eye make-up like I am, make it foolproof to create an ultra-glam eye look. Each one contains four different eyeshadows which have been chosen to align with a four-step system to create the ultimate eye look—prime, enhance, smoke and pop. And with so many shades to choose from, there will be a palette to suit your taste.

How to use the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes

On the back of every palette is a little diagram of the four shades, they're numbered and each one describes the step of application.

The first step - Prime - should be used all over the eyelid. The second - Enhance - defines the eye and can be used over the Prime shade, with particular focus on the crease. Smoke is the third step and should be blended from the outer corner of the eye upwards into the crease. The key here is to blend and diffuse. The final step is to make the eye Pop. Typically a shimmer/glitter or brighter shade, you should press your finger into the Pop shade and then apply right in the middle of the eyelid.

Of course, these are just a handy guide and each shade can be used however you please.

Not sure where to start? Ahead I review my favourite Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes to help you find your perfect party season eyeshadows.

1. Walk of No Shame Luxury Palette

I love a warm eyeshadow anyway, so this quartet of rosy hues speaks to my soul. If you don’t tend to wear reds and pinks on your eyes then rest assured that this palette has been formulated to suit all eye colours, and I find that it really does make my brown eyes pop. And there’s something undeniably festive about the berry hues too. Personally, I think that the two top shades are great for everyday wear, but adding in the smokier berry colour and the intense sparkle is perfect for elevating the look for a more special occasion feel.

2. The Sophisticate Luxury Palette

While I basically transform into a glitterball for the entirety of party season, I understand that shimmer and sparkle aren’t up everyone’s street. Luckily, this palette is made up entirely of matte eyeshadows so you can create a chic smokey eye for any occasion. I love that while there is no glitter in sight, the use of deep chocolate browns and warm taupes mean that this still can be used to get a really glam, grown-up eye look that looks utterly timeless.

3. The Rebel Luxury Palette

Circa-2005 when I was in my peak emo phase, teenage me wouldn’t have stepped foot outside the house without a smudge of bright green eyeshadow on my lids. As such, I have entirely avoided green eyeshadow in my adult life until a make-up artist told me that it’s one of the best shades for brown eyes—and this palette proves it. A playful set of golds, khakis and dirty greens, this creates an undeniably cool smokey eye look and feels fresh and modern. Plus, if your application method is a little haphazard like mine then that only adds to the worn-in, grungy look. It’s shimmery, colourful and perfect for occasions when you want to make a bit of a statement.

4. The Vintage Vamp Luxury Palette

Of course, all of the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes have been created to work for all eye colours—and I definitely don’t believe in sticking to so-called beauty rules when it comes to wearing make-up that makes you feel good. But there’s no denying that this quad of berry tones really does make blue eyes pop. The mix of burgundy shades with a hint of gold feels very old school Hollywood and is ideal if you love to create a really classic, feminine smokey eye.

5. The Uptown Girl Luxury Palette

When you think of your traditional smokey eye, this is the eyeshadow palette that you’ll need to create it. A soft, cool-toned collection of eyeshadows, you can create both effortless daytime looks and more amped-up dramatic evening looks with this handy palette. The mix of shimmering greys and creams feel so sophisticated and chic and work with all eye colours and skin tones. If you don’t like shimmer or sheen, though, then I’d avoid this—all of the shades have a pearlescent finish to them which look beautifully reflective on the eyes.

6. Queen of Glow Luxury Palette

This is effectively the palette which will create the ultra-glam, dazzling red carpet eyeshadow look that Charlotte Tilbury herself is known for creating on her celebrity clients. And I have to say that it might just be my favourite luxury palette of them all. It’s warm, golden and creates a glowy, sun-kissed eye look that makes me just feel really bloody good when I’m wearing it. Plus, of all the palettes, I think that I’d probably get most wear out of this one as all of the eyeshadows create quite a statement when worn individually too.

