Let's be real for a sec: The market for foundations is already pretty saturated. We have the iconic Nars Radiant Longwear, best-selling It Cosmetic CC Cream, and the cult classic Armani Luminous Silk Foundation — to name just a handful.
So, when Charlotte Tilbury announced she was releasing yet another foundation, we'll admit we didn't see it coming. Particularly because the red-haired queen of glam already has three best selling foundations under her belt with the Hollywood Flawless Filter, Airbrush Filter and Beautiful Skin Foundation.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick
While it's no secret that brands can get greedy, cashing in on loyal consumers who'll purchase the latest release from a brand they love, this doesn't appear to be the case with Tilbury. On the contrary, the latest launch from the world famous MUA makes sense because all her previous foundations air on the side of full coverage and are better suited to those who love a 'done up' look.
The Unreal foundation however, is billed as a skin tint and is designed for those who prefer a super-natural, sheer-to-light, buildable coverage. It's also the first stick foundation within Tilbury's base range, which tend to be easier to apply and buff out, and are also better suited to those on the go.
While the foundation already has rave reviews on her website, we wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. Here's what happened when two members of the WH beauty team put it to the test.
But first...
What is the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint?
A foundation stick that is said to offer the ultimate glow. The brand claim that 'the beautifying blend cascades light across the face, creating the most ethereal, lit-from-within, super-natural blurred glow and snatched, sculpt + lift 3d effect.'
But what supposedly sets this foundation apart from its predecessors is its light reflecting quality. Charlotte Tilbury took inspiration from ring lights and has coined the formulation of ingredients 'light mapping mesh tech' which is said to give skin a ring light effect.
The unique hue that a ring light gives our skin is recreated thanks to soft-focus blurring pearlescent filters, smoothing emollients and a moisture mesh created by the hyaluronic acid. Application-wise, the nifty stick means that all you need to do is apply a few strategic swipes, before buffing in with your fingers or a brush.
But what really seals the deal is the skincare benefits you can reap from using it. The formula is infused with a number of ingredients you're more likely to find in as serum or day cream.
What's in the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint?
Key ingredients included in Charlotte Tilbury's new stick foundation include...
Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid
The larger molecules form a hydrating layer on the skin’s surface to help prevent moisture loss while the medium molecules help bind water to the skin, giving it a smooth appearance. The smallest molecules are able to penetrate deeper into the skin to leave it looking plumper and thus help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Daikon radish seed oil
Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, this lightweight oil is known to hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while also being anti-inflammatory. It's also said to be non-comedogenic so shouldn't clog pores.
Vitamin E
A powerhouse of a hydrator and brimming with antioxidant properties, vitamin E nourishes and protects skin from daily aggressors.
Can you wear the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint by itself?
Yes. The easy-to-build, sheer quality makes this foundation a winner for those who don't like to layer on lots of base products.
So, is Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint any good?
Below, two members of the WH beauty team with different skin types reveal what they really thought, after trialing the new product.
Perdita Nouril, WH Beauty Editor
If there's one thing that everyone needs in their makeup bag, it's a base product that imparts a natural glow with a few simple swipes. Trouble is, I already have that with Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Foundation, which I've been obsessed with since it launched two years ago.
So when this landed on my desk, I was convinced it wouldn't live up to Beautiful Skin. Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong. You see true to its name, this foundation is unreal, delivering a 'your-skin-but-better' finish that looks natural and feels undetectable.
I usually find that the texture and finish of a stick foundation feels heavy and ends up looking cakey. However, this glides on seamlessly and melts into skin. It's buildable too, so if you do want more coverage, you can easily layer it up and buff it out with a brush. You can also just tap into skin for light coverage to hide imperfections.
As for the finish? It certainly brightens skin and gives it a lovely radiance, however, compared to their Beautiful Skin foundation, it's not as dewy. The finish is a tad (and I mean tad) more matte. It's got real staying power too, I put through it paces after a whole day in the office, plus a boxing class and not once did it go patchy. I'm obsessed.
Pros
- Lightweight
- It's got staying power
- super glowy
Cons
- Need a fair bit to build up for coverage
Clare Stephenson, WH Ecomms Beauty Writer
'The first time I experienced the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint was in a makeup chair at the Charlotte Tilbury HQ. Truthfully, I went in blind, not having a clue what to expect. I was thrilled to discover that it has a sheer base and glowy finish – and as soon as I felt it on my skin, I instantly knew it was a bit of me.
The MUA used a brush to pat the product in, but I was also told it can be directly scribbled onto the skin and blended out – which, to help with my hectic mornings, is exactly what I will be doing. As for the finished result, it was somewhat of a jaw-drop moment. There were a few ring lights on me, which I'm sure contributed to the dewy look, but it gave my complexion a smooth – almost glass-like – radiance.
I’m also pleased by how well it played with my skincare and the other makeup products that were layered over. When I had the chance to try it myself, I instantly noticed that the balm has a lot of shimmer running through it – in fact, I did a double take thinking it was a highlighter. This is a very illuminating base, and it truly delivers on the dewy, glazed look, which is something to keep in mind if you prefer softer satin finishes or even matte ones. But the main thing I learnt was that skin prep is everything.
To help the formula melt into the skin, and to keep it looking unified throughout the day, you’ve got to prioritise the products you apply before. The MUA started with the Magic Serum before going in with the Magic Water Cream and Flawless Poreless Primer to create a hydrated and slightly tacky base.'
Pros
- Very brightening
- Delivers dewy skin
- Makes skin look very smooth
Cons
- I'd say may be a bit too balmy for anyone with oily skin
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Perdita Nouril is the Beauty Editor for Women’s Health UK. She has worked in the beauty industry for 15 years since graduating from the University of Nottingham. Adept at exploring the colossal world of beauty, she loves to scratch beneath the surface to debunk the myths, decode the science and challenge traditional notions of beauty. You can always find her preaching sermons on the power of a red lip, extolling the virtues of a decent serum and championing the very best female beauty founders.
You can find Perdita on Instagram on @perditanouril
