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Phone, card holder, keys: The items you'll never catch me leaving the house without…those and a healthy amount of Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream all over my face, of course.
I have acne-prone skin, but I'm also simultaneously combination-to-dry – an odd mix, I'm aware. That means however, when I do find a moisturiser that works for me, it becomes my holy grail, and that's exactly how I feel about Magic Cream.
I've been wearing it daily for the past seven years now, ever since I stepped into the fashion industry really, and I think it might be my desert island item.
Magic Cream review, at a glance…
| What it's best for: | Nourishing and rehydrating your skin and creating a glowy base for makeup. |
| Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid; vitamins C and E; peptide complex. |
| What I love: | How radiant it makes my makeup look; the fact it's refillable. |
| What I don't like: | The price. |
How I tested:
My skin type: Combination-dry and hormonal acne-prone.
I've been ‘testing’ Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream for almost a decade now – which is more than enough time to give a fair verdict I reckon. I've worn it on makeup-free days while working from home and running errands as well as beneath full-glam looks while attending events/weddings/date nights. I've also tried it alongside the rest of my skincare routine (read: after a cleanser and toner, and before or sometimes after facial serums), to see if it pilled or reacted in a different way each time.
Before and after pics:
Why you can trust me:
While my area of expertise mainly lies in fashion, being a senior shopping writer means I also know a thing or two about beauty (see here for my Light Salon Boost review – one of the best LED face masks on the market – for proof). I have to say I'm fairly fussy when it comes to skincare, unless I see immediate results I lose interest and am unlikely to re-purchase, so when I do ramp and rave about something you can rest assured it's because it's a mainstay in my beauty bag.
About Charlotte Tilbury
Hopefully by now Charlotte Tilbury needs little to no introduction – even if you've been living under a rock. One of the leading brands in the global beauty and makeup sphere, it's a name you'll hear (and see) on the lips of celebrities like Kate Moss, J-Lo, Amal Clooney and – the most recent face of the brand – Celine Dion.
Founded in 2013, it's most celebrated for its Pillow Talk collection and Magic Cream. The invention of the latter all came about when Charlotte herself was a backstage makeup artist. She was renowned for using her own secret concoction on model and A-lister's faces to instantly revive their dull, dry and tired skin.
“I created my iconic Magic Cream to prime skin too, so that makeup glides on flawlessly, looks more beautiful and lasts longer – I never do makeup without it!” She says. Neither do I, Charlotte.
The formula:
As a fairly thick emollient, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is ideal for those with dry skin like myself. That said, if you're on the oilier side (or have sensitive skin to fragrances) you might be better off trying the Magic Water Cream or steering clear entirely. It's not for everyone, but those that love it will struggle to find anything better. Trust me, I've tried.
- Hyaluronic acid: A humectant produced naturally by our body that can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water (AKA, great for hydration).
- Rosehip oil: Rich in vitamin F for a cushioning effect.
- Oat extract: Contains loads of alpha-glucans.
- Frangipani flower extract: Gives that delicate scent Magic Cream is renowned for.
- Vitamin C: Brightens complexion.
- Vitamin E: Evens skintone.
- Peptide complex: Plumps.
- Aloe vera: Calms.
- Camellia oil: Provides that dewy finish.
- Shea butter: Nourishes and softens.
My experience & final verdict:
The blend of antioxidant-rich Rosehip oil and oat extract softens and smooths the feel of my skin and lifts the look of my facial contours which, in turn, is what creates that perfect base for foundation, bronzer, blush etc to sit atop. I will say I've found I'm better to apply it at least 10 minutes before, though, as it can pill if I don't let it soak in properly – especially if I use anything water-based on top.
I won't beat around the bush; she's spenny – especially if you want anything larger than the travel size – but in my opinion, she's worth it. I've never had something that simultaneously nourishes my face under makeup, without budging everything around on top. Even in summer. Even with glasses on.
As mentioned, Magic Cream comes in a water-based version (as well as a night cream and body lotion, FYI, which are just as divine and I'm equally as obsessed) for those with oilier skin who prefer something lighter. It goes all the way up to 150ml, and you can purchase refill tubs to be that little bit more environmentally friendly (and save yourself a few ££s in the process). So there's really a Magic Cream for everyone.
More Charlotte Tilbury skincare products I love:
Save when you shop for Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream with these Charlotte Tilbury discount codes at checkout. For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