7. Pillow Talk Luxury Palette

Inspired by the best-selling Pillow Talk lipstick, this beautiful collection of nude eyeshadow creates a dusky, pretty eye look that I think everyone would find wearable. Much like the lipstick and lip liner, it’s been created as a universally flattering quartet and can be used to create a tawny day look or a more full glamour sparkly eye.

8. The Rock Chick Luxury Palette

This is the cool-girl palette of the collection—think Kate Moss in the early 00s in a quartet of eyeshadows. The mix of greys and silvers can be applied with a light hand if you want a subtle shimmery look or layered up for a full on grungy eye. It looks absolutely effortless (even if you’ve applied it painstakingly carefully) and looks even better when applied with lashings of mascara.

I have lost count of the number of times I have written about beauty advent calendars over the years. One year I'd never even heard the term, the next it was my entire September to December personality. Their popularity only seems to grow and the offering each year doesn't ever seem to wane. I am incredibly fortunate to be sent the majority of them as part of the job, however if I kept them all I would spend much of December opening up numbered doors. I have come to know which ones I look forward to receiving, for keeping for my own little advent treat and the Charlotte Tilbury beauty advent calendar is incredibly high up on that list.

The reason why? Well because if you took a look at my make-up bag you'd spot an immediate theme. I would say that around 75% of my make-up bag is made up of Charlotte Tilbury products so the annual calendar is a way of me topping up my favourites. I also love getting some of my most used products in miniature form, as they become my on-the-go essentials or go straight into my travel cosmetics bags for future trips.

Each year the calendar takes on the form of a luxury chest of drawers, with each one containing either a travel or full-sized product from the brand's impressive collection. From make-up to skincare, this luxury beauty advent calendar is so good that even I, someone who has become quite indifferent towards beauty advent calendars, can't help but get excited about.

The packaging

This year's calendar's called the Treasure Chest of Love and there are certainly treasures to be had. 2024 offering is shaped like a heart, which is a lovely touch and different to ones we've seen in the past. Lifting the lid off the box reveals an extra compartment, so alongside each drawer, this chest of drawers can be used as a smart storage box even once the festive period is over. I plan on using mine for jewellery.

What makes it different to the others on sale?

This is not your normal advent calendar - firstly the drawers aren't numbered so it's entirely up to you which one you open when. Secondly, unlike other calendars, there are only 12 drawers not the typical 25 doors. This also means that it doesn't even have to be used as an advent calendar. It could actually just be a really incredible beauty gift set for someone. If you're into forward planning and buy it this month, then you'd spreading the cost ahead of December.

What's inside the Charlotte Tilbury 2024 beauty advent calendar?

There are twelve products to be had and it just so happens that every single one of them is one I use already.

• Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm (full sized) - a beautiful highlighting blush
• Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir (full size) - a nourishing lip oil
• Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (travel size) - a hardy, yet refreshing, setting spray that's feels weightless
• Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in Super Black (travel size) - one of the best lengthening mascaras
• Pillow Talk Eyeliner (travel size) - a deep mauve liner that softens a smokey eye look
• Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk (travel size) - an iconic lipstick in an even more iconic shade
• Lip Cheat lip liner in Pillow Talk (travel size) - the matching liner
• Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick in Matte Revolution Hollywood Vixen (travel size) - the perfect red lip
• Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk (full size) - the tinted lip balm that I wear every single day
• Glow Toner (travel size) - a super gentle exfoliating toner
• Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir (travel size) - a hydrating serum that works on firming
• Charlotte's Magic Cream (travel size) - the must-have product of Charlotte's celebrity clients

We’re all on the hunt for the best foundation. But if you’ve ever felt that your skin is far too oily to get away with a glowy foundation in the summer, I can relate. Well, fellow oily girls assemble, because I’ve just discovered the perfect dewy foundation for oily skin: the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint.

When it comes to summer make-up, Charlotte Tilbury’s products do not disappoint - and this new product is no exception. Despite being a stick foundation (the first of its kind for the brand, in fact) it still somehow manages to leave the glowy filter-like finish that Charlotte Tilbury’s products are famous for.

