Worth The Hype : Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow

This is the most beautiful thing in my entire make up stash. I am sure many of you have already heard about Charlotte Tilburys Filmstar Bronze and Glow, but for those who haven't, this a contour/bronzer and highlighting kit. This wins the award for the most beautifully packaged product. Sometimes I just take it out of my Muji unit and just stare at it...I'm not even joking.  

This compact is fairly weighty with a rose gold casing. Just heaven.

Anyway, aside from being a beautiful thing, the important question is- does it work? At £49, it needs to be good. 

You may well have guessed from the title, but this is well and truly worth the hype. I feel excited every single time I use it.

Lets starts with the Contour shade. The interesting thing about this is that this actually works as a designated contour AND bronzer. Classic shadowy contours such as Kevyns Aucoins have a very cool ashy tone to them to create a shadow, which they do fantastically, but that is their sole purpose. You would look very ill if you attempted to bronze up your face with Aucoins offering.
The opposite tends to be true with bronzers, for example the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer which  creates a gorgeous warmth to the skin, but would look incredibly fake as a contour.

Charlotte somehow manages to have created a shade that works for both...this is a pricey item, but the way I see it, this is kind of three products in one...that's my justification folks. 

The contour shade contains a faint shimmer- which doesn't translate to the skin so it does not affect the contour, I assume it is there to help blending and also to add some warmth if you are going to use it all over the face.
I always take this away with me as I can contour the cheeks and than dust this all over the skin. It's so smooth, easy to blend and looks natural on the skin.  

L-R : Contour and Highlight

The highlight shade is a golden champagne which gives such a lovely glow to the skin, but I would advise using this with caution. My favourite brush to use is my Smashbox Fan Brush as I find other brushes pick up too much product and this stuff is very pigmented so an over application can look a little obvious. But hey if that's your thing you will love this anyway!

For me, I love a glow so a dusting with my fan brush is all I need, but its nice to know that you can build it up if you so desire.

Bottom Line : The Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow is one hundred percent worth the hype. The packaging is beautiful, it comes with a large mirror, the contour somehow manages to double up as a natural looking contour and bronzer whilst the highlight adds such a lit from within glow. I adore this and even though I have used it tonnes- I am nowhere near hitting pan.

Gorgeous. Thank you Charlotte.

Read more »

My Top Ten Brushes

When I went away last week, I tried my hardest to scale my brushes down, so this post is half favourite brushes and half the brushes I take away with me. I have to say after taking pictures, I realized that there are a couple that on the whole I prefer (which I have written below) but these are the ones I take away with me as a lot of them are multipurpose. 

Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face : This is a great little multi-tasker so I always take this away with me. On the whole I prefer applying foundation with my fingers but some formulas do need a brush to help buff them in.
This brush is very soft, travel sized and is my favourite brush for blending foundation in seamlessly in no time.
I also use it to blend in cream products whether that be bronzer/blusher, but especially my Smashbox Contour Sticks  as not only does it work them in well, but it is small enough to blend in a contour without smearing it all over my face.

Real Techniques Setting Brush : I use this for concealer- again not all the time because I think with some concealer formulas you really need the warmth of your fingers to help blend in, but with my Urban Decay Concealer, when I do my upside triangles, this does a great job of blending without wiping away the coverage I have created or disturbing my foundation underneath. I need to pick up another one of these, its fab. 

Charlotte Tilbury Blush Brush : This is my favourite Blush Brush when it comes to working with sheerer blushes. Its the only brush I use for my Nars and Clinique blushes as they are not as crazy pigmented, so this helps to pick up that extra bit of product as the bristles are fairly dense. It's fairly soft as well, which is a bonus.

Charlotte Tilbury Powder and Sculpt Brush : This brush is great for contouring and highlighting (although it can pick up too much highlight so I have to tap off the excess), but I use it mostly to set the concealer under my eyes. To be honest, I often use it for everything, including blusher (If my CT blusher brush is dirty) as it is so small and tapered than you can get a really precise application. This is a real workhorse so I think it would fit most peoples needs. 

