Showing posts with label Charlotte Tilbury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlotte Tilbury. Show all posts

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Luxury Palette for Holiday 2014

The Fallen  angel palette from Charlotte Tilbury was on the top of my holiday shopping list! It launched awhile back in the UK, and is now available in the US. Its really the only eye palette for Holiday 2014 that I was already secretly caressing in my mind before I actually held it in my hands. I love charlotte Tilbury shadows and this goes beyond my expectations.




The usual plain case is adorned with a palm throw of stars which is mimicked in the shadows below.
They are gone with only a few uses but they are so feminine and fun! I love this trend of imprinting these powders with gorgeous graphics. The shadows in this palette have a different texture than her existing quads, (performance remains) and no glitter shade is included - the same concept remains with the prime, enhance, 'pop'  and smoke. These shadows are soft and buttery and I had no fallout whatsoever. These shade are metallic, but a whole spectrum of looks can be created from a soft finish to a full on smokey eye. The other difference is that this palette, to create a molten metallic look, can be used wet. I found the colours surprisingly wearable for the day -  a light wash on the eyes created a very pretty look. They also lasted for ages on my primed lids. For me the colours were quite neutral and not overly warm even with the inclusion of the copper shade. And of course, amped up, layered and all- you will seriously smoulder and glisten!



For Charlotte's first holiday palette I am thrilled and delighted - can u tell I am thrilled and delighted!
MR
xx

Friday, 11 July 2014

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Sticks- Las Salinas, Es Vedra and Moon Beach

Let me just put it out there I do not like the cold! An african winter pales in comparison to other locations, but boy I just want to hibernate! (that is my humble apology for being lax on the post front).
I had a few products on my radar and pounced as soon as they were released - Charlotte Tilbury's much anticipated Beach Sticks. I stopped myself at three but as soon as I can I will round up my collection with the remaining 2 - these are fantastic! I purchased Las Salinas (warm pink), Moon Beach (peach) and Es Vedra (poppy orange).

L-R Las Salinas, Moon Beach, Es Vedra


The cheek stick are housed in lightweight rose gold tubes - it feels almost weightless. Cute bubbles of colour greet me when I uncap them. Texture-wise they are feather-light and with a few quick finger movements sit softly on my cheeks - giving them a fresh pop of colour. In my experience these have a less silicone feel than the original Nars multiples and they blend easier and sit more realistically on my skin. Blended in these give a great stain effect.
There is a whole press 'spiel' with regard to their naming - each is named after a beach in Ibiza and each shade is meant to mimic the effect after a week in the sun at these exotic locations - romantic notions turned into reality!

Es Vedra, Moon Beach, Las Salinas straight from bullet
These colours are spot on and all work on my skintone. Es Vedra was my answer to Nars Multiple in Siam that I had been lusting after. This gives me a healthy pop and sexy 'sunburnt' glow - huh! Try it and it will make sense. There is no pink undertone here so it does not look like a bad case of hives either. Las Salinas is a pretty coral pink that gives me soft pop of yes....pink! Moon Beach was described as similar to Nars Orgasm. Not to me - it compliments my complexion much better. This is perfect for a look with a stronger eye, naked glowing cheek. Some have used this as a highlighter shade - for me it is definitly a cheek colour. For deep skintones it would work as such. This shade can be mixed with the others to create a new shade - double duty! All shades have some degree of shimmer (all rose gold) in the swatches, but on the cheek it really translates as a glow. There are also meant to be some long term benefits good for the skin. They are hydrating and last well on my oily skin. You can also use them on your lips- not my first choice , but if you had to ....yes.
Es Vedra, Moon Beach, Las Salinas blended out
So to wrap it up I love these new lovelies from Charlotte Tilbury.

Sunday, 16 March 2014

Perfect your complexion with Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow, Light Wonder and Air Brush Flawless Finish

I have over the last year or so become a foundation junkie. The array of vitamin enriched, luminizing, matte, long lasting, velvet anti-aging foundations available can really boggle the mind. With every new release comes the promise of a flawless, porcelain complexion, that lures you in. Foundation is definitely subjective and should be chosen according to your own set of requirements and skin conditions (okay, I have tried a few *dozen* unsuitable candidates just to 'see' if it might be 'the one'). Thankfully I do not have to look out for ingredient particulars as I am not too sensitive, other than oil-free which is more suitable for my oily skin. I do gravitate towards lighter looking foundations in warmer months.

