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As a beauty editor with an eye for science, I tend to raise an eyebrow any time I see a product that markets itself as “magic.” Because, let’s be honest, there’s a whole lot of BS out there…and not all of it is worth believing in. But despite my initial reservations, there’s one moisturizer out there that really does live up to its “magical” reputation: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer ($100).
Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury initially created the cream to help her properly prep models’ skin before she put on their foundation, but the formula proved to be so good, she eventually released it to the public. It’s made with a combination of eight powerhouse ingredients, including collagen-stimulating peptides to plump and smooth skin, hyaluronic acid for a hydration, and vitamins C and E to brighten and even your complexion while also providing antioxidant defense. It’s also got aloe vera, camellia oil, and shea butter, which flood your skin with moisture, plus rosehip oil, which is packed with linoleic acid to strengthen your skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss, resulting in a complexion that stays dewy all day long. It’s great for dry skin, in particular, but is totally safe to use on oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types, too, and won’t cause pore clogging or irritation.
Shop now: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer, $100
Shop now: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, $100
Though the Magic Cream is a heavy hitter in the hydration department, that doesn’t mean it goes on thick or goopy. It’s got a lightweight texture that glides on easily and melts into your skin within seconds, making it perfect for layering on under foundation (which, after all, is what it’s designed for). And though the $100 price point isn’t exactly cheap, a little bit goes a long way—plus, you can use it in the morning and at night. It’s no wonder a jar of the stuff sells every two minutes, and why celebs are constantly touting the miracles it’s worked on their complexions.
The moisturizer offers firming and brightening benefits, too, and the way you apply it can help you amplify its efficiency in one particular area. If you’re looking to contour your face, Tilbury recommends using your fingers to sweep the cream outwards and upwards along your cheek bones. If it’s your jaw that needs a little extra definition, try pinching your chin with your fingers and moving the moisturizer up your jawline. To smooth your forehead, she suggests using a circular motion to massage it from the center out to your temples, and if you want to give your complexion an overall boost, simply use your fingers to apply outwards and upwards from your cheeks, then tap in any excess products with your fingertips.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews all over the Internet, the words “glowy,” “radiant,” and “dream come true” run rampant. And though I may still be skeptical of most “magic” moisturizers in the market, this one truly is worth the hype.
Dealing with dry skin? Well, #same. Check out the video below for some derm-approved tips on how to handle it.
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