I’ve been a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream for everyday and I’m thrilled that she has expanded her skincare line with two new additions for spring. Her Magic Cream is a great everyday moisturizer that works well with my super sensitive finicky skin type. It hydrates, plumps and smooths the skin and I really like how it works well under a wide range of foundations. The pot is huge and I’ve had it for a little over a year and still haven’t finished it (although I had used up 2 of the mini travel size ones). I was lucky to receive an early preview of the Magic Night Cream and Magic Eye Rescue and have been putting them to the test for 12 days now and have some first thoughts and impressions to share with you today.
There are now three skincare products in her Magic Line which she calls her Magic Skin Trilogy. You can buy all three in her Magic Skin Trilogy Set for $285 or the items individually:
- Magic Cream $100 (50 ml/1.7 fl oz) is a white cream moisturizer for day. It has ingredients to stimulate collagen and protect skin from environmental toxins. I also contains Vitamin E to heal skin and reduce inflammation. I found that it smooths the overall complexion and creates a glowing base to prepare skin for makeup. I do find it soothing and it absorbs nicely. The texture is creamy enough to feel moisturizer but as a cream it’s not heavy. It does have a sunscreen smell which takes some getting used to.
- Magic Night Cream $145 (50 ml/1.7 fl oz) is a super concentrated rich night cream. It contains Red Algea Marigel to smooth and protect skin, Winter Daphne Stem Cell Extract that comes from the Winter Daphne Plants to moisturize the skin and give it a youthful firm look, Olus Oil for the texture and Caster Seed Oil to add moisture.
- Magic Eye Rescue $60 (15 ml/.05 fl oz) is a moisturizer designed to brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness and improve the texture of the skin. It contains what Charlotte Tilbury calls Time Released Retinol molecules that help boost the rejuvenation process of skin cells to give the skin a more radiant look.
A closer look at all three and some thoughts on my experience with each skincare item:
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is one of my favorite day creams. I acquired a couple deluxe sized travel sample at a couple events (gift with purchases). I ended up using up two of them although in hindsight I should have stuck with using the full size and kept the minis for actual travel trips. A little goes a long way. This has been one of my top four most-used face creams I tested this year which also include the Eve Lom Brightening Cream, Tatcha Indigo Soothing Triple Recovery Cream and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. It smooths and hydrates the skin. I like that it’s heavy enough for dry skin days but light enough that I don’t feel it once it sets on the skin. It works well with every foundation I’ve tested. It really does give the skin a more youthful appearance.
If you’re unsure about spending $100 on the full size, she has it available in a few trial sets this holiday. You can find it in a mini in her Gift of Goddess Travel Trio Kit ($59 for three minis of Magic Cream, Wonderglow and Clay Mask) or her Gift of Red Carpet Travel Kit ($85 for give deluxe-sized skincare minis of Magic Cream, Wonderglow, Glay Mask, Multi Miracle Glow, Supermodel Body and Take it All Off). I ordered this cream over a year ago when it launched and can say that it will last you a long time.
Ingredients: WATER (AQUA/EAU), HOMOSALATE , GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, OCTOCRYLENE, CETYL ALCOHOL, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, STEARETH-21, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL EXTRACT, CARBOMER, DIMETHICONOL, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CHLORPHENESIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROLYZED VIOLA TRICOLOR EXTRACT, ALLANTOIN, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, DISODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, MICHELIA ALBA LEAF OIL, SODIUM LACTATE, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, PEG-8, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TOCOPHEROL, PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE, PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, PLUMERIA RUBRA FLOWER EXTRACT, ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS LEAF CELL CULTURE, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL.
When I heard there would be a Magic Night Cream launching I had very high hopes. Sometimes with skincare I think I set my expectations too high and am let down when my skin shows no signs of improvement. I am relieved to say that after testing this for over a week, this is something I will use up to the end. The Magic Night Cream is a super rich night treatment. It has an almost gel-cream hybrid texture. It is scented which I find hard to describe but it’s extremely unique and almost spa-like. If she made this in a body lotion I would totally wear it.