Light Wonder Youth Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation

Since the Charlotte Tilbury foundation came out with her new line I have wanted it. I love a light- medium coverage that is natural and satin. I need to steer clear of overtly luminizing foundations such as the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat which is just too dewy and renders my skin into a greasy disaster. With that being said, products like Hourglass Immaculate foundation, which one would think would be perfect for my skin is too flat and heavy looking for my tastes. Skin must look like skin, just my perfect version. Enter Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder foundation.


Starting with the packaging: this is my least favourite packaging from the CT line. It does not scream luxe, however this durable plastic tube is perfect for travel and while it will not win any design awards, is practical and works just fine.
Scent: there is a light scent that I cannot put my finger on. It goes away almost immediately.
Wear Time: From a 6:30 am start, it last pretty well into the early afternoon. On my oily skin you are still able to see it into early evening, just not as perfect. There is oily breakthrough about 3 hrs in, but a fresh swipe of the Charlotte Tilbury powder or blotting paper takes care of that. Those with oily skin could possibly agree with me, that there is no miracle cure for oily skin, just some products that work better with my skin and do not make it look oilier. The Wonder Glow does hold the oil at bay longer.
Finish: This gives my skin a perfected skin-like finish that has a slight glow to it, which allows it to look like skin. I find it covers all my discolouration and imperfections and can be layered for more coverage. My pores look softened and my skin fresh. It feels light on the skin. You will not get full coverage, so if you like that this one is not for you. It does have collagen boosting properties and other claims. My skin feels soft at the end of the day and looks well hydrated.  I have used this with a number of primers, with the best results being with the Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow. I'm not usually so matchy-matchy, but these work well together. Oil control is upped and longevity boosted.

I initially bought shade 7. While this worked on my skin, it was not 100% perfect. It gave me a sun-kissed look. I phoned to ask about the shades and this is what I understood. 6 goes more pink, 5 more yellow than 7. I settled (and prayed) on shade 4 (the darkest in their fair range). The SA said this was a very popular shade as it worked and adapted to a number skin tones. It is a wonderful match. I have noted that the lovely Ruth from AModelRecommends uses the same shade. I tend to think I am a bit darker and warmer. This has become my daily fool-proof foundation. I am also loving my newish Ellis Faas foundation, but my CT has been in heavy use.

L-R Wonder Glow, Light Wonder 4, Light Wonder 7, Air Brush Powder in 2

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash

This is a golden hued primer, that once on the skin give a natural satin finish with no shimmer or colour at all. I have used it primarily with my CT Light Wonder foundation. They say you could wear it on its own, but I think unless you have 20-ish baby skin you will want to layer with your favourite foundation. It can be used over foundation, as a subtle luminizer on your cheek and brow bones. It can also be used mixed with your foundation as well. When doing this make sure the proportion of the Wonder Glow to the foundation is more to see any added glow. It does have a blurring effect, as my skin, lines and pores do look fresher. It is also packed with anti-aging properties so it adds to the effect of the CT foundation - so matchy-matchy works again in this case. It does not feel sticky at all, AND not heavy on that silicone 'slip' feel- more silky.

Air Brush Flawless Finish

This is a beautiful powder that I use to top my CT foundation. I chose shade two, which works with both shades 4 and 7. It does have a colour to it, but does not alter the foundation colour at all. It is my favourite powder to date (I do have Surratt on the way). It helps with oil control and while I can still get a shine, it's not as mirror-like and can be powdered over while still looking sheer. This is in the same size packaging as the blush which I have reviewed here, but in a rosegold finish. It is insanely finely milled and I see a definite blurring of pores etc. It must be those sci-fi 'nano particles'!




The picture above shows my skin with all three Charlotte Tilbury layers in full sunlight. They have all met my expectations and they are a dream to use. Have you made any beauty discoveries of late that you cannot do without?



Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic blusher in Love Is The Drug

Okay, so I know I have reviewed quite a bit of Charlotte Tilbury of late, but all these beautiful product were part of a British haul I managed to get recently. I have one or two more amazing products still to review, but today I bring you my second CT blush Love Is The Drug.


