Fab or flub? Charlotte Tilbury’s new lipsticks are social-media approved

After spending more than 20 years beautifying celebrities like Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Moss, it seemed only natural that legendary makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury would launch her very own makeup line.

Ranging from youth-boosting foundations to beautiful blushes, the line has been a hit with celebs and makeup lovers since it hit beauty counters in 2013.

A fan of Tilbury’s work, I’ve mostly admired her makeup from afar since its launch. Before this review, I had tried only her Full Fat Lashes 5 Star Mascara, which I loved. My interest in the line, however, was aroused even more when I saw that the brand had run a social-media campaign giving fans the chance to name its two newest shades.

Garnering more than 7,000 entries in the first hour, the winning names were Kiss Chase and Between the Sheets.

While the majority of the Charlotte Tilbury line can be found at Nordstrom, these two exclusive shades are available for purchase only on the Charlotte Tilbury website. Customers can purchase the duo in a set for $60 or separately for $32. Lucky me, I was given the opportunity to try out both shades and see how the brand’s two lipstick formulas — K.I.S.S.I.N.G and Matte Revolution — stack up.

First impression

If you’ve ever seen Tilbury’s products in person, then you know they are the definition of luxury.

Housed in sleek, rose-gold packaging, both lipsticks have a beautiful fragrance that I can only describe as being similar to a vanilla cupcake. Both shades are similar to how they appear on the website.

Kiss Chase is a gorgeous tawny berry hue, while Between the Sheets is a more delicate rose-petal-like shade. When applied, both lipsticks go on smoothly and are very pigmented.

Part of the K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick range, Kiss Chase is very moisturizing. The Charlotte Tilbury website says that the lipstick is made with a secret ingredient called the Lipstick Tree (an anti-oxidant that apparently protects lips from UV damage and the effects of external pollution).

Turns out the the ingredient comes from a tropical plant whose plump, red fruits look like lips blowing kisses. That inspiration is most evident in the way the lipstick works. After applying the product, my lips looked instantly luscious and plump.

On the opposite end of the lipstick formula spectrum is Between the Sheets. Part of the Matte Revolution range, this was the lipstick I had the most apprehension about. As I’ve stated in past “Fab or Flub?” reviews, I love a matte look but have had little luck achieving it. Most matte products look extremely dry and harsh on me.

Surprisingly, the Matte Revolution formula was hydrating while still being matte (turns out it features a blend of orchid extract and the magical Lipstick Tree).

One of my favorite features about the lipstick is its square, angled tip. Not only does it allow for almost precise application, but it eliminates the need for a lip liner.

Fab or flub?

Fab! If your resolution for this year was to scale back on your beauty purchases, let this be a fair warning: Charlotte Tilbury’s two new lipstick shades are gorgeous and must-haves for any diehard makeup lover’s lipstick collection.

Both Kiss Chase and Between the Sheets are universally flattering shades that can be worn day or night. If you are interested in snapping up the lipsticks, I suggest doing so pronto. The shades are being touted as limited editions, so there’s no way of knowing how long they will be available.

For those who are socially conscious, I find it very important to mention that all of Tilbury’s makeup products are free from animal testing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to become more aware of not only the things I am putting on my body, but where they come from and how they are being produced.

It is always nice to see a well-respected brand making great products without being harmful to our planet.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Fab or flub? Charlotte Tilbury’s new lipsticks are social-media approved."