Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation...Swatches of Every Shade

Above: Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation in Shade #6...light to medium coverage for a glowing finish.

After being backordered for nearly a month, I was beyond excited to finally receive the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation a week or two ago.  Although I am still experimenting with it, I wanted to share my preliminary thoughts on this lovely formula, as well as swatches of every shade (which, up to this point, have been mournfully absent on the Internet!).  I've also included some images of the foundation in action as well as photos from the Charlotte Tilbury event I attended earlier this month!  

Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches,  a recap of the Charlotte Tilbury line's debut at Nordstrom in LA and the Bottom Line...

Above: The sturdy tube is a perfect companion for one's handbag.

Here are the official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation is an air-light formula that illuminates, smoothes, hydrates, minimizes pores and reduces wrinkles for perfect skin. A pool of youth-boosting actives help give you a gorgeous baby-skin effect, smoothing and evening out tone. Its formula lasts for up to 18 hours and while stimulating epidermal renewal by kick-starting collagen production, delaying the onset of wrinkles and creating the perfect makeup base.

How to use: Shake well and squeeze a small amount of foundation onto the back of your hand. For a daytime look, use your fingertips or a brush to blend into your skin from the middle outwards for a tinted moisturizer effect. For the evening, carry out the same application but pat onto areas where you need extra coverage.

• 1.4 oz.
• Suitable for dry, normal and combination skin types.
• Oil-free.
• By Charlotte Tilbury.

Above: Shade #6 (a befitting match for my NC 25 skin) , swatched in direct sunlight.

My Thoughts: 

Prior to this foundation's arrival, I had read on more than one occasion that this formula offered light coverage; although I much prefer medium+ coverage, my enchantment with the Charlotte Tilbury line prompted me to try this nonetheless.  Overall, I am glad I embraced the adventure! This foundation is lovely, especially for "great skin days" and casual moments when a more pared-down complexion is desired (e.g., weekends or after work and post-shower).  

The finish is natural...not overly glowy or matte; I love the nearly HD quality effect...once buffed into the skin (I prefer to use a dampened Beauty Blender), it is virtually invisible while still blurring pores, unevenness and imperfections.  If I prefer a more illuminated finish, I add a pea-sized amount of the Wonderglow for a radiant look.  In terms of lasting power, I get 5-6 hours of wear before feeling the need to touch up.  If I set it with powder directly following application, the wear time can even be extended!  It is lightly scented and hasn't in any way irritated my sensitive skin.  

Because the formula is initially sheer (albeit buildable to medium), the shades are forgiving and the range of 10 are sure to match a wide spectrum of skintones.  Before ordering, I struggled to determine my best match as swatches online were frustratingly absent.  That being said, I settled on #6 and could not have chosen a better option!  It is a lovely light-medium beige with olive yellow undertones and it blends perfectly with my NC 25 skin.  Although my early experiences have been positive thus far, I will continue to experiment with this formula and weigh back in after a few more weeks!

Shade Descriptions (in my experience): 

• 1: Very light alabaster beige for fair skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 10)
• 2: Light beige for fair to light skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 15)
• 3: Light beige for light skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 20)
• 4: Light beige for light skin with neutral to yellow undertones (@N/NC 20)
• 5: Light-medium beige for light-medium skin with warm peachy undertones (@N/NW 25)
• 6: Light-medium beige for light-medium skin with olive to yellow undertones (@N/NC 25) **This is my shade!
• 7: Medium beige for medium skin with neutral to warm undertones (@N/NC/NW 30)
• 8: Medium-dark beige for medium-dark skin with warm olive undertones (@N/NC 35-40)
• 9: Dark beige for tan-dark skin with neutral to warm undertones (@N/NC/NW 40-45)
• 10: Rich dark brown for deep skin with neutral undertones (@N/NC/NW 45-50+)

Above: Swatches of the fair to light shades in direct sunlight.

Above: Swatches of the medium to dark shades in direct sunlight.

