Unfortunately I don’t believe I’ll be adding to my CT lipsticks anytime soon. I like the product but I don’t think it lives up to everything that it claims. I bought my lipsticks from Beautylish for $NZD51 (at the time of the exchange rate); really great service and fast delivery.
In regards to the stunning packaging you definitely get more bang for your buck compared to other brands that charge in the same price range. They are sturdy textured rose gold cases that actually have a bit of weight to them so the packaging is an absolute winner for me.
The formula glides on effortlessly without any tugging and leaves me with a satin finish and this is where my problems begin. I wear lipliner all the time because I love adding definition to my lips as well as containing as much of the lipstick in one area. As with a lot of satin finishes it can be difficult to stop it from moving so I feel that the claim of “does not bleed outside the lip line” is debateable. I’ve been sitting at my desk for 15 minutes and already the product has slightly moved outside the lined area - not by too much but within an hour or so I know I’ll need to retouch my lipstick. Granted I did have a scorched almond (or 6) but surely I should be able to stuff my face (like a lady) and not have the product move within less than half an hour! I have tried different natural coloured lipliners ELF, NYX, MAC and I still can’t get it to stay put. This is not the kind of product you want to blot with a tissue because most of it will come right off. I can get a good 3-4 hours wear with 2-3 retouchings to contain the product. I don’t mind too much but it’s annoying when you purchase a product based on one thing – that it doesn’t bleed.
I have the shades Stoned Rose (rich medium brown on me) and Confession (peach rose gold with shimmer). I was quite disappointed with the how the shades turned out on my lips. Note that I didn’t mark the product down based on my colour selection because that’s all personal preference. I don’t have pigmented lips so I assumed that the shades would suit me just like in the gazillion swatches I checked before purchasing. Unfortunately Stoned Rose is a bit too brown for my liking but then again I am in the chocolate club so I probably should have gone for something a bit more brighter. I’m not too sure how ‘rose’ fits into the name because there is definitely no hint of pink/mauve or anything that remotely resembles a fresh dose of colour. As for Confession, here’s a warning – this one has shimmer so if you don’t like fine gold flecks on your lips skip this shade. It’s a beautiful shade that would suit those of a lighter complexion but I personally hate shimmer because it reminds me of cheap lipgloss.
I think would purchase more if I can get the product to stay put as the other colours do look lovely but for now I can live without them.
I had heard so much raving about Bitch Perfect and I decided to get it. It's described as a peach toned creamy nude which is pretty accurate. It does have a bit of a pinkier undertone on some people but on me it's a peach nude. It's a good my lips but better for in the peachy tones for me. I can wear this shade without makeup and my lips don't look over done but it also really compliments a darker smoky eye. The packaging is so elegant. Beautiful gold, casing that feels a sturdy and the cap clicks firmly on and isn't going to come off in your bag. The formula is creamy and moisturizing, it doesn't drag or stick to dry patches. Now as far as lasting power goes it does transfer if I eat with it on I will need to reapply it. That being said since the color is more nude it doesn't stand out as much when it comes off. I wouldn't say this is my favorite high end formula for a lipstick but I do like it and it does feel luxurious and the color is beautiful. I would recommend this if you don't mind splurging and love a particular shade and know you're going to reach for that shade a lot.
Tips: If you go on the official Charlotte Tilbury website you can look up the lipstick, blush or eyeshadow shade you're interested in on women of different skintones.