It is housed in a cute, lightweight compact. I love the etched Charlotte Tilbury logo and star. This shade seems more true to the 'swish and pop' action suggested for application of this blusher, with a vibrant pink shade in the centre. Love glow in comparison has the lighter shade in the middle. The outer shade has a satin finish which is to be applied all over the cheek. It is a fresh pink with subtle iridescence, which imparts the cheek with a soft glow. The inner circle is a shot of 'almost' highlighter pink which should suit many skin tones. The finish is a match to the outer ring. It is buildable leaving your cheeks with a believable natural flush a' la Tilbury. No excess powder is picked up when swirling my brush. Love Glow is more coral, with the two shades very similar in colour. 


Two shades mixed together

Love Is The Drug is my second CT blush, but my first to review. Finely milled and highly pigmented are just two of the great attributes of this blusher. Next up on the Tilbury review list will be her Light Wonder Foundation.....

Thursday, 13 February 2014

Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick Luxury Palette

I always knew I wanted the The Rock Chick quad, it was just a matter of time. The 'rock chick' is focal point of the Charlotte Tilbury aesthetic, and it's actually shades I do not have a many of, in my collection. Well, I now have it. It is everything I have come to expect from the CT shadows. To recap my previous nattering's, the textures of all four shades are creamy, pigmented and a dream to blend. In fact I think they blend themselves!



The Rock Chick is a wearable tonal grey palette, with good contrast between the shades. At first, I thought it would be a dupe for  Tom Ford Titanium Smoke. If memory serves Tom Ford Titanium Smoke is definitely more cool. The Rock Chick has more in common with the warm grey 'taupiness' of TF Silvered Topaz, which will be easier to wear for more skin tones. I have done a quick comparison with the grey quads I own and I hope they give a good point of reference. I have worn it softly for a modern day look as well as packed on for maximum impact. I have only worn it a few times, but I am smitten.




The shades have a mix of finishes. The prime shade (top left) is soft silver with a iridescent finish. It gives a soft focus wash of colour that opens up the eye area. The Enhance shade (top right) is a mid tone warm grey. It has a satin finish with a lovely sheen to it. The 'POP' shade (bottom left) is a glistening silver sparkle in a taupe grey base. The Smoke shade (bottom right) is a glorious silky matte intense dark grey shade. The shades look cooler in the pan, but swatch warmer. As the light changes so do the beautiful colours of the palette, which reminds me of Tom Ford She Wolf.


Textures come alive

Quick comparison swatches T-B Armani quad in Maestro, TF Silvered Topaz, CT The Rock Chick
The Rock Chick is my kinda gal! What is your go to palette for an effortless rock chick vibe?

Monday, 25 November 2013

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G 'Fallen from the lipstick tree' in Penelope Pink

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G 'Fallen From The Lipstick Tree' was launched with her quintessential line. I love her whole rock chick vibe - so I was keen to get a real nude lipstick which is missing from my own collection. She has 2 nude lipsticks - Nude Kate and Penelope Pink. I went with the safer Penelope Pink, as I thought Nude Kate might give me dead lips.
Housed in a pretty rose gold case, in keeping with the Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette, which has an art deco feel. The formula is very nice. I have to say that this is a very comfortable formula, yet there is nothing that makes it stand out from other high-end brands. Tom Ford, Burberry and Armani make more creamier and more hydrating formula's. Suqqu wins hands down - yet no suitable nude like this one in their colour range. I cannot say that this shade is totally unique, but I can say it is a nude without draining the colour from my face. One might be able to match Penelope Pink with one of the new nudes from the Armani CC lipsticks. I love to wear this colour paired with any of my Charlotte Tilbury Luxury palettes. It works well with a smokey eye, colourful eye and a simple feline flick. I would actually love to try Nude Kate and really push the rock chick look!



In a nutshell - I love the nude shade. I like the formula. I think the colour range is genius and in keeping with the idea of achieving a particular look from the Glamour Muse to the Sophisticate. Have you tried the lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury collection and what are your thoughts?
MR xx

Monday, 18 November 2013

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow to face sculpt & highlight

Charlotte Tilbury launched a face sculpting duo with her new line. Housed in a glistening, bronzed, lightweight compact that is really beautiful. I like the fact that it is made from a light material as it make it better for me for travel. Some might see it as a negative and perceive it as cheap. But this well crafted art deco duo is chic and "posh".