I have to say though if we are solely talking powder contour, then my Mac 168 is my absolute favourite as it really carves out the cheek bones whilst diffusing the edges, making everything look natural. 

I would have included that here, but I couldn't justify taking another brush away me when this brush is so multi functional. 

 Real Techniques Duo Fibre Brush : This is my favourite brush of all time. If I were only allowed to keep one face brush- this would be it.
It is soft, never picks up too much product, has many uses, washes like a dream, dries V quickly and manages to bounce back every time I squish it in my make up bag.
I use this for a fine dusting of powder, whether that be under my eyes or all over. You will never get a heavy, powdery look with this brush.
This works brilliantly at applying and diffusing bronzer- the brush is tapered so I can turn the brush on the side to blend out powder contour as well.
Even though this brush is larger, I use it for my more pigmented and creamy blushes as well, for example my Charlotte Tilbury blushes. It just makes them look so seamless on the skin.
This brush is very affordable - it comes in a three set which is priced at £23.99.
I don't use the other brushes a whole lot, but it is worth picking up for this brush alone.

Smashbox Fan Brush : I use this with my powder highlights- my super pigmented ones anyway, such as The Balms Mary Lou- Manizer and Kevyn Aucoins Starlight.

I don't want to look metallic or glittery and this fan brush picks up just enough product and applies a very light layer to the skin with precision. 

Mac 217 : I'm sure you all knew this little brush would make an appearance! If I am after a wash of colour all over the lid, this brush comes in handy, but it is my favourite crease brush for blending out powder eye shadows as somehow it helps me create that almost feline eye. I use it flat to deposit the colour in the crease and then I tun it on the side to blend out and it helps to diffuse my eye shadow upwards and outwards.

Mac 239 : This is my favourite brush for packing shadow onto the lid, it is fairly stiff and not as fluffy as the 217 so you can get a precise, dense application of shadow.

Liz Earle Blend and Contour Brush : I absolutely adore this brush. I use for a sheer wash of colour all over the lid but it is my favourite brush for blending out cream eye shadow. For a full review, click here.

Real Techniques Accent Brush : This is such a robust little brush I always take it with me. I use it to add my inner corner highlight and to clear up the mascara smudges on my eye lids as it is so tiny it applies the product exactly where I need it.

I also use it to smoke out my lower lash line.  I do prefer using my Mac pencil brush for that purpose as it is larger, but as this performs several functions, I took this instead. 

What are you're favourite brushes? 

Read more »

Autumn Lip Options no.1 : Love Liberty

The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks are the best Matte Lipsticks I have ever tried. You can read a gushing review on the beautiful summer shade Sexy Sienna here. However, as Autumn is upon us, it seemed like the perfect time to talk about my favourite fall shade, Love Liberty. 

Berry lips are so season appropriate and slipping into this colour palette is one of the only things that gets me excited for the colder months. 

 You might be able to see that these lipsticks have a square edge that is suppose to mimic the shape of a lip brush and thus negating the need to use one- I quite like this actually, at first I wasn't sure but when it comes to darker shades, precision is key. 

This lipstick is creamy, smooth and pigmented as hell. I just adore this colour and it will one hundred percent suit everyone, from the palest to the deepest skins. 

Once applied this lipstick has a very slight sheen to it but after a few hours of wear this does go down to a more classic matte.

I had about 3 coffees whilst wearing this and I didn't need to touch it up, it is so comfortable to wear I kept checking it because I still find it hard to believe that something that feels so slight on the lips can stay put, but it does.

I really love that this doesn't dry my lips out, ever after a full day of wear my lips feel the same.

Reapplication is a doddle as well as this never gets flakey or patchy like some mattes do, which I love because I spend 95% of my life eating so if I had to remove the whole thing and start again, I assure you I wouldn't wear it.

After a few hours when it is truly matte, it can show some texture in your lips, but not at all in a bad way, only I can notice when I get up close in the mirror as I like to be super critical when it comes to expensive items- but it doesn't feel drying and if I apply over it, the texture disappears.

In the picture above I am wearing Urban Decays Venom as a liner- it is a very good match, but any Berry liner will do. 

