This is the third ‘Instant Look in a Palette’ instalment from Charlotte Tilbury, and I think it’s her best work yet. For the uninitiated, the premise behind these palettes is to simplify your makeup routine by offering an easy-to-follow product sequence which ensures a perfect makeup look in 5 minutes or less. The first two palettes (Natural Beauty and Seductive Beauty) piqued my interest, but I didn’t feel compelled to buy either of them. ‘Beauty Glow’, however, was different story altogether – the rose gold and bronze tones reeled me in and I purchased it as soon as I saw it launch online.
The palette contains three eyeshadows (two shimmer, one matte), a bronzer (matte), two blushers (both illuminating) and a highlighter. Having used, and loved, Charlotte Tilbury products in the past, I knew I could expect exceptional quality, and I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I have been so enamoured with his palette (as you will no doubt be able to see from the photos above), that I have used nothing else since I got it a few weeks ago.
All of the eyeshadows are pigmented, buttery and blendable, with zero fall down. The ‘Enhance’ eyeshadow shade is a particular favourite as it really flatters my eye colour, and I’ve received several compliments whilst wearing it. My go-to look at the moment is to use ‘Enhance’ all over the mobile lid and along the bottom lash line, pop a bit of ‘Smoke’ into the crease to add definition, and then sweep some of the ‘Prime’ shade along the brow bone and inner corner to highlight. I have been skipping eyeliner altogether and instead just applying lashings of Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara.
The ‘Filmstar Bronze & Glow’ palette has been on my lust-list for years, so having a mini-version of it in this palette pleases me no end. I should note that the bronze shade is quite light, so if you want some serious bronzing then this might not be for you. However, if you’re like me and have fair skin, it’ll be right up your alley – it warms up the complexion whilst adding a nice amount of definition at the same time. The highlight shade is sublime, and it is quite possibly the finest I’ve ever used. The shade is incredibly flattering and the texture is dreamy – there is no glitter whatsoever, just a subtle shimmery sheen that leaves you looking like a softly sculpted angel.
The ‘Swish’ blush shade was darker than I anticipated, but much to my delight, it actually looks beautiful when applied. And whilst I’m not typically a fan of pink blushers, the ‘Pop’ blush shade works so well that my beloved Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is ‘Mood Exposure’ has been gathering dust as a result (and that’s saying something).
In terms of staying power, all of the powders are impressive. They wear well, with minimal fade throughout the day, although obviously they will retain their pigment for longer if you use a primer first. They blend seamlessly, and when used together they really do take your face to a whole new level of flawlessness.
I think that this palette is an absolute gem. It combines exceptional quality, practicality, portability and (relative) affordability. It retails for £49/approximately R850, which I think is a fair price for seven luxury products (if I am completely out of touch with reality, I am sure you will let me know). If you can get your hands on it, buy it. It is worth every penny, and I am certain that it will bring you as much joy as it has brought me.
How did I order it/get it to SA? This was purchased from the Charlotte Tilbury UK website using a UK bank card. It was then delivered to a UK address and brought back to SA by a family member. I know this is frustrating for those of you who don’t have access to international mules, but the palette is now available on Cult Beauty, and they do ship worldwide.