When it comes to make-up, you'll probably fall into one of two camps. Those who transform into self-taught MUAs for the promise of a perfect winged eyeliner and those of us who take ease over aesthetic.
I am not, I confess, the kind of beauty editor who spends hours in the morning immaculately applying their make-up. I'm often late and dashing out the door before throwing on some mascara, a swipe of red lipstick and a dab of foundation on my way into the office. Though my lightning-speed make-up application isn't necessarily something I pride myself on, my knowledge of the best hybrid, easy-to-apply and exceptionally foolproof formulas, is.
Which is exactly where Charlotte Tilbury’s latest innovation comes in. Known for creating make-up that wouldn’t typically call to mind a minimal-effort aesthetic, Tilbury’s newest creation is a welcome anomaly in a typically glittering array of contouring sticks and eyeshadow palettes. So much so, that when I received a sample of the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation a few months ago, it became the only make-up base product I reached for; I professed my love for it to fellow beauty journalists; I checked online to see exactly when it was launching and I’ve used it every day since.
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That said, it's possibly the most controversial of Tilbury's creations yet. So if you're unsure whether this skin tint is going to be for you, read on to discover the exact coverage and finish, the skincare benefits of the unreal skin tint, and how best to apply the formula...
What Is The Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation?
The Unreal Skin Tint Foundation has now officially launched but, to my surprise, it seems to be dividing the internet. TikTokers have been protesting that it's far too much like a highlighter rather than a subtle skin tint, claiming the texture and finish to be too iridescent and shiny. And, well, I'd have to politely disagree.
The Marmite skin tint might not be for everyone, particularly those with oily skin or who prefer a full coverage foundation; if you're a make-up minimalist, however, this could very well replace your current tinted moisturiser. Not only is it completely foolproof, but it offers a lighter veil of coverage that immediately boosts your skin's glow.
ELLE's Senior Site Beauty Editor Amelia Bell before and after applying the skin tint
Skin tints aren’t anything new. They entered the beauty lexicon some years ago as a solution for make-up minimalists looking to bridge the gap between skincare and foundation. Charlotte Tilbury's latest formula sits in the same category. ‘I wanted something that would help us in this time-poor world, because we are all Generation Exhaustion,' Charlotte Tilbury tells ELLE UK.
'So it had to be speedy, easy and I wanted it to work in seconds. But not just on a cosmetic level – I wanted it to deliver an amazing aesthetic payoff, with skincare benefits that hit now and over time,' she adds. 'This is for everyone who is all about effortless make-up; for people who want to be able to apply foundation in their wing mirror for an instant natural, smooth glow.' She told me: 'You cannot go wrong.' And she's right. I'm yet to find a skin tint that's easier to apply in a swift swipe-on motion (no tools or brushes necessary) nor one that blends so seamlessly.
What Sets It Apart?
Aside from delivering on her promise of an easy-to-apply formula (it takes two seconds to swipe directly onto skin and can be blended using your fingers), there's also a lot of tech to note, too.
'I've created a light mapping mesh tech which delivers a ring-light effect, with soft-focus, blurring and smoothing emollients formed from multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid,' says Tilbury. 'Hyaluronic acid is a really big molecule, which is why I’ve used three different weights in order to give instant and long-term results. The larger molecules form a hydrating layer on the skin’s surface to help prevent trans-epidermal water loss, while also protecting the skin from pollution,' she says.
'They keep water in, and the bad stuff out. The medium molecules can penetrate the skin and once they’re in, they bind to water, nourishing and keeping the skin plump and hydrated, giving the skin a smooth appearance. Finally, the smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin at a dermal level.'
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Tint: The Final Verdict
Though instantly hydrating on my skin, I can see why some might find the finish too dewy, and I'd caution against using this if you do have oily skin. With that in mind, a little goes a long way – I simply apply the stick directly onto my skin, and blend using my fingers, careful not to be too overzealous with the foundation which could leave you looking less glowing, more glittery.
I personally find that the foundation lends my skin an instant glow, a feat of science when my often knackered-looking complexion looks anything but. That it's also working on a deeper level to minimise fine lines and protect my skin barrier is another major selling point for me.
Impossibly easy to swipe on when you’re in a rush, imparting an instant glow in seconds, packed with skincare ingredients and innovation, I'd go as far to say it's my favourite skin tint to date.
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Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
