Working with makeup artists and interviewing experts allows me, as a beauty editor, to pick up countless beauty tips. However, putting said advice into practice is another thing altogether. I’ll admit that I am pretty nifty with a foundation brush, I’m even quite good at pencilling my eyebrows and when it comes to a precise lip, just call me Pat McGrath.
But then there’s eyeshadow, my nemesis. I look at my colleagues’ beautifully shaped and contoured eyes; charcoal, buttery taupe, emerald shimmer… in awe. Is anyone else with me?
But I like a challenge, so when Charlotte Tilbury launched her new Palettes Of Beautifying Eye Trends, £49 each, which are ‘designed to achieve a professional finish every time without any artistry, skills or talent required,’ I was game.
Each of Charlotte’s six limited-edition eyeshadow palettes contains nine nuanced, universally flattering shades that work harmoniously with one another. The pigment of each shade is incredible. ‘Wearing colour can feel intimidating,’ Charlotte tells me, ‘but I knew I needed to change that so that everyone, whether they’re a pro artist or completely new to makeup, can feel confident wearing colour and recreating the looks they’ve seen at fashion weeks, on social media and in magazines!’
What’s different about these palettes?
Here’s the clever bit. Charlotte used an approach she calls ‘colour therapy’ to ensure that each shade within the palettes complements the rest – so whichever one you choose to pair up or layer will 100% work with the others (meaning less chance of having a palette with half the shades left unworn)
I knew that blue tones work well with my eye colour and skin tone, so I tried the Denim Dimension palette. Not sure which is right for you, or feeling spoilt for choice? Download the Charlotte Tilbury Easy Beauty For You app to virtually try on all of the Palettes Of Beautifying Eye Trends to see if they suit you before you buy.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Denim Dimension
Testing the Palettes Of Beautifying Eye Trends
To help me out, I was given a beginner’s guide to my chosen palette by Charlotte Tilbury artist Freya Casey. She used five of the nine blue shades to create a denim look on one eye, leaving me to do the other (jeez!). And we used just one brush and a finger. These are the steps we took.
Step 1: Prep the eyelid
Begin by applying the lightest eyeshadow shade in the eyeshadow palette over your entire eyelid using a fluffy blender brush to evenly blend the shadow without any harsh lines. Using the lightest shade will create a soft, even base before the other shades are layered and blended on top. We used the palest Matte Silk shade (4).
Pack the colour into the brush and tap on your hand to remove any loose pigments. You don’t want to overpower the eye with the first shadow, as it’s just about creating a foundation. Begin with a small amount and build up to your desired finish.
Step 2: Enhance
A powdery blue shade (5) is next and we used circular motions into the crease of the outer part of the eye, blending it up and out. Keep the inner corner nice and bright using a dab of Molten Satin (2). This draws attention to the area, making eyes appear larger and more awake.
If you’re creating a daytime look, you could stop here and apply lashings of mascara to complete it. However, if you’re creating an evening look, or just want to dial it up with some extra smokiness and sparkle, then head to steps 3 and 4.
Step 3: Ramp up the colour
Next, we used the darkest Matte Silk shade (6) and buffed it along the lash line. Layer and build up the pigment until you have your desired level of smokiness. Then blend, blend and blend a bit more. Because the shadows are so silky, they fuse together brilliantly.
Step 4: Pop
Next, we added a hint of sparkle using a true denim blue shade, called Crystal Pop, applying it with the index finger. Using the finger keeps the pigments compact, preventing fallout on to your cheeks or under your eyes. Simply press the shade on to the centre of the eyelid to add a veil of shimmer. Et voilà!
The verdict
The matte shades we used to create the base layer and to enhance depth are buttery and soft, making them incredibly easy to apply and blend. I was more cautious with the outer corner application than the pro artist, ‘buffering’ it on instead of packing it into the crease. Although the colour pigment is intense, the texture is finely milled and light, so you have to put in a little effort.
I used the Charlotte Tilbury Eye Blender Brush, £26, to apply all shadows apart from the shimmer, and it made application brilliantly easy; the bristles aren’t too fanned out (which can cause fallout) and dense enough to pick up and hold colour.
I was nervous about the Crystal Pop shade (I’m not a glitter girl!) but it was iridescent and beautifully subtle. Using my finger to apply it was a cinch – I just rolled my finger over the eyelid to press it on.
In hindsight, I think I was a bit ambitious choosing such a bold blue shade as my first foray into this palette. I did get a bit of smudging when I applied it, unlike the pro, but it was easily rectified with a swipe of concealer on a cotton pad. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with how well my amateur efforts matched the expert version.
It’s definitely given me the confidence to try eyeshadow again, but next time I’ll stick to the Super Neutral palette until I’ve got the hang of it!
The Palettes Of Beautifying Eye Trends, £49 each, are available in six limited-edition colourways:
Denim Dimension: Dreamy, Serene Energy In A Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Denim Dimension
Super Neutral: Timeless, Joyphoric Energy In A Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Super Neutral
Pink Love: Pretty, Flirty Energy In A Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Pink Love
Digital Lilac: Youthful, Playful, Empowering Energy In A Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Digital Lilac
Sensual Sunset: Sensual Sunset Energy In A Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Sensual Sunset
Emerald Effect: Lucky, Magic Energy In A Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette Of Beautifying Eye Trends in Emerald Effect