Above: Swatches of all 10 shades in direct sunlight.

Above: Charlotte Tilbury's iconic nudes...all three are a pale lip color lover's dream. 

While in the Charlotte Tilbury spirt, I opted to swatch three of her pinky, peachy nude lipsticks (previously reviewed HERE and HERE)...is there anything better?  Available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter, Nude Kate, Penelope Pink and B*tch Perfect are incredible options for a muted lip that still brings life to the face.

• Nude Kate: A pale pinky beige with a cream finish.
• Penelope Pink: A peachy nude beige with very little pink ; ) My favorite of the three!
• B*tch Perfect: A light-medium peachy pink nude cream with intense opacity.

Above: In direct sunlight.

Above: In natural lighting (by a window).

The images below reflect the foundation in action, along with a host of favorite Charlotte Tilbury products...taken at dusk on my way to teach a class ; ) #alwaysworking

Charlotte Tilbury Products Used:

• Light Wonder Foundation in #6 mixed with Wonderglow (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) for a custom blend of coverage and radiance, buffed on with a dampened Beauty Blender
• Filmstar Bronze and Glow (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) to add contour and highlight to the face
• Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blush in First Love (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) on the apples of the cheeks for a subtle peachy beige flush
• Airbrush Flawless Finish Micro-Powder in Medium (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter) to set the look
• Two coats of the Full Fat Lashes 5 Star Mascara (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter)
• Penelope Pink Lipstick (available at Nordstrom + Net-A-Porter)

Finally, in honor of this Charlotte Tilbury-centric post, here is a brief visual recapitulation of her line's debut at the Nordstrom at the Grove in LA (initially mentioned HERE and HERE), which took place earlier this month...

Above: Arriving for the event.

Above: Cordial servers offering beverages and popcorn...what a glamourously unique atmosphere, no?

Above: Makeup artists giving visitors the Charlotte Tilbury experience.

Above: Spin the wheel for a gorgeous look.

Above: Sadly, this was as close as I got to Charlotte since I was working during her personal appearance earlier that day...

Above: All of the Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks...in the flesh!

Above: Always documenting...

Above: A Charlotte Tilbury makeup artist in action.

Above: A delicious sage lemonade to refresh the evening.

Above: Nordstrom + Charlotte Tilbury...a wonderful partnership, indeed!

Above: Ending the evening in the magical golden hour.

--Shop the Post--

Bottom Line: The Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation is a marvelous option for those seeking light to medium coverage and a natural, slightly glowing finish.  The entire Charlotte Tilbury line (available at Nordstrom and Net-A-Porter) is pure delight and I am glad I have this foundation formula in my arsenal, especially for casual moments when just a bit of skin refinement is necessary. 

I hope you enjoyed the close up of her gorgeous nude lip color as well as the overview of her LA debut event!  

What are some of YOUR favorite Charlotte Tilbury products?

Good things ahead, including my October Favorites video, new product releases and a skincare closeup. Have a magnificent Halloween weekend...any fun plans?

xx,

--The Beauty Professor

© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author's written permission.

Beauty Professor Style...Booties, Jumpsuits and Separates for Fall

Above: Kork-Ease Natalya Booties...form and function incarnate...more on these later on in the post! 

There is (finally!) a touch of coolness in the air...perhaps a harbinger of the fall weather to come?  In turn, I've been embracing a few key wardrobe pieces, perfect for the transitional months of October and November.  Booties, jumpsuits and separates have punctuated my daily uniform! 

Kindly scroll on for more details, images and the Bottom Line...

Above: The Dacey Jumpsuit, paired with Prada sandals (discussed HERE).

First up, I am adoring the Dacey Jumpsuit from Anthropologie.  The unique pattern, lush, billowing fabric and ease of wear make this the perfect choice for work (I recently wore this to a business dinner with my husband and just may wear it tomorrow for my long teaching day) and play.  There is nothing I do not love about this jumpsuit!

