Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Charlotte Tilbury Haul

I've wanted Charlotte Tilbury makeup since the line launched, but the elevated prices were hard to justify. Over the past year, the brand seems to have grown from strength to strength and its "it"/buzz factor shows no sign of diminishing, in no small part due to the persuasive talents and celebrity connections of Charlotte Tilbury herself, the renowned makeup artist behind the brand. With a significant social media following and comprehensive tutorials demonstrating how to achieve particular "looks" with her products (each with their own name, like "The Sophisticate", "The Golden Goddess", "The Ingénue"), the more I saw, the more I coveted. From the reviews I'd come across, the standout items from the line seemed to be the Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette and Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I'd added those items to prospective shopping carts on different websites throughout the months, but could never bring myself to follow through. Finally, when Beautylish had a $25 off promotion for purchases over $150 USD (and free delivery to boot), I consulted the wisdom of Twitter and caved. I figured if I was going to splurge, why not go all the way and order the 4 things I wanted the most. This post will detail my first impressions after a few days of playing around — I may do more indepth reviews later.


Makeup Bag
At $20 USD, it's not exorbitantly priced, but still expensive for what it is. I don't really care, because it's incredibly roomy, the zip feels really smooth and extends quite far down the sides (meaning you can really open up the bag and see what's inside), and the printed red lips on white is all kinds of cute. I've already swapped out my existing smallish and unexciting makeup bag for this one and now I can carry a bit of Charlotte Tilbury glamour with me at all times. The cotton canvas material is lightweight and machine washable, making it very practical. If I had to be critical, I'd say I don't love the back with the quote ("Give a woman the right make-up & she can conquer the world") as much as the front. I'd prefer if the lips print was on both sides, and rather than cutting off abruptly at the bottom, it extended all the way around the base as well.



Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Yes, the packaging is glorious. Charlotte Tilbury got that part so, so right. The actual product doesn't disappoint, with the 'Sculpt' shade a good mix of bronzer and contour, and the 'Highlight' shade a refined but powerfully glowy, champagne/beige-toned illuminator. Along with NARS And God Created the Woman Eye Kit and Urban Decay Naked3 (no thanks to artificially hiked up prices online), this is the most amount of money I've spent on a makeup item. Is it "worth it"? It depends. If you already have a good stash of quality bronzers and highlighters, the addition of this won't be revolutionary. Having said that, it's a thing of beauty and the only contouring palette I own.


Luxury Palette in The Dolce Vita
More glorious eye candy. I can kind of see what Lily Pebbles meant when she described Rimmel Brixton Brown as the "drugstore Dolce Vita". Both give a somewhat dark, smoky, russet/bronze/chocolatey look. The Charlotte Tilbury option is of course, much superior quality and the inclusion of the glitter shade is everything. It truly makes the palette. Even with just 4 shades, the palette offers a lot of versatility. The glitter shade can be used on its own like a normal eyeshadow rather than simply a sparkly top coat. The reddish shade is something a little more unique in my collection dominated by taupes and browns. (Doesn't stop me wanting the limited edition Fallen Angel palette though, mainly because Tiffany keeps showcasing its beauty.)


Powder & Sculpt Brush
I'm not sure if you can see from the picture, but the brush I received had a section of the protective plastic wrap it came in glued to the handle. It was this bit of thin plastic overlay that seemingly was fused to the handle and simply wouldn't budge, no matter what I tried. I was completely bummed about it, considering it destroyed the aesthetic of the brush, and added this weird texture to the surface of the handle whenever I used it. I emailed Beautylish about it, and within 24 hours, without any question, they had a replacement brush on its way. Talk about top notch customer service.

Onto the brush itself, I ended up liking this a lot more than anticipated. I was kind of bracing myself after hearing reviews that it wasn't as soft as it could be, but now I've tried it for myself, I don't have any complaints. Sure, it's not as soft as my SUQQU Cheek Brush, but it was also a third of the price. I really like the tapered, smaller shape and how it's the absolute ideal brush to use with the Filmstar Bronze & Glow. A match made in makeup heaven.

47 comments:

  1. Good lawwwd, this is such a beautiful haul! I'd absolutely love the Filmstar duo, it looks so so gorgeous. I have a few drugstore contours and highlights I really like, but I do want to splurge on a high-end set this year.

    Catherine, xo || Lady Liquor

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  2. that was a good deal with $25 off! I have tried several products from CT and all of them have been very enjoyable and good quality. I think the rather high price tag is well justified with the beautiful packaging and just entire high end execution of the brand.
    Glad you enjoy your CT haul! the Filmstar bronze and glow sounds great, but I already got some bronzers and highlighter on rotation at the moment.. The brush looks promising as well!

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  3. Last year I picked up Bronze and Glow as well as the Dolce Vita and although at the time I was slightly worried about how much I had just spent I found it completely justified once I got home and used them for myself. Bronze and Glow is utterly beautiful and it is the only contour product I own however I do feel as though I should maybe buy the brush too as the RT Contour brush for me just doesn't cut it.

