One of the most anticipated launches of 2015 has to be the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation. This brand has taken the world by storm in 2013 and has been a firm favourite with MUAs consumers and bloggers alike. For me however there was always something missing. The brand launched without any complexion shades for women of colour. A year late the shade range was extended but still didn’t cater for me.
This month however all that changed with the launch of Magic Foundation. Available in fifteen shades the range finally has a base product that I can wear. Housed in a glass jar the rose gold accent that is found across the brand is the lid. I was surprised however to see this premium foundation has a white plastic pump. Team Tilbury say that this foundation took five years to develop and that this foundation is ‘magic’ because it covers a multitude of skin issues. Apparently is minimises oil production and tightens pores. Well to paraphrase Caroline Hirons, pores are not doors – they do not open and close so we know that it would be more accurate to say that it reduces the appearance of pores. As for the reduction in oil production – I cannot say that I have experienced that – there have been days where my skin has been oilier then others wearing this product.
Team Tilbury say that this foundation will cover discolouration and I have found this to be true of my old scars. Newer scars need a bit of spot concealing with the same product and a small dense brush or with a denser formula. It is also claimed to improve the appearance of tired skin. Well….it does look good on the skin so I’ll give them that one. There are four main ingredients that are claimed to give the magic results. a mushroom extract called Laricyl which is an extract from an eastern european mushroom. It has both moisturising and skin tightening properties hence the claim to tighten pores. Hyaluronic acid which provides additional moisturising properties. Super charged vitamin C which provides the anti oxidant and claimed pigment reducing properties. Both titanium and zinc oxides provide SPF 15. The formula does not leave the skin pasty or ashy at all.
With respect to the claims, I have not been using the product long enough to see them and as I don’t use this product directly on the skin so I am slightly dubious that a foundation will have a great effect on my skin than the serum and moisturiser that I use directly on my face.
It is important to note is that the shade range for the four deepest shade do not run in colour order. Shade ten is deeper than shade eleven. Confusing and slightly irritating but in addition this product oxidises so I would definitely advise doing lots of swatches. Team Tilbury claim that shade ten is for neutral to red undertones but I don’t find this to have a very red undertone – indeed it is quite brightening on my skintone, and it blends well with the yellow undertones in my neck very well. This is a long lasting foundation and one thing that i really like about it is how it holds onto face products. I don’t powder this foundation heavily but I do find that blushers and highlighters that otherwise fade on the skin after five to six hours. This foundation does remain very slightly tacky on the skin which is probably the reason why. I have also noticed that it does not transfer as much as other foundations that I have which again is a positive.
It is buildable so areas where I have more scarring, I use more, and other areas on my forehead I use very little. I have found that application methods provide very distinct results. A flat top kabuki or beauty blender give the fullest and most flawless application. Stippling brushes and fluffier brushes do give a pretty result but the result is not as long lasting.
If you love the Charlotte Tibury range – you will love this foundation. It has been the number one foundation in Selfridges since it launched. It you are looking for full coverage in liquid form, this is a great option. If you are ‘all about that base’ this is one for you. If you generally prefer a sheerer coverage, or dont have issues that you want to cover this will prably not be your first choice. For me, the colour range at the deeper end of the spectrum does need to be finessed but I am really enjoying this foundation. One you find the brush that gives you the application that you want you wont look back.
Magic Foundation is available from Selfridges and other stockists and retails for £29.50