Above: Separates from Topshop and Tildon for edgy versatility.

Next, separates have been dominating my closet as of late.  I especially love this scuba skirt from Topshop, paired with a floral long sleeved crop top by Tildon make for an edgy outfit (donned, most recently, during a night on the town) that can also be worn apart.  The skirt has been a key element in a few outfits lately and the top looks casual and relaxed with jeans.  I am also wearing my favorite Rag and Bone Noelle Booties (reviewed HERE)...such a magnificent investment.

Above: Kork-Ease...as comfortable as the name implies.

Back to the Kork-Ease Natalya Booties...I originally picked these up (on sale, no less!) in the luggage color above.  I was STUNNED by how comfortable they were...no "break in" period, no foot pain or toe pinching, even after a 10 hour day of teaching...truly astounding!  They are constructed of soft yet durable leather with a side zipper and a beautiful wedge heel that provides height while simultaneously feeling very grounded.  Not only are they endlessly comfortable, they are also visually interesting.  The fact that they are still on sale at Nordstrom is insane to me.  

Above: My tan pair of Natalya booties...so chic, no?

I originally purchased a tan pair and was so taken with their wonder, that I promptly ordered a black pair as well.  They are equally delightful! I highly recommend these booties for those looking for comfort, style and a bit of height...I know I will be wearing them non-stop this fall and winter. 

Above: Black and tan together. 

Above: Side zipper and perfectly sturdy wedge...my feet are ebullient when I wear these!

Above: Wearing my tan pair with a striped crop and cut-offs...my casual weekend attire, this time at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs (more on this little excursion soon!).

Above: Sporting by newly procured black pair of booties with one of my favorite simple gray pencil skirts (also a steal!) and a denim shirt. 

Above: The contrasting shade of the wedge is an unexpected twist of genius.

Above: I am absurdly happy with these purchases...wearing Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lipstick in Red Amour...I couldn't go an entire post without mentioning a touch of makeup!

--Shop the Post--

Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this brief departure from my normally beauty-centric posts and I beseech you to take a peek at the Kork-Ease Natalya Booties...as one who spends every day on her feet, I am floored by the level of comfort these shoes embody.  The fact that they are a brilliant buy (still on sale!) further enhances their virtue.  

What are some of your favorite pieces for fall?

Still in the midst of responding to comments and emails this week...I hope your week has been fantastic thus far!

Good things ahead...a video, some new beauty discoveries, a touch of foundation and a dash of skincare thrown in for good measure.

xx,

--The Beauty Professor

© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author's written permission.

Chantecaille 15 Year Anniversary Palette + Lipstick in Fairy Moss...A Pictorial

Above: The Chantecaille 15 Year Anniversary Palette.

Occasionally, very few words are necessary to properly convey the beauty and utility of a seasonal release.  Such is the case for the Chantecaille Fall 2014 Collection.  The breathtaking 15 Year Anniversary Palette (available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Saks) and Hydra Chic Lipstick in Fairy Moss are amongst the lovliest of the latest releases and the following images thoroughly authenticate this assertion! 

Kindly scroll on for more details and images as well as the Bottom Line...

Above: Beauty with a purpose...proceeds from the sale of this palette go towards the protection of endangered elephants, butterflies and sea turtles.

Here are the official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:

Chantecaille celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, and to mark the event the brand has created a striking eyeshadow trio inspired by animals from the land, sea and air. Embodying Chantecaille's commitment to the environment, the limited-edition palette revisits the causes that have remained close to Chantecaille's heart throughout the years.

Trio includes:

- Elephant: a deep, earthy aubergine that can be applied wet or dry to the crease or lash line.

- Butterfly: a warm buttery vanilla that can be used to smooth and highlight the eyelid or brow bone.

- Sea Turtle: a delicate copper infused with light-reflecting rose-gold pearl.

• 0.25 oz.
• By Chantecaille; made in Italy.
• Proceeds from each 15 Year Anniversary Trio sold will be proudly donated to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Monarch Butterfly Fund and WIDECAST to help protect our endangered elephants, butterflies and sea turtles respectively.

