Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer: The makeup product that inspired a 5000-person waitlist
She’s the makeup artist with an A-lister client list that includes Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian and her latest product launch has fans reeling.
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There are some beauty products that inspire an instant upgrade to ‘cult’ status and the eponymous cosmetics brand by UK makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is one of them.
While you may not be familiar with the name, you will undoubtedly know her work. Not only has she been awarded an Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her makeup artistry, she’s also been the much loved makeup artist for celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West, Gisele Bündchen, Amal Clooney and Kate Moss.
And her latest makeup launch is a doozy.
Dubbed the ‘Airbrush Bronzer,’ the product amassed a 5000-person waitlist prior to its launch on May 22. While the bronzer promises to give its wearer a matte, pore-blurring and sun-kissed finish, it offers skincare benefits too.
The powder is infused with the skincare industry’s favourite ingredient – hyaluronic acid – which helps your skin retain moisture and appear plump. The amino acid treated mica powder and silica also gives skin a soft-focused and blurred effect.
In a nod to sustainability, the compact is refillable and the art-deco inspired packaging is as luxe as you’d expect it to be – especially considering its steep $75 price tag.
This isn’t the brand’s first viral beauty product either. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution lipstick in Very Victoria ($49) is reportedly Meghan Marke’s favourite lipstick and her infamous ‘Pillow Talk’ Lip Cheat liner ($35) and Lipstick ($49) in the shade ‘Pillow Talk’ counts the likes of Amal Clooney, Penelope Cruz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Kidman as fans.
While the Airbrush Bronzer was only released six days ago, it’s already received rave reviews. Fans have praised the product for its pigmented but blendable colour and natural finish.
“The bronzer is perfect for the best glow and just glides on perfectly. I was amazed at how long it lasted on my skin and how it was easy to blend,” read one review of the product.
“My skin looks airbrushed, this is a divine and finely milled powder! The packaging is gorgeous. If you love a matte bronzer, you’ll love this,” shared another.
If the $75 price tag is too steep (very fair) here are five other bronzers that will add a little summer glow to your complexion.
1. Revlon, Colorstay Skinlights Powder Bronzer Cannes Tan, $12.47 (on sale from $24.95)
Not only will it give you change from a $20 dollar note (it’s currently on sale, you’re welcome), you won’t be running out of bronzer anytime soon with a 9.2g of product. The colour is a slightly sheeny, bronzed tan that will give you a natural, sunless glow. It’s also available in a lighter shade (Havana Gleam) for paler skins.
2. theBalm, Take Home The Bronze Anti-Orange Bronzer, $22.95
A telltale sign of a bad bronzer is if it leaves behind an ‘orangey’ cast on your face and this option from UK brand, theBalm is formulated to not do that. It's available in three matte shades and is super buildable so you don't accidentally go overboard. For an all-over subtle glow, it’s best used with a large fluffy brush – something like the Real Techniques, Blush Brush, $24.99 is perfect.
3. Benefit, Hoola Bronzing Powder Mini, $29
Another all-time favourite bronzer, Benefit’s signature boxed bronzer is revered among pale-skinned women. While you can use it liberally on the tops of your face – your cheekbones, chin, nose and forehead – due to its matte finish you can also use it to sculpt and contour.
4. Dr Hauschka, Translucent Bronzing Tint, $39
Topped with skin-loving ingredients like olive oil, witch hazel blends and anthyllis (a flower extract), this bronzing tint can be used in a number of ways. You can mix it into your foundation, tinted moisturiser or day cream for an all-over bronzey boost or apply it directly to your face using your fingers or a stippling brush.
If you're using it over makeup, just remember to use gentle patting motions so you don't disturb your prior handiwork.
5. Nudestix, Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Sunkissed, $54
Unlike a mattifying powder product, cream formulas are a great option to add ‘glow’ and a natural dewiness to your skin. This one from Nudestix can be used as a contour, bronzer and eyeshadow and it even comes with a handy stippling brush for easy blending.