The first night I used the cream I used too much and my face felt like I was literally wearing a thick sticky face mask to sleep. A little goes a very very long way – I found that two dabs on the tips of two fingers is really all I need to cover the entire face. I take two fingers dab it lightly into the cream and then apply it to the palm of my other hand. I rub my hands together and then apply. If your skin feels sticky or goopy you’ve applied too much.
After figuring out the right amount to use, I find that it gives the skin a veil of moisture. It is slightly heavy but it does absorb well into the skin. In the mornings when I wake up, the skin is noticeably soft, very smooth, feels plump and looks well rested. I’m the worst when it comes to applying night treatments on a regular basis because I don’t like the feeling of product on my face when I sleep. The dry and cold weather has made my skin itchy and in need of extra moisture. This does just the trick. I highly recommend you watch Goss Makeup Artist’s Video on this one. It shows how glowing his skin is.
Ingredients:GLYCERIN, AQUA/WATER/EAU, RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SUCROSE STEARATE, ETHYLHEXYL STEARATE, OLUS OIL (VEGETABLE OIL/HUILE VÉGÉTALE), DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXACAPRYLATE/HEXACAPRATE, HYDROXYSTEARIC/LINOLENIC/OLEIC POLYGLYCERIDES, C20-40 ALCOHOLS, ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, CERA ALBA (BEESWAX/CIRE D’ABEILLE), ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CHLORPHENESIN, CELLULOSE GUM, HYDROXYPROPYL CYCLODEXTRIN, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), TITANIUM DIOXIDE, XANTHAN GUM, CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT, SQUALANE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, RETINOL, PEG-8, CARAMEL, TOCOPHEROL, DAPHNE ODORA CALLUS EXTRACT, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS LEAF CELL CULTURE, PLUMERIA RUBRA FLOWER EXTRACT, UBIQUINONE, LECITHIN, ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE, BENZOIC ACID, HEXYL CINNAMAL, BENZYL BENZOATE, LINALOOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, CINNAMYL ALCOHOL, EUGENOL, RED 33 (CI 17200), YELLOW 6 (CI 15985), YELLOW 5 (CI 19140).
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream is another winner. For me it’s on par with the Chanel Sublimage Eye Cream and Tatcha Under Eye Cream in terms of moisturizing effects. I would say the Charlotte Tilbury is somewhere in the middle of those two with the Chanel being more hydrating for day and excellent for night and the Tatcha being more lightweight and better for day. I’m super picky with eye treatments – so many sting my eyes if it creeps the slightest bit into the corners. The Charlotte Tilbury Eye Cream is very good and doesn’t interfere with eye makeup or concealer. There are a lot of eye creams I can use alone on no-makeup days but cannot use under makeup because it either makes eye color slide off or foundation look cakey if I apply it on top (examples include ones from Fresh, Philosophy, Clinique to name a few). The Charlotte Tilbury one true to the quality and style of her Magic Cream works well for day under makeup to give a glowing lit from within look under the eyes.
I will need to test it more to see if it really does brighten the skin over the long term. But just with a week + of use I can see the texture has improved and it does lift and firm under the eye area and adds the perfect amount of moisture + glow. I give it a thumbs up. On this one there is a soft skincare scent but it’s not fragranced.
Ingredients: AQUA/WATER/EAU, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYSORBATE 60, OLUS OIL (VEGETABLE OIL/ HUILE VÉGÉTALE), PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, GLYCERIN, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER), PEG-8, ETHYLHEXYL STEARATE, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, SORBITAN STEARATE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, OLIVE OIL PEG-7 ESTERS, PHENOXYETHANOL, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, C12-16 ALCOHOLS, CERA ALBA (BEESWAX/ CIRE D’ABEILLE ), GLYCERYL STEARATE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, SQUALANE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CHLORPHENESIN, , HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, PALMITIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT, DISODIUM EDTA, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) PROTEIN, HYDROXYPROPYL CYCLODEXTRIN, SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, CITRIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM PCA, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, RETINOL, DAPHNE ODORA CALLUS EXTRACT, SODIUM DEXTRAN SULFATE, NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS LEAF CELL CULTURE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, PLUMERIA RUBRA FLOWER EXTRACT, BORAGO OFFICINALIS SEED OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ASCORBIC ACID, LECITHIN, POTASSIUM SORBATE, RETINYL PALMITATE, ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI77491, CI 77492).