How so? Firstly, it’s infused with super hydrating and skin-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid and plant-powered Collageneer™, supposedly keeping hydration locked in for 24 hours. It’s also packed with micro-fine pearlescent filters to provide an extra luminous finish. Lovely.

If you’re after one of the best foundations for dry skin, foundations for acne-prone skin, dewy foundations and even tinted moisturisers, we have some in-depth guides for those too, but I’m here to talk about the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint.

Now that it’s officially summer, I really want my skin to have a lustrous finish, so how did my oily skin get on with this dew-inducing foundation stick - especially in the current heatwave we’re having? Shop it for yourself below, and read on for my honest review

My review of the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint

Firstly, I think it’s important you know a little bit about my skin. It’s oily, acne-prone and sensitive, with enlarged pores and texture to boot - definitely not the easiest skin type to find a glowy foundation for.

I’ll be entirely honest here: I wasn’t sure how I would get on with this foundation at first. Upon immediate application, I adored the radiant finish it gave my skin, but historically, dew-inducing foundations don’t tend to last on me so I was sceptical as to how it would hold up throughout the day.

To apply, I swiped a few lines around my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and blended in with my fingers as I would a moisturiser. I was a huge fan of how quick and easy it was to apply, and it blended in like a dream.

When it came to the finish, this foundation had a sheer/light coverage, which you could probably build to a light/medium coverage at best - enough to blur pores and redness. I was a fan of how it let my natural skin shine through. However, this is definitely not a full-coverage foundation by any means, so if that's what you typically go for, then I would steer clear.

I’m currently experiencing more skin texture issues than normal, and was expecting this foundation to exaggerate them, but it works similar to the brand's iconic Flawless Filter in that it smoothes over pores and texture, rather than exaggerating them like some foundations can do. Full disclosure: it won’t cover spots, which I’d recommend going over with your favourite concealer, and a dusting of powder is still a good idea if your skin falls on the oilier side. I set the areas around my nose and chin with powder before getting on with my day (the dewiness still shone through).

This is probably not something I’d wear on its own or on minimal make-up days, like I would a tinted moisturiser. Despite its lightweight coverage, this is the type of foundation I feel really shines with a full face of make-up, complete with the glowiest of skin. But that’s just my personal preference - if you don’t have any texture issues, this would probably make a sensational minimal make-up base.

So, how did it hold up? Throughout the day, I got multiple compliments on how radiant my skin looked, and most importantly, my foundation didn’t slip and slide around my face or cake up in certain areas. I had a full day of events from 11am to 10pm on the day I first wore it, so I really put it through its paces.

Overall, the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint did what it promised and gave my skin an unreal glow. It’s summer skin in convenient stick packaging, and has now taken up permanent residence in my make-up bag.

There are many perks of being a beauty editor and trying the latest products is one of the biggest. With brands like Charlotte Tilbury consistently launching some of the best products out there (Pillow Talk being one of them), it's fair to say I have a lovely time trying the newness out. Because so much product lands on my desk every week, I have thoughts and opinions on what's good and what's not. 

With beauty products getting more expensive, hearing first-hand what's worth the money is helpful before purchasing. That's why I've done the hard job of reviewing several Charlotte Tilbury products to determine the very best ones (I know, it's a tough life but someone's got to do it).

These are the eight best Charlotte Tilbury products from someone who—quite literally—tests beauty products for a living.

Best Charlotte Tilbury products, according to a beauty editor

1. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat Lip Liner

Of course, the first product in this roundup had to be the Pillow Talk Lip Cheat. I rate the entire Pillow Talk line but always find myself reaching for the Lip Cheat and Lipstick. It's flattering for so many skin tones and is foolproof to apply (I do so regularly with no mirror) and if you're not a fan of the original shade, there's also a Pillow Talk Medium for medium and dark skin tones. I do think that £21 for a lip liner is a lot, but as it lasts such a long time and you could end up using it daily, I consider it to be one of the best lip liners on the market and worth spending the money on.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

I actually think the Magic Cream is a bit of a misunderstood product. For me, it's the most perfect elevated cold cream. It has the texture, scent and finish of one creating a hydrated, glowing base ready for make-up. It's a product that I consistently come back to because I love how it makes my skin feel under complexion products, and I'm not alone in that.