Bottom Line : This is one of my favourite Autumn shades from one of my favourite lipstick lines!

It's a lovely formula and a stunning colour.

What shades do you gravitate towards in these colder months?

Read more »

Charlotte Tilbury Blush in First Love

If you have read this post you will know that as of late, this blush has really been floating my boat.

I bought this a while ago when my obsession with Charlotte Tilbury's Love Glow was at an all time high, so this was somewhat neglected.

First Love looks quite peculiar in the pan - it is a warm peachy/brown tone with a faint silver shimmer through out. Please don't let the silver sheen deter you because this thing is GORGEOUS.

This is so unlike everything I own. 

It just makes you look healthy, the shimmer is very subtle- have no fear of silver sparkles, think more gentle luminosity. 

Charlotte Tilbury blushes are among some of my favorites, I adore their creamy, smooth formula and I am glad that First Love is no exception.

This is a great summer blush as it adds that peachyness- I love layering it over my Chanel Bronzing Universal but I can imagine it working in colder months too sans tan. Summer has pretty much left the building so we shall find out soon enough. 

If you are looking for a classic, luminous pink cheek- opt for Love Glow, but if Peachy warmth is more your thing, choose First Love.

The blendabilty of these blushes is second to none and I don't think I will stop until I have them all...

Read more »

Charlotte Tilbury : The Golden Goddess

Here we have the Charlotte Tilbury Golden Goddess Palette.

I have one more palette to bring you after this one, but now as we are in the month of August it seemed appropriate to talk about her summery offering!

I do really like this, but I prefer the others I have. You can read about The Sophisticate, The Vintage Vamp and The Rock Chick.

If you are a lover of neutrals- then you will really enjoy this. Don't get me wrong, I really do but I find it lacks the depth that the others have. 

The Prime shade is a pale gold which looks great on the inner corners, the Enhance is a unusual taupe shade that veers bronze- it looks quite different when in the pan and when swatched.

The Smoke shade is a beautiful bronze which is obviously needed in any summer collection and then the Pop is a gold pressed glitter pigment. 

The issue I have with this is that when the Enhance and the Smoke shade are blended together they can get a bit lost. 

It all seems to blend into one. 

I will either put the enhance or smoke over the lid whilst using the prime and pop.

The glitter pigment is stunning and I love adding it on top- it also works beautifully over any gold/bronzey cream eye shadow to take things to the next level. 

I think the glitter shade actually works best over a cream base and it gives it something to stick to.

Sometimes I can get a bit of fall out with the pop shade in this palette, which is not something I experience with the others.

Honestly I am not  bashing this palette- it is beautiful and I get a lot of use out of it, this is such a great little neautral palette that I think a lot of people will enjoy. 

When I am tanned and I want to do the whole bronze goddess thing, this comes with me, it has been on several holidays with me and it works well for subtle day time looks.

I just wish this could be built up more. If you are into neutral, shimmery basics, you will love this, but if you really want to up the amp and achieve a sexy smokey eye, it's quite hard to do with this. 

I find it easy with the other palettes to create some serious smokey oomph.

L-R : Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop

Bottom Line : Neutral lovers will adore this, those seeking some serious intensity, need not apply.

Read more »

July Beauty and Skincare Favorites

It's that time again! Time to have a little look at what I've been loving in the month of July...

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm in Rose : This is so darn easy to wear which is why it has been my grab and go through the busy month of July. I've nearly finished it which is pretty unusual for a hoarder like myself.

If you are familiar with the Instant Light Glosses, then you will recognize the same caramel/vanilla scent. It's delicious.

This is such an easy little hand bag balm, it imparts a gentle glossy pink to the lips that is low maintenance but just helps polish off any look.

These are very comfortable and moisturizing but I believe it contains mineral oil which would explain why in the long run it can make my lips feel a little dry. However that does not deter me, I just make sure to use my trusty Nuxe Rev De Miel before bed.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon : For some reason it has taken my light years to write this review, but it will be up tomorrow.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow : I have had this since Christmas but as of late I have found it hard to go without.

It has a beautiful, delicate rose scent which is in no way over powering or irritating, but it the effect this gives that keeps me coming back for more. I seem to be working my way through this quite slowly though so that's good.

