Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation: Swatches of ALL Shades!

On Friday, I had the honor of meeting the inimitable Charlotte Tilbury in advance of her US launch (slated for Monday 2/22) of the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (also available on the Charlotte Tilbury site and preliminarily reviewed HERE).  During our visit, I was able to learn about what makes the Magic Foundation so unique as well as to see a demonstration of some of her latest skincare releases (the innovative Magic Rescue Night Cream is detailed later in this story).  I was also able to swatch EVERY shade of the Magic Foundation, which I hope will be an exceptional resource for those ordering this fiercely anticipated formula online.  
Despite her astronomical fame and respect in the beauty industry, Ms. Tilbury lacks all traces of pretention; she is immensely down to earth and possesses a contagious energy and passion for her products that makes every beauty lover feel at home in her presence! 
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches of EVERY shade and images of the foundation in action as well as the Bottom Line…
At the end of our visit (vest by Joie).
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Imagine my delight when I discovered that all 12 shades were on hand for swatching! 
Five years in the making, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (to be available on Beautylish and Charlotte Tilbury on Monday!) is designed to be the answer to every individual’s foundation dreams.  Boasting natural, medium to full coverage with a demi-matte finish that simply looks like perfected skin (rather than a mask), this creamy liquid comes in a chic frosted glass bottle with a dropper for precise control over product distribution.  
Those with sensitive skin (like me) will be glad to know that it has a barely-there scent that dissapates upon contact and that–in my experience with the formula over the past couple of months–it does not cause irritation.  It works well for a range of skin types, from oily and problematic to dry and aging (and everything in-between) and is designed to blur pores and fine lines upon contact without settling into crevices over the duration of wear.  Safe for those prone to breakouts, rosecea and melasma, this soothing formula is infused with skincare benefits including brightening Vitamin C and SPF 15 to have you loving your skin during wear and after its removed. 
For flawless results, I prefer to apply the Magic Foundation with a dampened Beauty Blender and find that a quarter-sized amount of the formula is more than enough to impart instant medium to full coverage that doesn’t look obvious or cakey.  I intentionally captured the images at the end of this post in harsh outdoor sunlight to showcase how smooth, even and clean it makes the skin look.  I get 7-8 hours of touch-up free wear with this foundation, ensuring that it’s a formula I would recommend for those seeking immense wear time.  
All in all, the Magic Foundation is a marvelous choice for foundationphiles of all ages (this formula has an extensive target demographic) who want to create their best canvas.  It clearly has more coverage than the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder formula (reviewed HERE) and will suit a variety of skin concerns.  So happy it has finally reached the United States!
The foundation comes in 12 shades:
  1. 1 Light: Alabaster beige with slightly yellow undertones (@N/NC 10…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 1 )
  2. 2 Light:Alabaster beige with neutral undertones (@N/NW 10…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 2)
  3. 3 Light: Light beige with peachy undertones (@N/NC/NW 15…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 3)
  4. 3.5 Light: Light beige with yellow undertones (@N/NC 15-20…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 4)
  5. 4 Light: Light beige with slightly rosy undertones (@N/NW 20…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 4 or 6 )
  6. 4.5 Medium: Light-medium beige with golden yellow undertones (@N/NC 20-23…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 4 or 6)
  7. 5 Medium: Light-medium beige with peachy undertones (@N/NW 25…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 5)
  8. 6 Medium: Light-medium beige with neutral olive undertones (@N/NC 23-25…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 6) **My match when my skin is at its winter lightest.
  9. 7 Medium: Light-medium beige with warm golden undertones (@N/NC 25-27…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 6 mixed with 7) **My match now that the weather is warming up.  I am wearing this shade in the images at the end of this post. 
  10. 8 Medium: Medium beige with warm golden undertones (@N/NC 30-35…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 7)
  11. 9 Dark: Medium-dark beige with neutral to rosy undertones (@N/NW 30-35…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 8)
  12. 9.5 Dark: Rich tan beige (@N/NC/NW 35-40…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 9)
  13. 10 Dark: Dark tan with neutral to rosy undertones (@N/NW 40-45…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 9 mixed with 10)
  14. 11 Dark: Dark tan with warm golden undertones (@N/NC 45-50…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 10)
  15. 12 Dark: Deepest chocolate brown (@N/NC/NW 50-55+…equivalent to CT Light Wonder 10)
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Light and Medium shades in indoor lighting. 
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Light and Medium shades in outdoor shade.
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Blended Light and Medium shades in outdoor sunlight.
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Blended Light and Medium shades in strong and direct indoor lighting. 
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Medium and Dark shades in indoor lighting.
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Medium and Dark shades in strong and direct indoor lighting. 
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Blended Medium and Dark shades in outdoor shade.
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Blended Medium and Dark shades in outdoor sunlight.
Charlotte Tilbury showcasing the transformative effects of the Magic Night Rescue Cream. Charlotte Tilbury Director of Communications Emily Bromfield in the background.
To complement the *Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, I combined Medium #7 with the following products:
charlotte tilbury magic night cream
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Rescue Cream…instantly hydrating and emollient for dewy and rested looking skin upon waking.

charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
I can wear the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in both shade 6 (on the lighter side) and 7 (likely my match from now through the end of summer).
charlotte tilbury magic foundation swatches
Swatches of the Magic Foundation in Shade 6 (@NC 23-25) and Shade 7 (@NC 25-27) in direct sunlight.
la prairie tawny lipstick
A swatch of the La Prairie Cellular Lip Color in Tawny, a stunning, creamy “my lips but better” shade. 
Lip trio.
Final lip look.
All about eyes. 
Swatches of all products used in direct sunlight.
The following images refect all products in action in natural sunlight…

Above: Last look.
–Shop the Post–



Bottom Line: I hope you found this swatch-heavy foundation feature helpful as you pursue your perfect match in the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (also available on the Charlotte Tibury site)!  The formula is an excellent medium-to-full coverage, demi-matte finish option for all skin types and the vast spectrum of hues ensures that most will find their optimal shade.

Will YOU be trying Magic Foundation?  Do tell!

We’re less than a week away from the Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills Project Beauty on Saturday, February 27th, which I will be hosting!  The event, which features a cavalcade of new spring beauty as well as sips and snacks and an array of beauty and skincare brand experts, will begin at 11 AM! There will be an amazing swag bag for attendees (I got a preview of it late last week!) and special events going on at each counter of the beauty floor for the hours following the beauty runway show.  


If you are a Southern CA local (or will happen to be in the area at the time), please plan on attending…it would be wonderful to meet you in person.  ** Reserve a seat with a $25 deposit, refunded in a gift card to be spent in-store.  If you pay with MasterCard, MasterCard will match it and you’ll end up with $50 to spend!  To RSVP, call 310.550.5900 ext 4416 or 2261. Cosmetics, Lower Level

Good things ahead, including my cleansing routine, a Sephora-centric story and a host of new product procurements.  I am also still in the midst of responding to your latest batch of lovely emails and comments…thanks, as always, for your patience ; ) 


Have a fantastic day!


xx,

–The Beauty Professor

** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me),  however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.  © 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.

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Comments (24)

  • Clever Girl Reviews Reply

    Good to know that shade 1 or 2 might work. I think 2 is better though but I could go with either.

    February 22, 2016 at 1:25 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Glad to hear it, Clever Girl!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:56 am
  • Gail Reply

    Been looking forward to your review. Does this foundation has a good slip? I use Makeup Forever HD Ulta 127 would shade 6 be a good match. Thank you for the great blog and Instagram.

    February 22, 2016 at 2:58 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Gail,

      This foundation has decent slip but still stays in place throughout the day…thanks for your kind words!

