This is a luxury, high end product that I had been eyeing up for a while. I was incredibly lucky to win this product, however I will review this as if I had spent my own money on it, and I have spent money on other CT Tilbury/high end products.
The Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow is the ultimate of all luxurious, high end products. Contained within a solid, rose gold compact, the packaging includes a large mirror which makes it perfect for my handbag. Inside is a bronzer and highlight for light-medium complexions. I usually stay clear of duos, as I find that excess product makes the shades mix, but I haven't found this an issue as the compact is large.
The highlight shade is beautiful. It is an easy to manage, golden highlight that gives a natural yet definitely there glow. It is suitable for cheekbones, cupids bow etc, and doesn't need blending out. It is buildable for nights out or those who prefer a stand-out highlight. This is my favourite highlighter, and is perfect for a bronzed, summer glow.
Prior to using this product, I had been steadily using NARS Laguna as a bronzer/contour. I switched to the CT bronzer for weeks, as I was expecting to love it. Unfortunately, it is difficult to blend, making it appear muddy and patchy on the skin. It isn't terrible, but I just can't help but prefer NARS Laguna over this. In my opinion, this product isn't worth purchasing for the bronzer.
After months of owning this product, I am still undecided. This is a beautiful, luxury product that makes me feel extra special, however I do have a bronzer that performs better. Would I repurchase? No, but then I can't see this running out anytime soon. Would I go back and purchase this if I had had this opportunity to use it? Yes. I do love the highlight, I use it often and there really is something special about this product. BUT, I do spend a significant amount on beauty products and like to try new products. I am hesitant to recommend this, as it is a lot of money to spend on a single product.
Wondering if this is worth adding to your collection? It really depends what you already own, and how much you a willing to spend on beauty products online, where you can't try it out before purchasing. This product is quite different to anything else that I own (from a beauty addicts perspective anyway!). The most similar highlight I have seen is the Mary Lou-Manzier.. in the pan they look quite similar but on the skin the CT is more subtle and easier to manage. The bronzer is, well, pretty standard. If you already own a bronzer, chances are you won't notice a huge difference with this one, or may even prefer a different bronzer. Goodluck making your decision!
I wanted this product since the original was released 2 years ago but I didn't think it would show up on my skin tone. Fast forward 2 years later and they finally released one for those in the chocolate club (Medium-Dark) - cue happy dance! I was beyond SUPER EXCITED and snapped it up from Beautylish a few days after launch but unfortunately this is one item I wish I had the option to try before buying.
The entire packaging is truly a sight for any makeup lover and this is one brand that doesn't disappoint. It comes in quite an interesting little burgundy box that you pull apart from the centre to reveal another box that you open up like a wedding invite and then *gasp* there it is - the gorgeous textured rose gold compact that so many who have the original rave about.
It's a hard plastic compact, not metal like it may appear online, that has a little bit of weight to it so it doesn't feel cheap. It has a sturdy clasp that locks it into place so there's no risk of it opening up in your bag. Had it been magnetic then it would have taken a bit of the luxury away. Inside is a good size mirror and the two powders, each embossed with the relevant use SCULPT and HIGHLIGHT.
Was it worth the wait? Unfortunately no. I'm still confused at how this can cost so much and yet deliver so little. The formulae of the powders are phenomenal; they are highly pigmented, blendable and sit well on the skin but wow the actual functionality of these shades are unbelievably disappointing. It makes me wonder whether I should have gone with the original after all - but I have no interest in finding out after this splurge.
The sculpt shade gones on a dirty brown but it's easily blended out so don't be alarmed; it's really gorgeous and it almost redeemed this product BUT what's with the shimmer in what's suppose to be a sculpting powder? I learned this the flipping hard way. My face looked fine in my room but when I checked my face outside I was horrified to see all the shimmer. I only use this at night now - what's the point right?
The highlight shade gave me the most grief. It's point blank too orange to be a "highlight"; it could possibly work for those of a much darker skin tone than myself (i.e. I'm MAC 42-44) but what use would they have for the bronzer because it wouldn't show up too well. I tried lightly applying the highlight and it was "ok" but once in the light; there was just too much shimmer so can you imagine my face with both the shimmery bronzer and the orange highlight? I now use the highlight as a blush topper and eyeshadow.
I personally wouldn't recommend investing over $NZD100.00 on this product. Almost four months on I'm still using it- why? Because I spent good lunch money on this haha! You may find some use for one of the shades but is it really worth splurging that much just for one shade that you may be restricted to using at night or using it for anything but highlighting? Not for me.