This is the only primer I have that actually adds a level of hydration. I love any kind of radiance primer for example the Dior Glow Maximiser, but although that does bring the glow, it doesn't feel that beneficial to my skin. Wonderglow just feels like another layer of moisturizer and as a dry skin girl, that helps.

It adds such a gorgeous, healthy golden sheen to the skin. It perks up my complexion especially if I am tired and/or hungover. Foundation sits beautifully on top as well.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nectar : I've now hit pan on this little guy! Although it looks small it has actually lasted me ages. I love this, it adds a very lovely pink dewiness to the cheeks and due to the teeny little size it is very travel friendly so it was the only blush I took with me when I went away. Also no brushes needed which makes life even easier.

For a full review with swatches, click here.

Sarah Chapman Rapid Radiance Cleanser : I finally tried something from Sarah Chapman! I normally prefer a balm cleanser, but as I already have my much loved Oskia Renassiance Cleansing Gel in my cabinet, I thought I would try this.

This is a clay based cleanser- which is not something I would really go for as I have dry skin, but this has actually worked wonders and I really missed it when I went away. I think that's always a good indiction of how much a product actually works for you.

I don't find this works well as an evening cleanser as I tend to prefer something more heavy duty to remove any remaining scraps of make up , but in the morning this is lovely.

I dispense two pumps onto my hands and rub onto my dry skin. I can imagine oily skin folk would love this but it also works for me as I feel like during the warmer months I can wake up feeling a little more greasy than usual and this makes me feel refreshed and balanced again.

You can also use this as a two minute radiance booster.

This cream cleanser is packed full of goodies such as Lactic Acid (great for dehydrated skins) and Salicylic Acid (your best friend if your skin is looking congested or dull)

I have found over the course or using this every morning my skin is looking brighter and healthier. I really look forward to using this in the AM.

Bumble and Bumble Pret a Powder : This little travel size has not left my handbag all month. I am still in love with it, for a full review, click here.

This Works Perfect Skin Miracle : This is a tinted moisturizer, but not in the way you might expect as it doesn't add any coverage.

This cream smells like cake, which is slightly odd but pleasant and is a dark mustard/gold in colour.

When dispensed into your hand it is mildly alarming, but when you rub it in it just adds a gently warmth to the complexion also whilst giving you a dose of hyluronic acid.

On good skin days I have just been wearing this with a touch of concealer on my dark circles.

Smashbox Contour Stick : I have been loving this all month. This comes in a set of three - a cool contour, warm bronzer and a matte cream highlight.

I have been using all three but the contour shade has definitely seen the most love. The texture is so creamy and blendable it is a cinch to use. I love it, for a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Swish and Pop Blush in First Love : Shock horror, another CT product!

I love this warm peachy blush, on days when I haven't been wearing the Liz Earle blush. I actually bough this a few months ago but I was so in love with Love Glow which I still am, but during the warmer months this has been everything.

It's a good one and a full review is on its way!

What have been your favorites of the month?

Read more »

Lip Liner : The Essentials

I love a good lip liner, I can be pretty cack handed when applying bold lipsticks so I find lip liners make the whole process a lot easier whilst also acting as a good base for the lipstick which helps with longevity.
I have narrowed my favorites down to this bunch here- I feel like I have all the bases down so whatever lip shade I am wearing, I have a liner that works with it.

You do not need to have an identical liner to every lipstick you have.

Mac Lip Liner in Soar : Soar is a pinky brown shade that is very easy to apply and due to its natural colour and matte finish it can you help you achieve a slightly fuller pout if desired.

I do find this drying though so I don't often wear it alone, but it looks beautiful under a lot of lipsticks. My two favorites to pair with this are Macs Mehr and Bobbi Brows Rose Brown.
Soar is also very long lasting. 

For a full review click here 

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Venom : This is the only lip liner I have tried from UD but I am keen to pick up more. This is very long lasting and comfortable to wear.
 I don't find it works that well as all over lip colour - I can get it to spread, I find it very easy to draw a neat line which is super helpful for a bold lip but i find if I wear this solo all over the lip it can cling to some dryness I might have.But I love using it to outline my lips when I use any dark shade.