Overall both the Magic Night Cream and Magic Eye Rescue have exceeded my expectations. I do think both of them are items I will use to the very end. Out of the two I have to say I am most impressed with the Eye Cream – especially with the way it wears under makeup and has enough moisture without feeling greasy. The Night Cream does such an amazing job at moisturizing the skin over night and improving texture – but I suspect the texture or scent won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I think it’s perfect for this time of year – especially when I feel like my skin is lacking in luster and glow because the weather seems to suck the life of my face. Both have performed really well with my super sensitive skin and I highly recommend both.
Let me know if you’re interested in another update on these next month. I’m testing a few other items in skincare and testing takes time, so I try to split up my testing into segments so I can see the effects of items separately. If you haven’t tried her Magic Cream I highly recommend you do.
You can find the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream and Magic Eye Rescue exclusively online at Charlotte Tilbury and Nordstrom right now. They will launch at other retailers next month.
Have you tried any of the skincare from Charlotte Tilbury yet? What did you think?
Press samples reviewed include the Magic Night Cream and Magic Eye Rescue.
I already have the Magic Cream and ordered the Eye Cream, which I have high hopes for! I've tried a sample of the Magic Night Cream and like it but it's so pricy not sure I can justify it :/
http://www.makeupmusicbooks.com
I know how you feel. Skincare is so expensive!
Love Magic Cream already (have reviewed it before) and reading about the night and eye creams makes me want them. I have dry skin and actually don't mind heaviness, so the night cream sounds perfect. You're right that they last a long time, making the price tag more sensible. –Angela
I really am loving the eye cream. I suspect the night cream might be hit or miss because of the texture. I really like it, but those who want something scent-free or thinner in texture might want to see if they can get a sample first.
oh, i would love a charlotte tilbury body cream! i know she has her supermodel bronzing type body product but a proper body cream would be lovely. i purchased the goddess skin mask + magic day cream when i was on vacation in london last month and got a little sample of the eye cream; i think it was great! i look forward to picking up both of these.
Yessss!!!! A proper body cream would be amazing. I've been really loving the eye cream!
I was SO excited to try these til I saw the magic words "castor oil." She's losing the prestige of her line so fast with those two little words. No brand that sells a product that costs more than $2 per item should be putting that ingredient in their products. Period.
Well on the upside at least the ingredient list is saving you $$$.
Mine is being delivered tomorrow so the tips for application re much appreciated. What I could not find out on the CT website was what size in ml are the three creams…..Magic, Night and Eye that is. Could you tell me from your packaging? £100 for CT does seem like a stretch into a new price bracket but all reviews I've seen if the night cream are glowing. Xx
Hi Amanda – the night cream is very expensive but I love it!
So sorry Sabrina…..of course you have included the jar sizes and me being me have missed them! Xx
You mentioned that the day Magic Cream has a sunscreen-like smell… does it actually have any SPF?
Hi Alix,
Magic Cream (day) has an SPF of 15 according to CT's website. Unfortunately for me, it is a chemical sunscreen and one to which I'm particularly sensitive 🙁 It's homosalate.
Thanks for the info, Eileen!
Does the eye cream have SPF as well? It seems so but I'm not sure. I like that it is made in Switzerland.
Thanks,
Tanja
No, there is no SPF in the eye cream 🙂
The eye cream does contain a bit of titanium dioxide, but it is at the very end of the ingredient list which means there isn't enough for it to be an effective SPF. Maybe an SPF of 1? LOL
Hi Alix – sorry for the delay in responding, but I've never been able to tell if there is SPF in any of it. There's nothing listed online and it didn't say anything on the box.
Thanks Eileen for the clarification.
I got a sample of her Magic Cream and it does a great job of filling in lines, smoothing the surface for foundation, and hydrating the skin. Will have to skip the Night Cream though because it has perfume in ingredients, but the Eye cream is a possibility (Katherine T.)