Both powders are finely milled and go on smooth. They blend well and I have had no patchiness.
The sculpt powder will probably suit most people as a bronzer than as a sculpting powder as this leans more warm and has only a hint of a cooler shadow shade. It can however be built up, so those paler girls with a deft hand could gently apply as the sculpt shade in the hollows below the cheeks. I am light to medium and have used both below my cheek bones and on the cheek. Both ways add depth and my cheeks have added dimension.So it is definitely more than just a bronzer.


The highlight shade is a soft champagne, with no frostiness, which some illuminators can have. It is so nice on the bone just above the cheek, brow bone and on the centre on the nose and cupids bow. It really does  create a gentle 'lit from within" look.  This should really suit most skin tones.


L-R Sculpt, Highlight

Soft sculpted cheeks

Charlotte states "You can slim, sculpt, enhance & illuminate -
It's an illusion I use all the time for my clients" I have enjoyed my Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette. It is a perfect way to mimic razor sharp cheekbones and feel like a suparstar!

Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Charlotte Tilbury The Glamour Muse Luxury Palette

Today I am showing you my third Charlotte Tilbury luxury palette in The Glamour Muse. This was my first pick, when I initially saw all the palettes, as I loved the POP shade. This palette has two 'frostier' shades, one more satin and than a metallic glitter shade, so a fairly good mix of texture.




  •  The Prime shade is a pale pink with a pearlescent texture
  •  The Enhance shade is a rose toned taupe with a pearlescent texture
  •  The Smoke shade is a satin warm grey with a hint of purple
  •  The POP shade has a red purple metallic base with matching glitter

Prime, Enhance, Smoke, POP

All shades are beautiful in colour. They apply smoothly and blend well on the most part . The POP shade is slightly different from the Charlotte Tilbury glitter shades that I have. This purple swatches an amazing shade, but for some reason it makes my lids look a bit crepey- mmmmm, pity. I am trying my hardest to get this to work, but it applies patchy, but I will keep at it!


What I do love about this palette, is that when using the first three colours an elegant and office appropriate look can be achieved. When the purple is added into the mix, it changes completely in it an on trend colour look. The POP shade is a 'fly in the ointment', but I have been more than happy with my other palettes.  I have The Rock Chick on my radar!

UPDATE: I have been trying to get the best out of the POP colour. I have used it on over a primer, and a light sweep of MAC Pure White Paintstick. I have captured it it in the picture below. A lovely hue of purple has been achieved, with the glitter barely visible. I have worked the enhance colour into the crease for extra dimension and loads of mascara. The colour does show up quite well, with the shade needing to be built up with finger patting and layering a few times. It does still accentuate any lines on the lids but does look very pretty. You decide.


Saturday, 12 October 2013

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Sophisticate

The Sophisticate is my second palette I am showing you from my little Tilbury collection. I had always wanted Tom Ford's Cocoa Mirage, so I chose this quad of four similar complimentary neutral matte shades. These run cooler than the TF quad. These matte shades need only one swipe for full intense colour. These are the antithesis of chalky 'blah' mattes than many other brands just cannot master.



The Prime shade (This is Tilbury talk for all over base shade), is a cool smooth cream which evens out my lids. I am feeling more sophisticated already. The Enhance shade is a soft camel colour, which should be nestled in the outer corner to lay down the colour then swept across the crease. This will add definition to that area. The Smoke shade is a deep warm grey donkey colour, that is good to thicken the lash area, with a wash of this shade or worked into the outer V and along the lower lash line for a more dramatic effect. The POP shade in this palette has no glitter, but is a warm brown with a slight red undertone. All shades are beautiful.

Prime, Enhance, POP, Smoke

Silky matte

Sometimes a polished look is quite nice even for my sometimes outlandish makeup tastes (Glitter Freak). This is lovely with a bright pout and a simple contoured cheek. I am thrilled with my purchase and if you are looking for a neutral palette that is versatile from a light fresh look to a Penelope Cruz deep sexy eye (yes and sophisticated) this is it.

Team Tilbury all the way!

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Dolce Vita -


I am excited to be sharing with you the first of my four Charlotte Tilbury eye palettes-The Dolce Vita.