However, it doesn't do much for the actual condition of my skin, which is why this is reserved strictly for pre-make-up application for me (which also makes it worth the steep price-tag). I see people using this as a 'fix-all' to their concerns like rosacea or acne, this isn't a treatment so in that way think of it more like a primer for ultimate dewy skin and you'll be thrilled with the results.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter

There isn't ever a time when Flawless Filter isn't in my make-up bag. An product so original and so clever that it prompted brands to try to create similar iterations. But nothing comes close for me. Much like the Magic Cream, I think some people were a little confused by this product at first because people were trying to use it  as a traditional foundation. To be clear: this is more a highlighter than a foundation or coverage product. It gives the most incredible lit-from-within glow that most of us can only dream of having naturally. 

I love to use this all over before I apply my foundation (so I apply it after SPF and before any colour complexion product) for an all-over glow, or on the high points of my face (like the cheekbones) after foundation for a natural-looking highlight.

It comes in 12 shades, the doe foot applicator makes it really easy to apply and the glass bottle lasts such a long time.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in Chocolate Bronze

Eyes To Mesmerise is an underrated product from the brand, in my opinion. It's one of the easiest cream eyeshadows to use and the shades are so wearable. You need very little make-up skill to apply them, you can simply use your finger to smudge and blend out or a fluffy brush. You can get completely matte shades and also ones with a shimmer finish, like this one. It's one of the few eyeshadows that I think looks fantastic with just the one product so there's no need to faff around with multiple shades.

I also adore the Matte Eyes To Mesmerise as they're totally foolproof for adding that wash of colour to instantly brighten the eye and add interest to an otherwise minimal make-up look. I don't find these crease as much as other cream eyeshadows (on me they don't crease at all) but that does depend on how oily your lids are naturally.

5. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand

If a pigmented blush is a bit of you then you'll love this Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk. Just a dab brightens up my whole face and pulls any make-up look together. I love that only a touch is needed so it doesn't feel like I've ever applied too much, which can easily be done with blusher. It also stays put meaning it doesn't slide off your face throughout the day so you stay rosy and healthy-looking for longer. The sponge application makes it super easy to apply exactly where you want it; just be sure to lock the cap so the product doesn't come spilling out into your make-up bag and you keep the sponge cleaner for longer. 

6. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in Pillow Talk Dreams

If I want to make a real effort with my make-up, I always turn to a Luxury Palette. I honestly think I have (and cherish) them all but particularly love the Pillow Talk Dreams compact. It contains 4 shades which are labelled to make it easy to apply them in four steps: prime, enhance, smoke and pop. This makes it such a doddle, even if you're not confident in applying shadow. The shades are pigmented enough to get good colour pay-off but not so much that they're intimidating or hard to blend. If you're looking to up your eyeshadow game, this is such an easy and elevated way of doing so.

7. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer

I'm pretty fussy with concealers (often nothing comes close to my beloved Nars) but this one impressed me. It's brightening to lift my overall complexion, has enough pigment to conceal my blue-toned under eyes and doesn't dry out throughout the day. As the name suggests, this one has a 'radiance' to it, meaning if you like your concealers to be completely matte without any slight shimmer, you won't like this. I personally like that, especially dabbed right in the inner corners of my eyes.

8. Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand

If you're a contour kinda person who likes a lot of pigment with just a small dab then you'll love this if you haven't tried it already. It's similar to the other wands from the brand with a cushion applicator and twists to open and close. You only need a tiny amount to dot onto the contour areas and it blends out really easily. The formula dries down and stay put, unlike a lot of other contours, which tend to slide off throughout the day. The packaging is contentious though, some people love it and others hate it. It's not my favourite because I don't love that you have to cut open the packaging to get the last bits out but it don't dislike it enough to not use the product.

So we’ve established that Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream are two products that make-up enthusiasts go wild for. But there’s another that people are completely devoted to and it's one of the best highlighters you can use: Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter. 

