The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Is Charlotte Tilbury’s new foundation stick worth the hype? I put it to the test to find out

The formula delivers on its promises of serious glow

Olivia Perl
Freelance beauty writer
Friday 28 June 2024 11:15 BST
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview before it launched, so I’ve had a couple of weeks to really put it to the test
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview before it launched, so I’ve had a couple of weeks to really put it to the test (The Independent )

Want more coverage than a BB cream but don’t want to wear a heavy foundation? You’re in luck because Charlotte Tilbury has just launched its unreal skin foundation stick, which is sheer coverage and designed to make your skin look glowy, dewy and delicious.

Charlotte Tilbury has been taking the make-up world by storm since it was launched by the eponymous make-up artist to the likes of Kate Moss, Sofia Vergara and Salma Hayek in 2013. Its first big hits were the magic cream, which is a thick, luxurious moisturiser that was designed to sit beautifully under make-up and then the viral pillow talk lipstick, a light pink that suits a whole range of skin tones.

Since then, other seriously viral products to come from the brand have been the contour and blush wands which are perpetually sold out thanks to huge demand and the Hollywood flawless filter, which led other brands to replicate, including e.l.f and Rimmel.

Next on the agenda is the unreal skin foundation stick, which launched last week – just in time for the heatwave. With the promise of giving your skin a “ring light effect glow” from Charlotte Tilbury herself, it has a blend of skincare ingredients for added benefits just like other products in the range.

To see if this foundation stick is going to be the next viral sensation, I put it to the test.

How I tested

(Olivia Perl)

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of the foundation before it launched, so I’ve had a couple of weeks to really put it to the test. When wearing it, I was looking to see how well it stayed put, what sort of coverage it offered, how it felt to wear and, most importantly, whether it gave me that all-important glow. Keep reading to find out if it’s worth the hype.

Charlotte Tilbury unreal skin sheer glow tint hydrating foundation stick

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin foundation stick.jpg
  • Size: 9g
  • Coverage: Sheer
  • Finish: Glowy
  • Longevity: Six/seven hours
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Very quick to blend
    • Hydrating
  • Take note
    • Very sheer coverage
Back to top

The verdict: Charlotte Tilbury unreal skin foundation stick

The unreal skin foundation stick delivers a glow, adding a subtle highlight to the high points of your face without looking greasy or oily. The coverage is incredibly sheer, so if you have spots or redness, you’ll need a concealer to pinpoint those areas but it does feel lightweight on the skin and took a matter of seconds to blend out for that film of glow.

If it’s between this and the flawless filter, I’d be tempted to go for this foundation stick in summer because it’s quicker to apply and feels more weightless throughout the day. Has Charlotte Tilbury done it again? I think it might have done.

Get more foundation recommendations by reading our guide to the best foundations, tried and tested.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in