I love skincare and I luuuve makeup. So when the two happen to intersect, it’s like the stars are aligned! My attention is fully and instantly captivated. When Charlotte Tilbury announced the release of their Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation, a hybrid foundation that combines the power of makeup with the benefits of skincare, there was no hesitation. I simply had to try it! This is Charlotte’s secret to a flawless, poreless-looking complexion! But does it really deliver on that claim? Is this really a foundation suitable for everyone, regardless of skin type and age? The reviews are mixed and here is my take on it. Read on for details ….
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation
What it is: A long-lasting, weightless, hybrid skincare-foundation
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Texture: Liquid
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination and Oily
Key Ingredients:
– REPLEXIUM®: Helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
– MossCellTec™ No. 1: Helps hydrate skin
– AirCool™: Provides an immediate fresh feel on skin
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free
My Experience
No matter how many foundations I test and try, I still get very excited every time a new one crosses my path. I received the new Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Foundation in a PR package sent to me by the brand a few weeks ago. I had heard mixed reviews on this foundation and to be honest, I didn’t think it would work for me. I’m not typically a fan of full coverage, matte foundations. I find that very few brands manage to strike that perfect balance. There are only two foundations in this category that I have enjoyed in the past: the YSL All Hours Foundation (before and after photos here) and the Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation (review here). The rest I’ve found heavy on the skin or too opaque for my personal preference, looking more like a mask covering the face or making me appear unwell. Of course, I was excited to try the new Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Foundation, but my expectations were low.
My Thoughts
I was advised to first to prep the skin before applying this foundation, so the complexion is thoroughly moisturized. This step ensures the foundation will adhere and bond well with the skin. The recommendation is to use Charlotte’s Magic Cream and prime using the Hollywood Flawless Filter. I always do my skincare first, before I apply any makeup. So this step wasn’t really a deal breaker for me. But I don’t own the Hollywood Filter and recently ran out of my Magic Cream. Thus, the products I currently have in my skincare routine simply had to do! Refer to my detailed Morning Skincare Routine here and my Minimalist Skincare Routine here.
In terms of priming the skin, I used my Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow, previously mentioned here. It’s such a luminous and refreshing primer. Next, it was time to apply the foundation. I was immediately impressed by how easily the foundation applies and how lightweight it feels on the skin. The foundation glides seamlessly over the skin and a little goes a long way. It takes only 1 pump to cover my entire face and blend onto the neck. The texture feels like the most expensive silk caressing the skin. It has amazing coverage, evening out the skin and concealing pores, scars and hyperpigmentation, to reveal a soft complexion. You can see recent photos of my bare skin here. The finish is matte, but it does not look unnatural. Right now, it’s still quite hot and humid here in Florida. I currently have combination skin with an oily T-zone. I’m curious to see how this foundation will perform once my skin becomes dry and dehydrated in the colder months. I will update the post accordingly.
Lasting Power
Another thing I love about this foundation is its lasting power. It does not budge or transfer all day. And that’s very impressive considering the hot and humid Florida climate. The foundation has a beautiful, delicate scent, but that doesn’t linger much longer after application.
Best Way To Apply
You can use any beauty tool to apply this foundation. I prefer either a brush or my beauty blender. You get more coverage with the brush, while the beauty blender sheers it out a bit. Some of my favorite foundation brushes are: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Complexion Dual-Ended Brush, Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush, Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush Finish #56, Real Techniques Complexion Blending Brush and Real Techniques Stippling Brush.
How To Find the Right Shade
Because this is a full coverage foundation and the finish is matte, finding the right shade is paramount! I was sent shade no. 7 Neutral. Initially, it looked too light for me, too warm and yellow-toned. However, what I noticed is that this foundation dries darker! Refer to swatches above. So, finding the right shade can be tricky. I would suggest trying the foundation in store or asking for different shade samples to try out.
Everything from the silky formula to the amazing coverage and incredible lasting power to the beautiful glass bottle, is absolute luxury! I adore this foundation and reach for it whenever my skin is in-need of a pick me up, whenever I have an event to go to, or simply put, whenever I feel the need to feel special!
The new Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Foundation is available at Sephora, Nordstrom and on their website here. Have you tried it yet? What is your favorite foundation at the moment?
All products featured in this post were kindly sent to me by Charlotte Tilbury under no obligation to review. This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
What is the eye palette shown in the first photo?
It’s the Charlotte Tilbury Stars-In-Your-Eyes Palette from last year. I believe it’s completely sold out everywhere and it’s such a shame it’s not restocked as the shades are incredible! So versatile and perfect for every occasion. Her new palette though just launched and it also looks beautiful. ~ Cat L.
A lovely in depth review Cat. Great to hear it has worked for you, as there have been quite mixed reviews, like you said on this foundation.
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Thank you Sarah for stopping by. I’m curious to see how the foundation will perform once my skin gets dry. Will update the post accordingly. So happy you found the review helpful.
Cat your detailed review has pinpointed some important factors that helped me in deciding on whether to try this foundation out, for example that fact that it dries darker then when it’s first applied and the fact that it is powerfully long lasting. I’m in the market for a new foundation for my wedding day and I’m curious to see how it performs under lighting and professional lenses, so I will definitely be stopping into Sephora to get two shade samples to try out. I also love the price point! Great Review, I always appreciate your perspective 🙂
Stunning images Cat!!! I have fallen in love with this foundation after a rocky start and just finished a review (coming soon) as it took me a while but now have found the pefect way to wear this that suits my skin.
Twinnning as always!! xx
Hi Kelly, thank you for stopping by. I cannot wait to read your review and compare notes! ~ Cat L