I find this works with Charlotte Tilburys Night Crimson and Love Liberty - anything that is rich/deep/dark/burgundy/purple, this has me covered.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Liner in Coral : I bought this purely on Sali Hughes recommendation. I love her, she is unbelievably intelligent, chic, beautiful and she knows a hell of a lot about beauty.

If she likes something, I'm going to try it.

I saw a picture of her on her Instagram wearing this with the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Lana (for a review click here) and I became obsessed.

I am pleased to report that I love both and this works fantastically with any orange based lip colour- it suits Lana, The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper, If you are looking for a long wearing coral that also works all over the lip, this is great. 

.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk : This is hands down my favorite of the lot and if I were to only keep one liner, it would be this. 

This is my second and when this runs out, I will without question order a third.

If you are only going to get one thing from CT - get this, or if you can't be bothered with endless lip liners, this one has you covered as it works with everything.

That's the thing, you don't actually have to have a matching colour, a nude lip colour works just as well. I mean yes you can't go in after and add red liner to were there wasn't before, but this liner still adds definition and a base.

The colour is a beautiful natural pink mauve and it is long lasting whilst being creamy. It is comfortable whilst lasting- not like Soar which can end up being quite drying after some time. 

I get a lot of wear out of this and I often wear it alone. It's always in my make up bag. I totally love it and have yet to find someone that doesn't.
I use this will a whole multitude of lipsticks- it's my safety liner so I would never go without it. I use it with Charlotte Tilburys Penelope Pink and Bitch Perfect, Nars Barbara and Anita, YSL Fuchsia in Rage- as a base, Mac Mehr and Plumful, Urban Decay Fiend and Rapture. To be honest- anything. 

Mac Lip Liner in Cherry : This was one of my first ever lip liners and I bought specifically so I could use it with Macs Ruby Woo. 

This lip liner lasts for days on the lips and although can be drying is still a lovely red to add to your collection.

I don't feel the need to buy any other red liners as this has be covered. I use it with CT Red Carpet Red, Ruby Woo, Night Crimson if I want to redden it up, Bourjois Hot Pepper- it's a suit all classic red.

If you need one red liner- this is your guy. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in East End Snob : I love this almost as much as Pillow Talk and this is also my second. 

Again I will keep repurchasing it. 

This is another mauvy pink but with a touch more purple to it.

I love using this on its own- the angled cut of the nib makes it ridiculously easy to use and hard to mess up.

It is so creamy and comfortable, I cannot believe this thing sells for under a fiver. This is by far my favorite Rimmel Product.
 This does a very similar job to Pillow Talk but it is a lot cheaper.

The colour is very similar to Nars Anita. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pink Venus : This is noticeably more pink than Pillow Talk and East End Snob. 

This is a lovely warm pink shade that also possess the long lasting rich creaminess of CTs other offerings.

I like to use this when I want to warm up or lighten my nudes. It adds just an extra touch of pink to Bitch Perfect making it look so effortless and summer ready.
This is a lovely pink accompaniment for UD Streak Lipstick as well. 

L-R : Venom, Cherry, Coral, Soar, Pillow Talk, East End Snob and Pink Venus

Read more »

June Make Up Favorites

Hello Everyone! 

I am so sorry it's been so long since my last post, I have been crazy busy BUT we will resume the normal schedule of Mon- Fri at 7am GMT.

I have a lot of posts coming up.

SO onto the favorites- there is a lot I have been loving in the month of June - a good mixture of make up and skin care, so I am splitting them into two sections as otherwise this post would take a month to read.

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara : This is actually a repurchase for me.

I find mascara as a whole probably the most disappointing product you can get as they are laden with claim after claim of false lashes, huge volume, can be seen from space and to be honest nine times out of ten they do not deliver.

A lot of mascaras do nothing for my lashes but make them dark. This Mascara no no no. This is a good one. On the whole I love Max Factor mascaras and I do genuinely feel that they do some of the best out there.

