It’s worth noting that the brand describes this formula as “buildable, medium-coverage, hydrating foundation”—not that I read any of that before using it (unlike when I build IKEA furniture, I prefer to go in blind). Good thing I didn’t though, since hydrating usually means glowy and dewy—two adjectives that my oily skin fears most. 

The first day I tried this foundation, I was shook by the color match. As someone who is notorious for choosing the wrong color for complexion products, I couldn’t believe that this shade (in 4 Neutral) could actually be my perfect match. It only took me 30-something years to finally match my skin tone and undertones to the right makeup product, but who’s counting?

The formula had a smooth, liquid consistency, practically gliding over my face when I applied it with a kabuki brush. It’s such an easy product to use that it almost made me feel like it was part of my skincare routine—but that could also be thanks to the fact that the ingredient list includes hyaluronic acid (there’s that hydration factor!), a rose complex to help brighten and strengthen the skin barrier, and coconut extract to help plump.

After using the foundation for about a month, I found a few features I love about this formula. For starters, it really does make your skin look, well…beautiful. Whereas some of the foundations I’ve tried before have felt heavy or looked cakey on my skin, this one blended seamlessly into my complexion and was virtually undetectable unless you were looking at me up close (please don’t).

And you know how we all sneak glimpses of ourselves in mirrors or windows throughout the day? During those midday checks, I was surprised at how well my makeup held up, and how natural and even my skin looked. My oily skin thrived with this hydrating, longwear, medium-coverage formula, so I can only imagine the wonders it could work for dry skin (or any skin type, for that matter). I also loved how effortless it was to apply—gone were the days of foundation application feeling like a bicep workout from dragging a super-thick matte foundation across my skin.

When it comes to cons about this foundation, there aren’t many. Call me greedy, but mostly I found myself wishing that this was a full-coverage foundation instead medium-coverage, so I could address the uneven pigmentation in my skin without reaching for another makeup product.

If you’re into a natural makeup look but still want a bit of coverage on the complexion front, I think you’ll love this CHARLOTTE TILBURY foundation. It helps you achieve that coveted your-skin-but-better look and also lasts for hours—a rare combo in the makeup world. But if you’re used to a more flawless finish, you may want to pair this foundation with a high-coverage concealer and setting powder to achieve the look you’re going for. 

As for me? I really like this foundation. Do I like it enough to replace my trusty concealer with it? Well…that’s a different story. If anything, I would use this foundation in tandem with a concealer for special events, or on its own on a day when I want to amp up my look without overdoing it. For now, I’m still enjoying spot-concealing my problem areas without needing to apply foundation all over my face—but ask me again if CHARLOTTE TILBURY ever releases a full-coverage version!

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