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After nearly three years in the US, Charlotte Tilbury released a full eyeshadow palette containing 12 shades to take you from subtle to straight to the nightclub. The Instant Eye Palette contains four sets of trios – Day, Desk, Date, Disco – but can be used interchangeably, as desired. As a HUGE Tilbury fangirl, of course, I picked up this palette during the limited pre-sale. I’ve had a couple of weeks to figure this palette out and discover its pros (and some cons). If you’re curious about how I got this look (plus a couple of others) and what I think of the new palette, continue reading my Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette review.
Charlotte Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist who has works on the faces of Hollywood’s elite for (nearly, over?) 20 years.
We’re talking everyone from the Kardashians and Cara Delavigne to classics like Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz, Sienna Miller, and Nicole Kidman.
She first released her makeup line in the UK – then later in the US – with the idea that women (and/or men) should have a perfectly curated MAKEUP WARDROBE.
She released several different “looks” so the average customer could purchase a ‘look’ and know everything was expertly selected to work together.
Looks included eyeshadow quads, lip liners, lipsticks, glosses, and blushes; with the option to add several other pieces.
MORE: CHARLOTTE TILBURY ON BRIGHTER, DARLING
Since these initial looks, Tilbury has expanded the range to include brows, mascara, cream eyeshadows, cream blushes, and a plethora of tools to get the job done.
The ultimate, all-in-one eyeshadow palette – The Instant Eye Palette is said to be for all occasions.
It’s important to note that the formula in this palette is NOT the same as her quads (as I own a couple and can 100% attest to that). Her quads have what I call a gel-powder texture.
Charlotte has specifically control-pressed the shades in the palette to perform the way she intended. Some will definitely have different payoff than others. This is intentional.
She wanted the palette to be easy to use to the average woman. That usually means you can’t expect one-swipe intense pigment with all of the shades because not everyone is a professional makeup artist.
Let’s start with the DAY LOOK. This is my least favorite trio in the quad because the colors are extremely delicate against my skin tone and I do prefer a bit more drama on my eyes.
The matte shades perform nicely as transition shades when I combine them with other trios in the palette, though.
The DESK LOOK is going to be a favorite of many because of the flattering matte warm tones and classic light gold shimmer.
The DESK LOOK applies like a dream and the colors are blendable and creamy.
For me, the DESK LOOK is pretty, but I have plenty of other warm toned palettes these days (SEE: URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE TUTORIALS).
DATE LOOK is a shimmery/almost sparkly taupe trio that – again – will be very flattering on many people.
The dark brown in this trio also works excellent deepen things up JUST a touch for the DAY or DESK trio if you’re like me and prefer a darker look.
Lastly, the DISCO LOOK is probably my favorite. As soon as I saw this palette advertised, I immediately was drawn to it.
The pigmentation in the DISCO LOOK is much more intense than the other trios, but yet it layers well, too.
The formula in this trio reminds me of her traditional quads: the gel powder texture.
OTHER PRODUCTS USED:
foundation – tawny | concealer – medium | powder – medium golden | brows – 03 | highlight | blush – melba | bronzer | upper eyeliner – black track | lower eyeliner | false lashes | lip liner – iconic nude | lipstick – nude kate
OTHER PRODUCTS USED:
foundation – W6 | concealer – medium | powder – medium golden | brows – 03 | highlight | blush – mauve me | bronzer | upper eyeliner – amber haze | lower eyeliner – brown | mascara | lip liner – pillow talk | lipstick – pillow talk
I am enjoying the Instant Eye Palette.
Am I in love? No. Well, maybe with the DISCO LOOK. 😉
The longevity of the shadows is lovely and I do not notice any fading though 12+ hour days using my traditional primers.
The pigmentation is average but consistent.
As a Charlotte lover, I appreciate this palette and its purpose for the average consumer.
As a makeup junkie, I’m not entirely blown away and I DO prefer her quads. However…
This is the type of palette you can take on a vacation or business trip and have all bases covered.
It’s the type of palette you get for your mom or recommend to a friend who is just learning about eye makeup because it’s foolproof, and she’ll never look overdone or think she didn’t blend well enough.
Last two cents, the Instant Eye Palette is pricey ($75). I recommend purchasing through Beautylish.com and splitting the payments into two months with their flex pay if you’re REALLY dying for it.
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What do you think about Charlotte Tilbury’s new Instant Eye Palette? Something you’d splurge on or pass?
I’m thinking of doing a YouTube demo re-creating one of the looks. If you’re interested, let me know.
If you found this helpful, please comment, share on social or with a friend. I really appreciate it!
-Steffanie
