Why Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Is A Favourite Amongst Makeup Lovers

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Review | Space NK

This way to your glowiest skin yet. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is one of the brand's most iconic products (and the first ever to have launched). Initially, this miracle moisturiser was mixed backstage by Charlotte herself to revive tired models' skin before makeup; it has since become the hero of the entire Charlotte Tilbury Skincare line. The formula promises deep hydration and instant radiance, but does it deliver?

While Charlotte Tilbury is world-famous for the Pillow Talk collection andHollywood Flawless Filter, the brand's skincare is just as much of a success. From glow-boosting to nourishing oils, every product is designed with makeup in mind.

We asked three Space NK team members to put Magic Cream to the test and share their honest verdict. Spoiler: one of them is already a loyal fan!

Top Line On Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

With the help of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, camelia and rosehip oils, as well as a peptide complex, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Refillable, £195.00 keeps dry skin at bay. The hydrating face cream is famous for transforming models’ tired-looking skin backstage at fashion week and has become a firm favourite among Charlotte Tilbury fans.

Freya's Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream review

Skin type: Combination

The product: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream, £28.00

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Swatch| Space NK

I have used Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream on and off for years. If we have a calendar full of launches and events coming up, I usually try to make sure I have a pot to hand. It’s one of those formulas that I always come back to, especially when my skin is in need of some TLC. The creamy texture feels luxurious and helps to soothe and hydrate dry, tired skin, which is perfect for long days when I know I’m going to be wearing foundation, concealer, setting powder… the works.

In the winter, or whenever my skin feels drier than usual, I try to spend a minute or so massaging the Magic Cream into my skin and then I’ll press a small amount onto any dry patches. I’m not exaggerating when I say this face cream helps to calm and soothe, and create the perfect base for your foundation. I would go as far as to say that you can skip primer if you’ve used Magic Cream. For me, this is what separates this moisturiser from others.

If I’ve got to be out of the house before 8am and know I won’t get back until gone 10pm and I’ll be wearing makeup, this face cream ensures my skin stays hydrated and radiant. I also appreciate that it's refillable!

Pam’s Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream review

Skin type: Dry skin

The product: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream, £28.00

Before and after Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream | Space NK

My main skin concerns are redness and big pores! Although my skin is on the drier side, I will do anything to ease the appearance of my pores. I was intrigued to see if Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream could help with this and soothing the redness as I’ve heard she uses it on her clients before applying any makeup and it really is… magic.

My first impression was surprise as I wasn’t expecting it to be as thick and rich. It melted into my skin effortlessly though, which surprised me even further. Within minutes my skin genuinely looked plumper and dewy. After a day in the office under the aircon, I was impressed by how moisturised by skin felt too. Usually, the aircon zaps any hydration and leaves my skin feeling tight.

I used Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream every morning after applying my usual serum, as well as in the evening after my shower. I wouldn’t say I’ve seen a dramatic change in how my skin looks in terms of pores and redness just yet, but I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks. I definitely want to give it a bit more time. I’ll also be recommending it to friends who love richer formulas too!

Joseph’s Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream review

Skin type: Seriously dry skin

The product: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream, £28.00

Before and after Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream | Space NK

I feel like people say they have dry skin, but mine is genuinely very dry and dehydrated and I am incredibly fussy about the moisturisers I use. Both Tatcha and Drunk Elephant have formulas I rate, but generally speaking most face creams rarely get close to the bar for me. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream has a very good rep though, so I was intrigued.

I enjoyed the scent and the consistency felt rich and creamy, but I did have to apply a lot of product to feel ‘moisturised’. I like a dewy finish from my moisturiser, which isn’t to everyone’s taste, and this formula has more of a matte finish – I think this is probably better for makeup wearers.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream might give me enough hydration on the hottest day of the year, but I felt the urge to add a couple of drops of face oil into the formula to dial up the moisture boost. As a result, I’m not sure I would keep using it. I tried it morning and evening for a couple of weeks, but it just wasn’t enough for me.

If you have dry, combination or oily skin and like a matte finish, this could be a good option, but if you’re a fan of a seriously hydrating, dewy finish moisturiser I’d recommend a couple of alternatives.

The Verdict On Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

If you are passionate about the finish of your foundation, you should seriously consider investing in Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Refillable, £195.00. It helps to prep and prime your face for makeup like no other moisturiser I’ve tried before. If I’ve got a big day ahead and know I’ll be wearing a full face, this is the moisturiser I opt for.

The pros: This moisturiser was formulated by an A-list makeup artist with makeup wearers in mind, therefore it helps to hydrate your skin and create the perfect canvas for your base. Packed full of nourishing ingredients, this Charlotte Tilbury moisturiser helps to hydrate and smooth your skin almost instantly. Two of our reviewers found it seriously nourishing.

The cons: If your skin is on the oilier side, you might find this a little heavy and should explore the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light, £28.00. That being said, if you love rich, dewy finish moisturisers like Joseph, you might find this formula a little lacking and could mix a couple of drops of your face oil in!

More From Charlotte Tilbury Skincare

While the Magic Cream might be Charlotte Tilbury’s most renowned skincare product, there is an entire routine to indulge in. If you’re looking to elevate your cleansing routine and take a more pampering approach to skincare, I recommend investing in Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Refillable, £195.00 – it does wonders for congested pores. In my opinion, the Charlotte Tilbury Take it Off, £12.00 doesn’t get enough attention. The formula makes light work of removing waterproof mascara but is gentle enough not to cause any irritation. It is a game-changer if you struggle to remove every scrap of makeup in the evening.

Read More

Review of Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Wand
Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner Review
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Face Oil Review
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Review
Review of Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
Posted: Monday, 01 July 2024

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