 This mascara gives me length AND volume. Volume is what I want. I love this- it also wont break the bank so if you're in the market, give this guy a go.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in 'Camel' : I have just been obsessed with this since I got it! It is the ultimate warm eye shadow and just brings such life to your eyes. If you want to read a full rave review, click here.

Clarins Ombre Eye Shadow in 'Aquatic Rose' : This has been another love of mine since I bought it. It's a beautiful pale rose gold that just makes you look fresh and awake. This is a limited summer release so pick it up quick if you're interested! I do also have Aquatic Grey which is a beauty, but Rose has been used a lot more. 

For a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 'Bitch Perfect' : At this time of year I tend to opt for a lighter, more low maintenance lip colour and this CT lipstick Bitch Perfect fits the bill.

When it's hot and you're sweating, you really don't want to be smearing dark burgundy all over your chin. 

With Bitch Perfect I find that the colour suits all make up looks, makes you look effortlessly polished and it is fairly moisturizing but hugs the lips nicely so it stays put. Also it fades evenly. I'm so into low maintenance right now. Bitch Perfect for the win. 

Clinique Cheek Pop in 'Heather Pop' : The formula of these cheek pops is out of this world. I love the luminous rosey glow of this blush, for full details click here.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 'Misty Rock' : The formula of this isn't as perfect as I would like it to be- if I layer it up it can crease/flake like crazy so I have to make sure I apply it correctly but the shade is just sheer total and utter perfection. I can't think of any one of any colouring that would't suit it. It's a pretty taupy/purply/pink colour with a gorgeous shimmer running through. 

A full review is on its way. 

Mac Cream Colour Base in 'Hush' : I love a good cream highlighter. Done properly it is the most natural looking glow that you can get- Hush is no exception.

 I first starting coveting this whilst watching the Pixiwoo Sisters- Nic always looks so glowy and this is often the highlight she uses. Who doesn't love a peachy glow. Again, a full review is on its way.

Essie Peach Side Babe : This literally jumped out at me in Boots last week. It is part of the new Essie Summer collection, so I am assuming that means limited? If so, I am defintely picking up another one. I just don't want anything else on my nails. This is a beautiful almost neon orange based coral with a cream finish. It makes my hands look so tanned.

This also has really good lasting power, I can't be dealing with polish that chips after 5 mins- I have had this on for a few days now and we are still looking good.

 Literally in love. Get it. 

What are your recent favourites? Anything I need to add to the wish list?

Read more »

Because Charlotte told me to....

I was lucky enough to meet Charlotte Tilbury last November in the Manchester Selfridges when she was launching her Christmas collection.
If you have been reading this blog for some time, you will be aware that I am totally in love with Charlotte and her brand- I have loved pretty much all of her products, everything about them just speaks to me.
I was really excited to meet her, so after she had demonstrated her new collection, I joined the que to say hello and have a picture taken.
She's so cool! And totally and utterly lovely. I am an even bigger fan now.

Just before the picture as taken, she said I was the  'Dolce Vita', the 'Golden Goddess' and the 'Rock Chick'.
If Charlotte herself is telling you what would suit you- you get it!

I already had the first two and I had been longing for the Rock Chick palette for some time, but I kept dithering as I never know how well grays will suit me.

When Charlotte said it, that was it, I immediately marched over to the counter to purchase it, and I am so glad that I did.

You can read my reviews on The Sophisticate here and The Vintage Vamp here, I love them so much and I know I keep saying how they're my favorites...but I just adore this one as well.
It's hard to pick a favorite when they all offer such different looks. Honestly it's like Sophie's Choice, I can't pick.

I hadn't worn this in a little while, but I wore this yesterday and I forgot how sexy and smokey it is.

Honestly, if you want a sultry, smoldery eye- this is life.

From the top left going clockwise we have the : 

Prime :  pale grey with a slight frosted finish

Enhance :  shimmering taupe grey

Smoke :  matte dark grey

Pop :  glittery taupe grey

My favorite way to wear this is to put the prime all over the lid and on the inner corner to brighten, layer the enhance shade on the mobile lid and use the smoke shade on the outer corner, through the crease and smoke out on the lower lashline.