I was a bit worried as a few if the initial reviews were ambivalent or negative. I had already ordered mine so I waited eagerly for them to arrive in order to judge for myself if these were going to be as dreamy and amazing as I had hoped them to be. I should not have even doubted them, as my previous Charlotte  Tilbury purchases were excellent and on par if not better than other luxury brands (I have previously reviewed here eyeliners here and The Retoucher concealer here).
The ripping of my Selfridges yellow spotted tissue paper was audible as I just wanted to dip my fingers into these unmarked buttery pans. Eureka!! -I had hit gold. My fingers were immediately stained with smooth, creamy pigments - I breathed a sigh of relief !-Yes they were everything I had hoped for!

Prime, Enhance, Smoke and POP

The packages, yes, is similar in colour and look of Tom Ford. It does not have the heft of a Tom Ford eye quad- but in my mind this makes them more portable. Each pan is smaller than a Tom Ford one. The back of the packaging has Charlotte's diagram of how to use the palette, which works well with her Youtube videos on the corresponding looks. So if you are a beginner in makeup application, or willing to learn more from Charlotte herself, pop over to her tutorials. I just love her nonchalant manner and cool Brit chic.

This is a warm palette! Similar to Tom Ford Cognac Sable, one of my all-time favourites. You could choose between the two, but they are as they say 'The same but different."

  • The Prime shade - A brightening satin champagne
  • The Enhance shade - Red Brown clay satin
  • The POP shade - Warm copper base with matching glitter
  • The Smoke shade -  Dark brown matte/satin hybrid ??
All shades are highly pigmented, creamy (yes I said creamy again) and smooth to apply. The glitter shades is best patted on to minimise fallout and to get maximum impact. This palette  a day to night to perfection.
On my first day of wearing two compliments only goes to show how nice this palette is.

Charlotte, you are winning such a place in my heart!




Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Charlotte Tilbury liners 3 ways : The Feline Flick, Rock 'n Kohl and The Classic eye pencil

Charlotte Tilbury's new collection I think quite cleverly incorporates 3 types of eye liners, which works well with her ethos of recreating different looks for all your alter - ego's - as her main page on her website asks "Who will you be." Since I like to morph my looks from day to day I had to indulge in all 3 varieties. 





  • Feline Flick - This comes in one shade Panther, a matte warm black. Just enough flexability in the nib, the liner is aptly name as it give the most beautiful feline flick. "Quick fine line shodo pen" is how it is described and  this is perfect. Shodo is the art of calligraphy originating in china then migrating to Japan. These delicate and bold 'illustrations' are know for their nuances and beauty. So this 'shodo' eyeliner is used to create a precise feline flick. Ultra thin lines can be created for the inner corner of the eye to extend the look of the feline eye. The pressure you apply and the angle you hold the liner will change the thickness of the line you create. It has a grip, just like a calligraphy type pen. The matte black shade is good for both day and night as it is intense, but not harsh. I get full colour with one stroke of the pen. It lasts all day, yet comes of easily with my Bioderma eye makeup remover. I have managed to master a pretty good feline flick, and if you have ever attempted these they are not easy.
  • The Classic eye powder pencil. This pencil come in two shades - Audrey and Sophia. I bought the darker brown shade in Audrey. With the trend on long wearing liners, this type of eye pencil has been discontinued by many big brands. Such a pity, as a soft effect is achieved with this pencil. Once layered over my shadow and worked into the eyelash line, this pencil lasts most of the day. It adds definition to the upper lash line and gives my lashes a denser appearance. This can be thickened up for day to night transition. It does loose it's colour a few hours in when I use it on my lower lash line and waterline, but that's pretty normal on my oily skin. I suggest a dusting of setting powder just below to avoid such migration. This is a close sister of Tom Ford's Espresso liner.
  • Rock 'n Kohl is what I think of, when I think of Charlotte Tilbury. This long-wear, dense, waxy liner comes in two shades. Barbarella Brown and Bedroom Black. I bought the brown shade as I already have the Giorgio Armani and Urban Decay equivalents. I will probably also get the Bedroom Black in time as the other two make my eyes itch when I put them in my waterline. The brown is a dark warm black brown that reads almost black. This liner can be used as a sharp line or smudged to within an inch of itself to created a gorgeous smokiness. As near to prefect as these types of liners go.