    Amy x | A Little Boat Sailing

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  4. I really want to try a few things from CT & think it all looks gorgeous. The Dolce Vita palette is SO pretty & its a quad I think I would get a lot of use from. I also like the look of the Bronze & Glow & it looks like a great product for Summer
    http://www.letstalkbeauty.co.uk/

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  5. I adore the CT packagings but I can't find this brand in my country so I'll just wait til I travel to Europe to pick up the contour duo, seems amazing!
    Your pictures are as always great!

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  6. The bronze and glow looks so stunning! I don't think the highlight shade will suit me, but it doesn't stop me looking at pictures online all the time haha xo

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  7. I think your initial impression of the Film Star Bronze & Glow has had me lemming way more than any other review! Urghhhh enabler.

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  8. I am lusting over the dolce vita palette and I really want to purchase it soon.
    I have the brush aswell and I was dissapointed because I imagined it to be softer~

    Have a nice day ♥

    Ying | * Y i n g c b e a u t y *

    X x X x X

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  9. I really wish I'd picked up the Bronze & Glow palette when Selfridges had their 10% off, I adore the eyeshadow palette the glitter shade is beyond gorgeous!
    xxx Claire
    http://wwwclairabelle.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. I wasn't impressed with the softness of her brushes when I played around with them, but I'm glad this one's working for you! I'm still lusting after one of her palettes, although Dolce Vita is unfortunately way too warm for me :/

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  11. My wishlist right there! I really want all of these products! I have the Golden Goddess eyeshadow quad & adore it!

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  12. Oh gosh I really do need that Bronze and Glow, seen so many reviews of it now!!! I am not sure I can justify the price with so many bronzers but... that packaging though..

    Zoe Newlove Beauty Blogger & MUA

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  13. Excellent choices! Bronze & Glow and the Powder & Sculpt brush are two of the best products I've ever bought. I have a full on CT addiction now! I can't wait for the new additions to come out next month xx

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  14. I have yet to try out their products...I've been controlling myself because I really wanted to try out Dolce Vita and their cream blushes. Oh and their Matte lipsticks too.
    The packaging is just surreal. There's nothing like that, period. and it's a bummer what happened to the brush :c specially when it's a pricey one.
    Take care*

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  15. Oh wowza! You did GOOD! I totally hope to own a quad from her line! I just have loved the swatches I've seen! I was about to buy a chanel quad but decided to hold off, thinking of all the neutral type quads available and having enough at the moment! That's amazing how great their customer service was! I'm glad it was top notch! I can't wait to here and see your more indepth reviews!

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  16. Charlotte Tilbury is on point right now, I'm obsessed with her stuff. I haven't tried her brushes so I need to check them out!

    victoriabeautyy.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. All of her stuff is just sooo pretty, and the products I won perform very well, too! I want to try her matte lipsticks soon!

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  18. I think Charlotte Tilbury concocted and combined the perfect shades for that eyeshadow palette, I can see it being a versatile (and therefore worth the money) tool in your arsenal! I've been so attracted to this line of cosmetics, the problem is just picking what to get!

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  19. The Dolce Vita palette looks gorgeous! The packaging is so luxurious xx
    Elise @ Elise Dopson

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  20. I have the Dolce Vita and I'm beyond in love with the shades! Love the makeup bag you got too :) xx

    Magpie Jasmine || Palette Giveaway: Urban Decay, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, Too Faced

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  21. oh, my. charlotte tilbury has got some gorgeous products. that is a little odd about the makeup bag, though. seems like they sewed two halves from different bags together. love the look of that filmstar duo!

    brooke | brooke elise beauty

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  22. I love my Dolce Vita palette and the Filmstar Bronze & Glow is definitely on my wishlist! Great picks xx
    http://cocoamay.blogspot.co.uk

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  23. Excellent choices! I also found it so difficult to choose something from the collection because everything is gorgeous and so expensive but like you I have the Dolce Vita palette (it was a gift) and I adore it! I also have the mini charm lipstick set which was also a gift so I've been able to try out the shades Penelope Pink, Bitch Perfect and So Marilyn all of which I would pay for full size, they are simply beautiful lipsticks. I love the make up bag and its definitely on my list, as is the film star bronze and glow although I need to try it at a counter first because I'm worried it could be too dark for my skin. I got a sample of the foundation and it is amazing too. I'm sure you'll have a great time playing with your new toys! ;)

    Emma x

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  24. I have been drooling over Charlotte Tilbury goodies but still can't justify in paying that much +shipping to Canada. The bronzer/highlighter and the eyeshadow quad(dolce vita) are on my radar. I know I will get them eventually but just testing out my patience haha!