Landing into our lives in 2018, people were hooked pretty much instantly after launch, many beauty editors, like me, included. At first, it was a little confusing for some people to get their head around because it was a pretty new category. Not a traditional primer, nor is it a highlighter exactly either and it's certainly not a foundation; Flawless Filter is its own type of product promising to act as a filter in real life. 

There’s no doubt it started a primer-highlighter movement so with plenty of dupes out there, we wanted to give a spotlight to the OG. We’ve dug into everything you need to know about the now iconic Flawless Filter. 

What is Flawless Filter?  

As mentioned, it’s a primer-highlighter hybrid that promises to “blur, smooth and illuminate” the skin. Described as a glow booster, it’s a bit of a multipurpose product and can be used in multiple ways. Most commonly used underneath foundation for an added lit-from-within glow. It can be used on top of foundation on the high points of the face like the cheekbones and bridge of the nose as a natural-looking highlighter. 

It has a touch of coverage, similar to your best tinted moisturisers, but not enough to be classed as a foundation. Although some people wear it on its own, the finish is very dewy and slightly shimmery so is a little too much for most people to use alone. Having said that, it’s a great product to achieve that ultra glossy skin look, particularly in the summer if that’s your vibe. 

How you choose to use it also depends on your skin type. Dry skin types like me benefit from the added layer of hydration underneath make-up, whereas if you’re on the oily side, you might just like to target it to the places you want glow versus applying everywhere. 

The Flawless Filter formula contains ingredients like glycerin and squalane to give an additional layer of hydration on the skin ahead of foundation. In 2021, the shades expanded and now there are 12 shades to choose from. 

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter packaging 

In classic Charlotte Tilbury style, the packaging is beautiful. Housed in a glass bottle with the iconic gold lid. The applicator is what makes it stand out from other complexion glow boosters though. Featuring a large doefoot applicator, it’s super easy to precisely dab onto the skin or swipe across the whole face. Although I really like the doefoot, it can make it a little hard to get every drop of formula out of the tube, which is the only downside. As you can see from my own, the writing disappears really easily from the bottle, which is a shame but doesn't put me off using it. 

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter results 

I personally love the Flawless Filter. It’s been in my make-up bag consistently since it launched 5 years ago. In the summer, I’ll use it more as an all-over glow underneath a skin tint and in the winter I like to just pop it on the high points of my face to give my complexion a dewy boost. I also like to use multiple shades. From 1-3 depending on whether I’m wearing my favourite fake tan for pale skin or if I’m slightly more naturally tanned in the summer. 

Although it looks incredibly pigmented, it's only slightly tinted which is something to bear in mind. It will definitely give the appearance of a blurred and subsequently more 'filtered' appearance but it won't conceal spots or uneven skin tone as well as a traditional concealer or foundation would. 

The best way to think of it is a highlighter or glow booster to give skin beautiful radiance. It’s definitely going to remain an icon in my make-up routine for years to come. 

There are a few lipsticks that really make their mark on the world: MAC Ruby Woo, Clinique Black Honey, and of course, Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk. 

Having only launched 10 years ago in 2013, as the Charlotte Tilbury Cheat Lip Liner, the shade has quickly become an icon and grown into an impressive shade collection. First in 2017 with the Matte Revolution Lipstick and expanding into eyeshadow, blush and even mascara; becoming samples in everyday routines for many—including me. 

But what makes Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk so great? I’m glad you asked because that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today. 

Why is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk so popular? 

The reason Pillow Talk became so popular is all down to its “universally-flattering” shade. Now, the idea of a universally-flattering shade is tricky because rarely, if ever, is a shade successful and suitable for everyone. However, what I will say is that it’s done an excellent job at suiting many, many skin tones. Described as a nude-pink, Pillow Talk is what Charlotte Tilbury calls “everyone’s perfect shade” for everyday wear. And so far it has earned over 1,000 5-star reviews, with one Pillow Talk product selling every 10 seconds globally. It’s definitely doing something right. 

