Whether it's for her nifty and informative super-pro 'how-tos', her iconic Pillow Talk shade, or her brilliant catchphrases ("fabulous, darling"), Charlotte Tilbury's eponymous brand has fast established itself as a household name. One of her most recognisable icons? The Magic Cream. So adored is the glow-giving hydrator, it has since inspired a whole flock of other "magic" formulations. The original cream remains not only the most celebrated in the range, but a product that GH's very own beauty team use on rotation. Beauty's perhaps most famous moisturiser turns 10 this year, and love for it is only growing. Here's why it's worth clearing a place on your bathroom shelf for.
Behind the cult status
Having grown up in Ibiza to parents working in creative industries, Tilbury was inspired to work in some variation of the arts from the get-go. As a makeup artist to the stars, including Kate Moss and Amal Clooney, Tilbury initially made her mark producing gorgeous and effortless looks for red carpets, fashion weeks and magazine covers. More memorable than her signature soft smoky eyes were her models' lit-from-within bases: a result of her hand-mixed secret moisturiser she applied to transform tired, sullen skin into something hydrated and bouncy. So impactful was this moisturiser, it was coined Tilbury's 'Magic Cream' by those in the know. A cult-classic was born, and Tilbury launched the product in Selfridges in 2013. One now sells every two minutes.
Why we love it
Soft, pillowy and super-hydrating, the Magic Cream is one to have nearby whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up. Tilbury calls it her 'push up bra in a jar' - and while no moisturiser is going to really lift your face, this certainly plumps things up considerably. There's hyaluronic acid for long-lasting moisture, vitamins C and E for brightening effects, and a blend of peptides for said plumpness.
Yes, its ingredients are brilliant, but our beauty team loves it as a base for our makeup too. Any product applied after the Magic Cream stays put for longer, and glow is amplified (ideal for those not-so-great skin days). This cream is rich, so normal to dry skin types will love it especially. Massage the product into your fingers before applying to your skin; it'll loosen the cream, helping it to absorb well.
Other magic icons
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light
Think of this as Magic Cream's younger sibling. The more lightweight version promises the same skin-enhancing effects in a more lotion-like texture (great for summer when our skin may not need as heavy -duty creams). This is great option for those with oilier skin who prefer their moisture in smaller doses.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream
This is the most recent iteration within the 'magic' line. And rightly so: why shouldn't we look after our body like we do our face? The same creamy and pillowy formula now specifically targets body skin issues, thanks to the addition of de-puffing caffeine and more heavyweight hydrators. Expect skin to not only feel but look softer, too. Just in time for summer.