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  25. You picked up some incredible products! All of these things are on my radar, I just have to build myself up to part with the money.

    nueyork.blogspot.com

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  26. I haven't bought anything from CT yet because of the price issue but if/when I do I'm sure I'll pick up Dolce Vita. $25 off was a great deal! xx

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  27. Omg what a beautiful haul! I really want to get that Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette! Looks amazing. That eyeshadow palette looks beautiful too!!

    Nhi | Miss Blushaholic

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  28. That quad is just heavenly. And I adore the packaging of that little contouring duo. Looking forward to your thoughts and review!

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  29. Omg. This haul kills me. So jealous! I wanted the makeup bag too but decided against it in the end. I still think it's so cute though! I saw ThePersianBabe do a tutorial with the Dolce Vita palette and nearly got it just because of that. You should watch it, if you haven't already. I'm loving the Fallen Angel palette at the moment. You should definitely keep it on your wishlist :) Also, glad to hear Beautylish has such good service! I'm not surprised though. Shipping was so fast for me, and I love the handwritten note.

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  30. This haul just killed me! I want to put in this haul for the longest time, but decided against it. It's just too much money, even for me who lives in Canada! Maybe on my birthday, I'll splurge! I've only heard good things about the Beautylish customer service rep so I'm glad to hear they replaced your brush!

    Stephanie | theFantasia.com

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  31. Aaah this is my dream haul! I am so desperate to try CT's products after my friend and blog contributor, Jess, raved about the range! She has more posts to come on a lot more of the products over on my blog, it makes me want to do a haul even more! x

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  32. Seriously stellar haul, glad to see my input on Twitter ended up in a purchase (trying to live vicariously through you!) I would totally snap up that Dolce Vita palette, it has been on my wishlist for quite some time now and now that I know it's a possibility (thanks beautylish!) it shouldn't be too long before I succumb to temptation!

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  33. The CT Film Star Bronze & Glow WILL be mine (eventually) haha.

    Becoming Becca

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  34. Very classic colours, reminds me of old Hollywood for some reason
    bubbasdoll.blogspot.co.uk

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  35. I love Charlotte Tilbury. It's crawling into my list of favourite brands ever. I own four products and love every single one of them! Next on my list are casually your picks, minus the makeup bag. It's nice to read that they don't disappoint!

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  36. Such absolutely gorgeous products! I definitely want to try some of the Charlotte Tilbury products but I wish I could swatch some of them first! Oh Charlotte Tilbury, please bring these products to Canada! xx
    Celina | The Celution | Bloglovin’

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  37. I'd love to try the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita palette, it's just such a gorgeous palette and just looks so luxurious. Unfortunately it's out of my budget at the moment!

    Claire x
    Style Affinity

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  38. Oh man, now I wish I had taken out one of the brushes and picked up a CT palette instead. Your pic of Dolce Vita is GORGEOUS. But in the end, what you said about it being not a life-changer is what held me back. I was determined not to get more eye shadows this season, especially if they're things that are available at any time.

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  39. Argh, drooling over here. I swear, everything from CT looks absolutely amazing! I definitely want to get my hands on some of her products one day. The customer service from Beautylish sounds amazing too!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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  40. I'm so jealous of your haul! I've been seriously eyeing up everything from CT since it launched but have yet to buy anything because the prices are just putting me off too much. BUT everything is so gorgeous that I'm likely to cave at some point soon..! x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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  41. I bought Dolce Vita as well and I'm loving it! Now I keep seeing the bronze and glow palette everywhere! I'm not sure if it'll suit my skintone (the contour shade) but if it does, I'm going to get it at some point. :)

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  42. The amount of reviews, hauls, posts, and instagram pics of Charlotte Tillbury products just makes my eyes glow with envy every time. The contour palette and eyeshadow palette you have is gorgeous! I know I can always go order online with a few clicks away but I can't bring myself to justifying the price like you said. In addition, one more problem....if I start with this now I'm sure I'm gonna venture off into more online shopping of make up products that aren't accessible locally which is a lot.....lol.

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  43. i really want the filmstar too, and the makeup bag. the holiday one is pretty too! I have 2 of the eye palettes but want two more!

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  44. The Filmstar Bronze And Glow has been my favorite bronzer/highlighting duo since I got it, I can't stop using it!

    Beti
    http://makeup-sessions.com/

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  45. Lena STOP IT. Everything is so beautifullllll. I think i need the bronze and glow palette...and perhaps the brush too. Surprisingly I only had one bronzer and two highlighters until 2 weeks ago (when the NARS virtual domination palette finally arrived in my hands).

    Chloé⎪ status.chlo (previously à la foliee)

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    Replies
    1. Woah only one bronzer?! That's amazing, lol! I think I have at least 5. Horrid, I know.

      I thoroughly recommend the combination of the Bronze & Glow and the Powder & Sculpt! I've really been loving the two of them lately :)

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