Let’s just say I’ve been a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury since I’ve known of her (prior to Lisa Eldridge’s youtube channel etc). Both her and Charlotte Willer are my favorite makeup artists for their imperfect but so perfect, with a rocker touch, style. So to hear that she came out with her own line was more than exciting news. One thing I love, but haven’t found the perfect prototype of yet is concealer pens that both brighten and cover. I was debating between Dior’s Radiance Booster Pen and Charlotte Tilbury’s The Retoucher but went with the latter after concluding that it seemed like a better option from a pricing and product perspective.
My first impressions were that I love her packaging – who doesn’t love gilded gold? It’s a twist pen compared to YSL’s Touche Eclat’s push up, which I really have no preference over either. What The Retoucher really excels at is the brightening and concealing aspect. I mean this is the perfect prototype that should have existed when these things were first discovered. I went with my gut and chose Shade 2 (Fair) based on reviews and Nordstrom’s Q&A section, which I can attest is ideal for anyone in the MAC NC 20/25, Chanel B20/30, Giorgio Armani 5.25-5.75 range. This is not a full coverage concealer so if that’s what you’re looking for, look elsewhere. I’m not a fan of full coverage makeup so I was really pleased with this product as it comes off super undetectable, yet still hydrating, luminous, and most importantly skin-like.
Above, I’m wearing it over Shiseido’s Hydra Life BB Cream with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder on top. (Note: A little color grading done in the photo, but that doesn’t change the appearance of the concealer). This is holy grail worthy in my book and for sure, won’t be the last of my purchases from the CT line.
