Can Charlotte Tilbury‘ Award-Winning Contour Really Deliver the Hollywood Cheekbones I Desire?

For those familiar with my reviews, it’s no secret that I am a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup (although not so much of her skincare, apologies to her loyal fans). So, when the chance to try out a Charlotte Tilbury product that was new to me arose, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. 

The product in focus was the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand (£30 from Cult Beauty UK /$42 from Sephora US). This liquid contouring product is designed to enhance the appearance of a more defined face, especially focusing on sculpting the cheekbones, all packaged in a convenient squeezy tube.

Charlotte Tilbury Product Description

Presented in a 12ml tube, this liquid contour is available in Light to Medium and Medium to Dark tones.

Highlighted on the website as customizable, easy to blend, and providing a natural finish, it features a cushion applicator that can be securely sealed to prevent any leaks.

Initial Impressions

Upon first glance, the packaging of Charlotte Tilbury seemed strikingly similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand highlighter blush, a product that I am already familiar with.

Unscrewing the lid, twisting the cushion nozzle to activate it, and squeezing the tube vigorously eventually revealed the liquid product through the white cushion.

After a few days of use, it became apparent that the tube was not very generous with its contents, which was a bit frustrating as it seemed to deplete quickly even with minimal usage.

Once the cushion changed color from white to brown, indicating the heavy pigmentation characteristic of Tilbury’s formulas, I applied the product beneath what I assumed to be my cheekbone and blended it in with a brush.

With only foundation on, the product provided visible definition, which was quite promising and satisfying.

The formula turned out to be less muddled and surprisingly creamier than expected, making it easy to blend smoothly without feeling dry.

Enhance Your Features with Charlotte Tilbury Contouring Kit

Some liquid formulas can sometimes be challenging to blend seamlessly on your cheeks, leading to patchiness and an unnatural finish. However, the Charlotte Tilbury Contouring Kit surprised me with its smooth application, leaving me feeling sculpted and defined.

I attempted to follow the recommended application technique by applying the contour around my forehead and temples, but the Light to Medium shade was too dark for my fair skin tone, resulting in a less natural look.

Experimenting further, I used the contour to define my nose by drawing and blending two thin lines on each side. Unfortunately, the effect was not as successful as on my cheeks, leaving me with visible lines that did not achieve the desired slimming effect.

Ultimately, I focused on enhancing my cheekbones with the Charlotte Tilbury Contouring Kit. The result was subtly accentuated cheekbones that added a new level of definition to my face, elevating my overall look.

My Experience with Charlotte Tilbury Contour Product

After trying out the Charlotte Tilbury contour product, I was initially impressed with the results. However, I soon noticed that the formula seemed to wear off rather quickly, leading me to conclude that more product is needed for a longer-lasting effect.

I observed that the product almost leaves a stain on the skin, which could prolong its longevity, but only if applied with more pressure and depth. This realization made me reconsider my approach to heavy contouring.

While I enjoy wearing makeup daily, I prefer a more natural look and do not wish to layer on excessive amounts of contour. Balancing my love for bronzer with minimal contouring suits my everyday routine better, especially for casual outings.

However, the Charlotte Tilbury contour product excels for evening wear or special events. Utilizing subtle layers in dim lighting allows for a more enhanced look without appearing overdone. Its smooth blendability and creamy texture make it ideal for nighttime use.

Ultimately, I will reserve this product for evening occasions, sticking to bronzer during the day. Although I appreciate its qualities, I may not repurchase it once I finish it, for reasons that may already be apparent…

Customer Feedback

Numerous users have expressed their concerns regarding the tube’s capacity, echoing similar sentiments.

NobleNova voices disappointment, mentioning, “I anticipate a greater quantity of product given the price point. Upon squeezing, a significant portion appears to be air, resembling a lavish bag of chips with half its content being air.”

This observation resonates with many, as the tube seems to emit a suction sound reminiscent of near depletion, despite only recently being opened.

Similarly, Andrea T criticizes the applicator, noting, “The amount of product provided falls short considering the cost. Substantial wastage occurs due to excess product accumulating on the plush applicator, serving as a breeding ground for bacteria. It is perplexing for a premium brand with exceptional products to utilize such a subpar tube/applicator combination.”

This perspective sheds light on an aspect often overlooked.

Conversely, Djay1996 expresses admiration for the product, proclaiming, “Among my various contour items, this stands out as the finest. The texture is delightful, facilitating seamless blending for effortless natural appearances or layered application for more dramatic makeup looks.” Additionally, Dellfar praises its ease of application, stating, “Applying and blending is effortless; I prefer using a large, flat brush for a flawless finish. As a makeup artist, this ranks highly among the contour wands I’ve utilized.”

Key Points

While I may not resemble Angelina Jolie, using the Charlotte Tilbury contouring wand brings me closer to achieving a defined look.

The product is blendable and buildable, offering a natural appearance initially. However, to enhance longevity, more layers are required, leading to a less natural finish.

Despite being somewhat costly, the creamy formula of Charlotte Tilbury contouring wand is delightful, and its applicator facilitates easy and comfortable application. Despite its effectiveness, a significant amount of product is needed for lasting results due to the limited quantity present in the tube.