Ingredients

Elephant: Talc, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, Silica, Nylon -12, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Ptfe, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl Peg Phosphate, Zinc Stearate, Lauroyl Lysine, Tetrasodium Edta, Tin Oxide, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Bht, Isotearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine. Butterfly: Talc, Zinc Stearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Lactate, Pca Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Soy Bean Gycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables, Tetrasodium Edta, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Citric Acid, Mica Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. Sea Turtle: Talc, Mica, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, 77499, 77492) Zinc Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium Edta, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Isotearyl Alcohol.

Above: This palette is a must for neutral lovers.

I found these shadows to be utterly gorgeous...smooth, buttery and pigmented, they glide on with ease and stay in place without creasing:

• The deep brown is neutral with a satin finish for a smoky eye or crease accent.
• The soft creamy beige has a gossamar touch, perfect for highlighting the brow bone.
• The warm taupy mink works well over the entire lid and lower lashline...ultra flattering!

Above: Swatches in outdoor shade.

Above: Swatches in direct sunlight.

Above: All three shades on my lids.

Above: Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Fairy Moss, a delicate pinky beige.

Next up is the Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Fairy Moss.  This ultra moisturizing formula provides slightly glossy, pigmented coverage in a single swipe.  Fairy Moss is a pinky beige that leans neutral, enabling it to be flattering to a spectrum of skin tones; it also effortlessly pairs well with the 15th Anniversary Palette.  I find it dark enough to keep the complexion from appearing washed out but light enough to create a proper "nude lip." With a slightly herbal scent and buttery texture, the Hydra Chic Lipstick embodies the sophisticated quality one expects from the Chantecaille line.  

Above: Due to its neutral undertones, Fairy Moss is a wonderful nude lip shade for a host of skin tones.

Here are the official details, courtesy of Nordstrom: 

A modern full-impact lipstick that is hydrating and luminous with six hours of great color. Packaged in a slim stylo, this formula delivers sophisticated matte color with a natural satin finish. The texture melts onto lips with a comforting and hydrating sensorial application. Natural extracts of papaya and orchid help to soften lips and provide antioxidant, anti-aging protection. A natural sugar derivative provides superior hydration.

Ingredients

Triisostearin, Sorbitan Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Mica, DicalCIum, Phosphate, Raffinose Isostearate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, Flavor (Aroma), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate; May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491/CI 77499/CI 77492), Carmine (CI 75470), Red 6/Red 7/Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090).

Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.

Above: A swatch of Fairy Moss in outdoor shade.

Above: A swatch of Fairy Moss in direct sunlight.

Above: Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Fairy Moss alone on the lips...it is a perfect pinky beige, no?

Below: Wearing the Chantecaille 15 Year Anniversary Palette and Hydra Chic Lipstick in Fairy Moss in various lighting situations...

Above: Mixed outdoor lighting, with a flash.

Above: Mixed outdoor lighting with a flash.

Above: In direct sunlight.

Above: In direct sunlight.

Above: Mixed outdoor lighting with a flash.

Above: Direct sunlight with a flash.

--Shop the Post--

Bottom Line: The Chantecaille 15 Year Anniversary Palette (available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Saks) and Hydra Chic Lipstick in Fairy Moss are lusciously wearable Fall 2014 additions that eminate a subtle, glowing, timeless effect that translates from day to night with ease.  Both may be new for fall, however, the classic look they--in tandem--create is befitting for every season.  I implore you to track them down and add them to your beauty rotation...you won't regret the indulgence when you find yourself reaching for them time and time again!

Much more soon including more foundation (!), new lip color, my October Favorites video and some style posts...I am also in the midst of responding to your lovely emails and comments on both my most recent video as well as current blog posts.  Thank you for your patience ; )

xx,

--The  Beauty Professor

** PR samples provided for review (the majority purchased by me),  however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.  

© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author's written permission.