As someone with a light skin tone and rosacea, I keep Pillow Talk in my bag at all times. It’s one of those shades that adds just a little flush of colour without looking overly “done”. As well as that, it’s the perfect balance between being neutral and pink without making my rosacea appear emphasised. It’s a lipstick that elevates any look but is easy-going enough to apply without a mirror and on-the-go. And not to mention the beautiful, sleek packaging is gorgeous. It feels ultra luxurious without the hefty price tag. 

Although Pillow Talk was extremely well-loved, there were requests that more was needed when it came to shades, which was confirmed following the brand’s 2022 launches of two darker shades: Pillow Talk Medium and Pillow Talk Intense. 

In 2023, the Pillow Talk range includes everything you can think of, from lip products to eyeshadows and even mascara and eyeliner—and I can’t get enough of it all. 

Best Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk products, reviewed by a beauty editor

1. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk

2. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

3. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand

4. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in Pillow Talk 

5. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand Pillow Talk Original

6. Charlotte Tilbury Push Up Lashes Mascara

7. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Pillow Talk 

As beauty editors, we know the best beauty advent calendars to shop this year (including luxury advent calendars and affordable advent calendars), but which advent calendars are people searching for the most?

According to Foundation, that's analysed the Google data, Lookfantastic’s 2024 Advent Calendar is the most-wanted beauty Advent Calendar to purchase this year, with over 49,500 searches in September alone. Foundation did the same research in both 2022 and 2023 which had Charlotte Tilbury as the most-wanted advent calendar, showing that Lookfantastic has dethroned the beauty brand.

Coming in joint-second with Charlotte Tilbury’s Advent Calendar is Space NK’s 25 Day Advent Calendar, which has already sold out online, and has seen 40,500 total searches in September – increasing by 235%. While you might not even have considered your Christmas shopping yet, shoppers are clearly doing their research earlier each year, so if you're after the most coveted beauty buys, you need to get in quick.

Olivia Ford, Performance Lead at Foundation, explained the sudden surge in popularity. “Beauty Advent Calendars have become extremely popular in the past few years as they elevate what we know and love about the advent calendar; it combines variety and value for money with the products included with surprise and excitement as you countdown to Christmas Day”.

As a professional shopper, nothing excites me more than seeing what people are shopping most around Christmas time. One thing seems clear to me - the hype around beauty advent calendars is more frantic than ever before, so if you’re keen to get your hands on the most popular styles of 2024, we’d suggest getting a wiggle on. 

So without further ado, read on to find out the top 10 most searched-for (read: desirable) advent calendars of 2024 that need to be shopped ASAP...

The most searched-for beauty advent calendars of 2024:

1. LOOKFANTASTIC Iconic Beauty Advent Calendar 2024 (SOLD OUT)
2. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Treasure Chest of Love
3. Space NK Advent Calendar (SOLD OUT)
4. Boots Limited Edition 24 Days of Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar
5. Sephora Favorites Advent Calendar (SOLD OUT)
6. Cult Beauty 2024 Advent Calendar (SOLD OUT)
7. Jo Malone Advent Calendar 2024
8. The Harrods 12 Days of Hair & Body Advent Calendar 2024 
9. Selfridges Beauty Advent Calendar (SOLD OUT)
10. Benefit The Gorgeous Grocer 24 Piece Beauty Advent Calendar

1. Lookfantastic Beauty Advent Calendar 2024

2. Charlotte's Treasure Chest of Love

3. Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar

4. Boots Limited Edition 24 Days of Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar

5.  Sephora Favorites Advent Calendar 

6. Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2024

7. Jo Malone Advent Calendar

8.  The Harrods 12 Days of Hair & Body Advent Calendar 2024  

9. Selfridges Beauty Advent Calendar 

10.  Benefit The Gorgeous Grocer 24 Piece Beauty Advent Calendar

Lily James has been hitting the headlines recently, whether it's for her stellar Pam & Tommy performance, or her stylish looks.