T-B The Classic Eye powder pencil, The Feline Flick, Rock'n Kohl

L-R Feline Flick, Rock 'n Kohl, The Classic

Here they are after intense rubbing
I hope this review has been helpful to anyone considering the Charlotte Tilbury eye liners.
What are you go to liners?

Sunday, 15 September 2013

Charlotte Tilbury Retoucher in Shade 3 - Holy Grail?!



The Charlotte Tilbury Retoucher found it's way into my basket at the last minute. a strange choice for an impulse buy, but it has turned out to be one of my favourite CT products so far!
I need a good concealer to conceal my chronic puffiness under my eyes. This concealer seems to have all the things I love from my other concealers, all in one amazing formula. It has the coverage of my Cle de peau, the lightness from my By Terry, the creaminess of my Chanel Correcteur Perfection and the illuminating qualities of the By Terry Touche Voloutee . I have oily skin that gets dehydrated. This concealer lasted all day with no creasing or patchiness at all!. The easy to use click pen is good for direct application- though I typically place it on the back of my hand. I  use my fingers and have achieved a seamless finish. It can also be used on any red areas of the face and if you choose a lighter shade can be used to illuminate the high points of the face further.
The benefits of this concealer are described on the Charlotte Tilbury site as :
• A hydrating complex keeps skin plumped up and moisturised for a natural, luminous finish
• A black tea derivative, rich in vitamins, fills in hollowed out skin grooves, creating a smooth, seamless surface
• A breakthrough Lipo-Siliconic compound and special elastomer pearls create an invisible plaster over the imperfections, creating a natural, traceless finish








Shade 3

The shade selection runs a bit light . There are only four shades. The first two look quite pink and shade four probably for more latino skins. Darker girls, hopefully she will release more shades soon. Three is perfect for my light/med skin tone. It is slightly lighter than my foundation shades . For reference I am Giorgio Armani 5.5, approx. MAC NC 25, Nars sheer matte in Sante Fe. I was so bedazzled by all the pretty colour in the CT eye quads that I nearly overlooked this excellent product!
What new product have you found lately?

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Presenting :Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Bronzed Garnet, Amethyst Aphrodisiac and Dark Pearl - Darling!

If you have been living under a rock, I might forgive you for not knowing about Charlotte Tilbury and her new makeup collection. A huge offering for a new luxury line, from foundations, eyelash curlers and gorgeous eye palettes. You are spoilt for choice as you choose which alter ego you will be today. This concept of reinvention is of course what I love. Today I will show you three of her Colour Chameleon Colour morphing eye shadow pencils - Amethyst Aphrodisiac (night),  Bronzer Garnet (day) and Dark Pearl (day). These pencils are paired in to day/night options with them being best to enhance your eye colour. The latter two I bought, are meant for green eyes and the Dark Pearl the day option for brown eyes. I have brown eyes and thought the two pencils for green eyes would bring out more of the greenish flecks, plus I love these shades (rules are mean't to be broken?!). The retro styled packaging is fresh and new. The colours of the pencils are colour coded on the ends for easy use.



Amethyst Aphrodisiac
Bronzed Garnet

Dark Pearl

Bronzed Garnet, Dark Pearl, Amethyst Aphrodisiac




Bronzed Garnet is a bronze shade warmed with the light of the red tone of a garnet. Dark Pearl is a taupe that in different lights and skin tones will pull more gold or purple. Amethyst Aphrodisiac is a warm gem purple. These shades are all metallic. I did not find them particularly shimmery or sparkly, but strongly pigmented. I wore it straight onto the lid with no primer. It wore seven hours, when I did experience some fading. Once applied they dry quickly, so work fast if you want to blend. I suggest a brush with a bit of firmness.You could layer some shadows over for extra impact or keep it simple as one shade. They set with no tacky feeling when opening your lids, which I sometimes experience with some of my other shadow sticks. A simple intense eye can be achieved with the cute pencil, in no time at all. They are quite stout, so I am hoping I will not sharpen them away in one twist!
If you were like me and starved for reviews and swatches on the Charlotte Tilbury collection, I do hope this helps. Are you loving this collection as much as I am? I have quite a few more Charlotte Tilbury product to review for you all. Also a heads up if you are still living under that rock :)- Wayne Goss of  waynegossmakeupartist fame is launching his  makeup brushes tomorrow - ready...get set .....go!