The key to making this really smolder, is to apply black liquid liner and wing it out slightly and then to give  you the authentic Rock Chick look, use the smoke shade on a smudger brush and smoke over the black liner.
Just try it, it looks amazing.
The final step is the glitter shade- it feels like a cream to touch, I rub my finger in (its very pigmented so I make sure i'm not too rough with it) and then I put this all over the lid.
The glitter shade is just on another level.
It creates a intense wet look sheen to the eye.
Of course you can press it gently and apply a subtle wash of shimmer on the eye, but I love a metallic wet looking eye.
This doesn't fade or crease- sometimes I notice a couple of rogue glitters on my cheek but I just brush them off.

L-R: Prime,Enhance, Smoke and Pop

Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop

I think the best way to wear this eye look is with clean skin, a chiseled cheek, a subtle champagne highlight, no blush- which I know is weird coming from the blush fiend, but I think it can look over done- if you can't go without blush, just go for something neutral that won't detract from the look.
Then you need a good smudging of black kohl - lining your top and bottom waterline and then finishing off with your  perfect nude lip, which for me is either CT Penelope Pink or Nars Barbra (see Babs in action here)

I was never into grays, but this palette has converted me

Out of the 3 Charlotte Tilbury quads I've reviewed so far, which one is your favorite?

Read more »

The Vintage Vamp Palette by Charlotte Tilbury

This is one of the most gorgeous palettes I own.

I have a few of the CT palettes, but I reckon this one and The Sophisticate (reviewed here) are my two favorites.

Every time I use this I cant get over how simple the application is, it is so pigmented and smooth that it takes no time at all to create a full impact burgundy smokey eye, which makes a nice change to the browns I often use.

The prime shade (top left) is a very pale shimmery pink- I normally can't stand pinks anywhere near my eyes, but this shade is so flattering and neutral, its just a bit more interesting than going for a run of the mill champagne.

This shade isn't quite as smooth and buttery as the others in the palette, but nonetheless it is still very easy to work with.

The next shade (top right) is more of a red based burgundy whilst the one underneath is more purple, I understand in the pan they do look similar, trust me that upon application the difference is quite apparent.
Both shades are a satin finish that blend seamlessly.
If you click this link you can watch Charlotte apply this onto a model, which makes this palette a lot less intimidating as she tells you where to apply each shade, which I love, but even if you want to freestyle it, these colours practically blend themselves, so you can create a nice diffused smokey eye.

You can create a day time look, which involves combining the two shades at the top. You will easily end up with a lovely eye but I find it so hard to hold back so I often go the whole hog.

The final shade is the 'pop' shade which is possibly the best glitter shade of all the CT palettes.

It is a bright gold colour and very pigmented so you can use it as a strong gold pigment across the lid, however only press your finger in the pan slightly if you want a wash of gold.

I have done the full on Vintage Vamp look during the day...because life is too short to not rock a smokey eye at breakfast. 

Now onto the swatches:

L-R: Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop

L-R: Pop, Enhance, Smoke and Prime 

None of the CT shadows crease on me, but sometimes I notice after a few hours of wear there can be minor fading- an eye primer is a good idea, but the fading is slight so it's not a big deal.

Creasing I cannot tolerate at all. 

When I first saw this palette online, I thought it looked really similar to the Dolce Vita palette.

It doesn't in real life- this is very burgundy/wine/purple whereas the DV is warm bronzes and reddish coppers. 

I do have that palette as well if anyone is interested in a review?

Here's a little picture of the prime shade in the centre and the other two burgundy shades blended around, with a slight touch of the gold pigment on top.

Bottom Line : This is one of my favorite palettes of all time...I just haven't seen anything quite like it.

Pigmentation is on point, whilst still being smooth and blendable- it's a difficult mix to get right, but Charlotte does it flawlessly.

It can be hard to wear reddish colours on the eye as one can end up looking a tad ill...or it can just look messy or almost costume like.

Not here. It literally is the classic burgundy smokey eye, and when I finish this palette, I will one hundred percent repurchase- and I don't say that often with shadows.

Have you tried any of the Charlotte Tilbury quads?

Read more »