The Cinderella actor attended the star-studded annual Met Gala 2022 on 2 May, which was held at New York's The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This year's theme followed In America: An Anthology of Fashion, which saw her don a see-through beaded Versace dress.

While the 33-year-old impressed with her elegant ensemble, it was her beauty look which has also sparked a lot of attention.

In preparation for the star-studded event Lily underwent a skincare treatment with professional Joanna Czech to achieve glowing skin ahead of the event.

It turns out she wasn't the only one to turn to skincare expert Joanna, as Amber Valletta, Adwoa Aboah, Kourtney Kardashian and Cynthia Erivo all visited her for a treatment ahead of the gala.

Once her skin was prepped Lily turned to British beauty mogul, Charlotte Tilbury, to perfect her make-up, and this is where it gets interesting, because we too can create Lily's red carpet look with ease.

Charlotte broke down the full products list with everything she used on Lily ahead of the Met Gala, which was her second time attending the glamorous event.

To prep the skin, Charlotte applied her Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, followed by the iconic, and bestselling, Magic Cream. For extra hydration Charlotte Tilbury's new Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil was layered on top, followed by Magic Lip Oil to hydrate Lily's lips.

Charlotte went on to provide the base coverage for Lily, which included the signature Hollywood Flawless Filter, blended with the Beautiful Skin Foundation, which is new.

With cameras flashing on the red carpet, Charlotte tried to reduce extra shine, yet still keeping Lily's skin looking dewy, and dusted the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder onto her skin to set the look.

To enhance Lily's face, Charlotte used Hollywood Contour Wand in Light/Medium shade, the Nudegasm Face Palette and Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk Medium for extra highlight.

Lily opted for an ice-blue eye make-up look to co-ordinate with her dress. To create this metallic eyeshadow, Charlotte applied the Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo in Super Blue, followed by Pillow Talk Multi-Glow in Romance Light to brighten, and highlight the eye, while also creating the two-tone effect. To accentuate the eyes even more, Charlotte swept a touch of Feline Flick eyeliner in Panther, and bestseller Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! mascara. 

When it came to the lips Charlotte kept it super simple using the Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk, and Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk, which is the most iconic lip duo famed at the beauty brand.

Charlotte Tilbury has pledged to donate to support those in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on land, air and sea, on Ukraine on 24 February, which continues to cause huge devastation in Ukraine, with hundreds dead, and thousands more displaced.

The British beauty brand founder has revealed she has already donated £1million to Women for Women International, and now pledges to donate to the charities Conflict Response Fund, as well as match donations made by their employees.

In a post shared on the Charlotte Tilbury beauty brand's Instagram account, it read: "We are deeply heartbroken by the events happening in Ukraine. Over the last week, and as we have been marking International Women’s Day, we have been working with our long-term partner Women for Women International to consider how we can support the women affected by this devastating situation.

"Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has already donated £1 million to Women for Women International (@womenforwomen/@womenforwomenuk), to support the charity’s impactful programmes. This crucial work helps women living in some of the world’s most dangerous places and conflict zones to choose their own futures.

"Today, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty will make an additional donation to Women for Women International’s Conflict Response Fund, which will help local partners to establish crucial women-centred services in response to the unfolding situation in Ukraine. In addition, we will match all donations made by our employees."

The label has urged the public to support Ukraine in these heartbreaking times.

The post concluded: "The global response to support those in need has been phenomenal and we know that many of you will have shown your support already. If you are still looking for a way to support, you can find the link in our Stories to join us in donating to the Women for Women International Conflict Response Fund."

Charlotte Tilbury's plea comes shortly after model Gigi Hadid, Victoria and David Beckham, as well as other major fashion brands shared their actions to support Ukraine.

Gigi has vowed to donate all of her earnings from Fashion Month to support Ukrainian Relief, while the Beckhams have set up a fund, and donated a hefty sum, to UNICEF.

Meanwhile, Hermès, Chanel and Gucci have ceased trading, alongside beauty company L’Oreal.

Apple, Microsoft, Ikea, Nike, ASOS and Adidas have since suspended sales in Russia too.