This review dives into the much-hyped Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, exploring whether it lives up to its luxurious reputation and promised longevity. We examine the product's elegant packaging, delightful scent, and hydrating formula, detailing the ingredients and the application experience. A thorough half-face test was conducted to assess the spray's effectiveness in setting makeup and extending its wear throughout the day, comparing its performance against untreated skin. The test considered various factors, including the impact on makeup appearance, hydration levels, and oil control.Our comprehensive analysis investigates the spray's efficacy in different scenarios and skin types. We assess its claims of 16-hour wear and consider its potential uses beyond setting makeup, such as a hydrating primer or a finishing spray to combat dryness. Ultimately, this review offers a balanced perspective, weighing the product's undeniable luxurious feel and pleasant scent against its actual performance in setting makeup and extending its wear, providing readers with an informed decision on whether this high-end product is worth the investment.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray arrived in a sleek, elegant box, befitting the brand's luxurious image. I opted for the larger 100ml bottle, though a travel-sized 34ml version is also available. The spray bottle itself features a sophisticated pump mechanism, delivering a remarkably fine and even mist.
The scent is a delightful, fresh floral fragrance—pleasant but not overpowering. The ingredients list boasts hydrating elements like aloe vera, Japanese green tea, and aromatic raisin extract, promising a hydrating and setting experience.
Wear Test and Initial Observations
To test its efficacy, I conducted a half-face test. One side of my face received the setting spray, while the other remained untreated. My base makeup consisted of my usual primer and foundation routine, with a touch of powder on my T-zone.
Immediately after application, the sprayed side showed a noticeable enhancement—my highlighter appeared more intense and my skin looked fresher, less makeup-heavy. The spray felt hydrating and left my skin feeling comfortable.
Six-Hour Mark: Results and Observations
After six hours of wear, including a walk in the sun, there was minimal difference between the two sides of my face. Both sides exhibited similar levels of oiliness in my T-zone, particularly around my nose and chin. My pores remained visible on both sides.
While the sprayed side appeared slightly shinier in the highlight areas, the overall longevity of my makeup was not significantly impacted by the setting spray. The claim of 16-hour wear was not substantiated in my experience.
Final Verdict and Conclusion
While the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray boasts a luxurious feel and a lovely scent, its setting capabilities fall short of its claims. It's more of a hydrating mist that enhances the look of makeup initially, making highlighters pop, than a long-lasting setting spray.
I found it most effective as a hydrating primer before makeup application or as a finishing spray to soften a powdery look. Its hydrating properties are a plus for those with dry or mature skin. For oily skin, it's not likely to extend makeup wear significantly. The smaller, travel-sized bottle might be a better option to test before committing to the larger size.