Yes, if you can't do scented skincare, best to skip the night cream unless you can get a sample to test first. The eye cream is very good though!
I still haven't tried anything from CT yet but i will be now x
Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave
Her line is amazing, I love her lipsticks 🙂
Charlotte Tilbury's entire line is amazing, I can't wait to try these!
Ashley
http://www.ashleyelizabethbeauty.com
I agree 🙂
I'm very interested in the results of further testing on the night cream. I'm using Dr. Brandt's DNA night, and I hate how it feels: so heavy, so occlusive.
Thanks Duffi – will definitely update once I use it more. It is pretty rich in texture though.
Looks lovely, but $285 is just a bit too steep for me.
Mine's arrived and first thoughts are I really like the smell it's unusual but I am irritated that the jar is plastic and the cardboard packaging is flimsy. For a £100 I would expect something more robust. Maybe it's a better thing as there's no danger of smashing the jar but it just looks a bit cheap when it's hit a new price point. Anyway I shall give it a whirl tonight. Xx
Interested to hear your thoughts!
I tried the Magic Night Cream that came with the advent calendar. No matter how little I used, it was problematic. Too little and it was incredibly hard to apply, even warming between my hands. The tiniest bit too much – and we aren't talking much here – and it felt like Vaseline/goop on my face. Also no matter now little I used, there was a sticky residue on my face in the morning. I generally found it extremely unpleasant to use. I love Magic Cream and have used up a full pot already – but I won't be buying the night cream.
Sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. I do see how it can be too thick for some. I would love it if she came out with a lotion version.
Please do share more about the trio. I have been working for a year to fix a break out from last December and have finally found the right combo – la mer overnight and the CT magic cream for day. I am keen to try the CT night and eye to add in the rotation. Happy New Year's Eve!
Will definitely do an update! Which La Mer cream do you use?
I found this post interesting because I am dying to try CT's Magic Creams. So far I only have a little sample packet of the day cream, that I got with my KISSING lipstick charms. (The formula for which I love, btw) I am so far like inthe day cream, but the product sold in the US doesn't have SPF. Thanks for the review! CL fabulousforeverblog.com
The Kissing lipsticks are indeed amazing!
Wow! Amazing Post! Great pictures!!
Love,
Merin from MakeupSOS
http://meiasos.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you Merin!
Well after a couple of nights I can confirm it is very tacky / sticky and unless you follow the rub it into your hands method before applying to your face it's hard going. I don't use a silk pillowslip when I use the night cream as it would stick to my face all night but my skin does feel brighter, hydrated and more rested in the morning and pleasantly plumped up. I prefer the texture of a proper cream but it does seem to achieve something noticeable by the morning. Having said all that I'm not sure it's the best night cream on the market, I can see me losing patience with the stickiness if I don't get the quantity to apply right and I do think it's overpriced for Charlotte Tilbury. £70 like the Magic Cream would seem a more appropriate price point for this brand. And I do have issues with the packaging not being particularly robust. Also I don't want to leave grease marks on my packaging so it needs to be wipeable not this matt card box they've used. What do these focus groups feed back when they trial these products I do wonder sometimes as all these gripes should have been addressed pre launch. And for the money, when you go into a £100 price point I expect a glass or ceramic pot not plastic. What do you think Sabrina? Xx
I do see that the texture might not be everyone's cup of tea. I have to use a very small amount and rub it in my hands before applying but I'm really thrilled with the results. I do think a lotion or something with a less thick texture would be more universally appealing.
LOL about the marks on the packaging. I don't know if they test packaging or if they simply test formulas. I've gotten some product samples from other brands before and it came in a white lab test tube. I sometimes wonder about that packaging test to because it's just as important as the product formula!
Do you have any further updates on the eye cream? I am on the fence about purchasing, and would love to hear your thoughts!
hi i just found your blog which one is better as a day moisturizer in your opinion, ct magic cream or the eve lom brightening cream for the morning. im looking for hydration and brightening as my top concerns, and nothing so heavy for the morning thanks!
is it glass or acrylic jar?