      XO,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:56 am
  • Unknown Reply

    What a fabulous experience to meet Charlotte Tilbury! I love watching her videos, especially when she does her own eyes. The foundation looks great on you, Rachel. I have been wondering about that night cream. I love her mask with the rose. She really has a wonderful selection of foundation colors. Thanks for the info!

    February 22, 2016 at 2:26 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Debi!

      It was truly a treat to meet Charlotte…her energy is contagious! Thanks for your sweet compliment and yes, the night cream is unlike anything I have ever tried in terms of texture and immediate moisture!

      XO and talk soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:57 am
  • Unknown Reply

    How amazing to meet Charlotte Tilbury, this foundation sounds lovely!

    http://xxchloescloset.blogspot.co.uk/

    February 22, 2016 at 3:19 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks for the kind comment, Chloe!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:58 am
  • A Woman Of A Certain Age Reply

    I love CT make-up and can't wait to try this! Thank you so much for swatching these shades, it is ever so helpful. I certainly looks GORGEOUS on you.

    http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/

    February 22, 2016 at 7:05 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you ever so much, Suzy and glad to hear that my swatches were helpful!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:58 am
  • Dom Reply

    Wonderful review Rachel. We are in the same shade, #7! I would love to attend the event! It sounds like so much fun.

    Xo,
    Dom

    February 23, 2016 at 1:15 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you so much, Dom!

      Love that we're the same shade…hope your week is going well!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:59 am
  • Sabrina S Reply

    I had a nice chat with Beautylish and they're going to send me a few samples of this foundation to try out! I hope I love it! I'm always interested in trying out new stuff 🙂 I just hope the colors I'm send match me! I feel like I'd be a mix of 2 and 3.5!

    February 23, 2016 at 2:21 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Sabrina,

      That is wonderful news! Beautylish is so fantastic for the sampling option!

      Hope you found your way to your perfect shade!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 6:59 am
  • Tahoe Girl Reply

    Wow! Your skin looks amazing!! I mean you always look beautiful but the finish on this foundation…even in harsh mid-day sunlight… looks flawless! Thank you for swatting every shade! How amazing is that?! Oh and Charlotte is electric and her joy is palpable.
    Thanks again!
    Danielle

    February 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you, Danielle! Your sweet words are much appreciated!

      Yes, Charlotte is definitely a joy and I was honored to be able to meet her and swatch everything ; )

      XOXO,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 7:01 am
  • wefadetogray Reply

    Thanks for the swatches galore, BP! I will try it for sure. I reckon 3.5 will be my match. I love the whole makeup look you created.

    February 23, 2016 at 5:52 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello, my friend! The swatches are my pleasure!

      Thanks for the kind words and hope all is well…XO,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 7:01 am
  • Mischief Reply

    The foundation looks magical on you! (excuse the pun)
    Anyways, would you please help me find a shade? I am nc20, 213 in Koh Gen Do Aqua and Alaska in Nars Velvet Matte Tint. Would 3.5 be a good match for me?
    Thanks!

    March 1, 2016 at 3:13 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Mischief,

      Thank you…and the pun made me smile ; ) I would suggest 3.5 (on the lighter side) and 4.5 (on the darker side). I hope that helps!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 7:03 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Just beautiful! xoxoxo

    March 3, 2016 at 3:19 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you, Judi!

      XOXO,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 7:05 am
  • Widika Reply

    Praise for your super amazing review !!! Super helpful!
    I was wondering what shade would match my skin tone, the only foundation I've ever used is the Giorgio Armani Maestro in shade 6.5, but it's quite one hair darker then my skin tone at the moment, I'm half south East Asian, so I got the yellowish tone, I think I'm a NW20 / NC25..
    Your help would be well appreciate! Thank youuuu

    April 8, 2016 at 3:25 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks, Widika…happy to share. I would suggest Shade #7 in the Magic Foundation!

      xx

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 27, 2016 at 9:29 pm

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