Charlotte Tilbury – First Impressions

Charlotte Tilbury – First Impressions

Yes, I’m late to the party, but I’ve finally got round to trying Charlotte Tilbury. I’ve had a couple of samples of lotions and potions in the past but I’d always been put off by the prices and the mixed reviews I’d had (which in fairness, were mainly down to the price tag). Opting to take the plunge I introduced myself properly to the brand with two lipsticks and an eye palette. Here’s what I thought…

Delivery and Packaging

Let’s start with two of the most boring bits to consider, but ones I find quite important! Lots of companies charge extortionate delivery fees online (Really, £7 NARS?) so it was great that Charlotte Tilbury had a range of options. I spent over £150 (multiple people shared the order, I’m not mad!) so the goodies arrived next day, in luxe gift packaging. I honestly couldn’t believe how beautiful it was all packaged. A pretty bow around the main box was a nice touch, and the goods inside were well wrapped. They put your order receipt in a nice envelope as well as several samples – and who doesn’t love a sample?

The Products

I made an order for The Sophisticate eyeshadow palette and two lipsticks – Nude Kate and Pillow Talk. I’d seen Pillow Talk talked about so many times on Instagram I had to see what the fuss was about! I haven’t bought a lipstick that wasn’t from MAC for almost 10 years (I don’t count lipgloss or liquid lipstick…) so it was certainly a leap of faith for me!

The Sophisticate Eyeshadow Palette

It was hard to choose an eyeshadow palette – there’s some great ones available but I wanted one I could pop in my handbag for everyday, so The Sophisticate was an obvious choice. It has four matte, very wearable shades that I’ve used in three combinations already. The pigment is good, the colour builds easily and it lasts all day. What else do you need really? I have a feeling this won’t last very long but I’ll be happy to replace when the time comes!

Lipstick in Pillow Talk

One of the most ‘talked’ about lip colours this year so far, it certainly lives up to the hype. A nude that is more on the pink side, it is a gorgeous, flattering colour that has a lot of staying power. It’s matte but not drying in the slightest, which is a *bit* of an issue with some MAC lippies (please forgive me, I love you all!). I love the colour and would wear it everyday but I like to mix it up so it will certainly be a regular go-to. I’ve now bought the lip liner to go with it as I love to have a complete set for my favourites.

Lipstick in Nude Kate

It was a toss-up between Nude Kate and Kim K West (so much so that I couldn’t remember which one I’d ordered), but I made the right choice with Nude Kate. I own a LOT of nude shades, but strangely, I don’t have any like this one. It’s hard to describe. It’s almost a tan colour – it’s not too pale and doesn’t give concealer looking lips at all, it’s just a really great nude. I’ve only worn it once so far but all is good for now!

The Freebies

Freebies aren’t usually a selling point for me, but I was so impressed with the freebies that came with my order. Not only did I get a few body and face samples, but I also received 2 lipstick samples which they made sure were different to the ones I’d bought. Not only that but I received a large sample of Charlotte’s Magic Cream, which is a very expensive buy. I’m using it sparingly but it’s a big pot (bigger than a MAC PaintPot) so it was lovely to have this alongside my order – a nice touch indeed.

Customer Service

This is a bit of a side note, but I placed a second order (I was restrained and only ordered one item for myself this time) and put the wrong delivery address on the order. I contacted them immediately to ask if the address could be changed to my billing address – they replied within the hour and complied. No fuss, no complaints and felt like it was done with a smile. Getting a response from most places takes forever, this was done with so quickly and nicely, and it really enforced my liking of the brand.

Overall Impression

I must say I was very impressed with Charlotte Tilbury. After watching from the sidelines for so long I was glad to finally try it out. It’s a very infant brand and I’m a big beauty skeptic anyway so it does take time for me to come around. I’ll admit the prices are still higher than I would like to pay, but made better by having discount. I will definitely be buying more products in the future, and look forward to seeing more and more products being released over time. 

Hint: If you’re a student you can get 10% off at House of Fraser – every little helps after all!

 

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3 Comments

  1. April 11, 2017 / 4:18 pm

    Nice post. I still have a refund credit to use on their website and I can’t decide what to buy!!!! ?

  2. April 19, 2017 / 10:31 pm

    Oh my god! I swear every time I see a photo or read a review of Charlotte Tilbury I just want to try their products that little bit more. I’ve been sat watching from the side lines for so long too and I feel like it’s almost time! Everything looks so pretty and the packaging just tops it for me nevermind the samples! I cannot cope Sian, everything looks gorgeous.

    Ellie x

    http://www.elliesbitsofbeauty.wordpress.com

    • Siân Catrin
      Author
      April 20, 2017 / 8:51 pm

      Aww you have to lovely!!! The stuff is so gorgeous! It is expensive so it’s a nice treat but definitely worth it x

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