The months are quickly speeding by so don’t be surprised to hear that Christmas came early for me this year! The calendar might still say October, but I treated myself to the new Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette, happily checking it off my wishlist. In the madness and hype that surrounded this launch, I found myself unable to sleep at night, tossing and turning, debating whether or not to Buy Now. Because that’s the thing about Charlotte Tilbury: her releases always demand attention. So during the 24-hour pre-sale, I gave in to temptation. I decided I could get used to celebrating Christmas in October and now here it is: the much-anticipated Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette, in all its glory!
The release of the Instant Eye Palette marks the first attempt of powerhouse Charlotte Tilbury to launch a 12-eyeshadow collection harmoniously housed together in one slick, exquisite gilded compact. Although it might seem like a hasty decision on my part, I assure you I’d given it some careful thought and consideration before deciding to splurge. There were some very sane reasons that went against this final decision. First, as you might already know if you’ve been reading my blog for a while and follow me on Instagram, I am embracing a minimalist approach to my current lifestyle. I have given a lot of makeup away to friends, noble causes such as Dress for Success and donated a good portion to our local women’s shelter as well. I’ve only kept what I enjoy using and what I use often. Second, I’m not a fan of bigger palettes.
Often times with large palettes, there’d be several shades that go unused or shades that are such opposites on the color spectrum that wouldn’t pair well together. I find myself overwhelmed by choice only to reach for the same few shades day in and day out, thus eliminating the need to own a bigger palette in the first place. Some might also add that bigger palettes are not all that travel-friendly. But frankly, that’s never legitimately stopped me from packing some larger palettes on my travels over the years (my love affair with the Urban Decay Original Naked Palette was very much real). Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
So what’s so different about the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette that led me right in to temptation?
The Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette features 12 eye shadows (6 mattes, 6 shimmers) and 4 quick ‘n’ easy eye looks recommended by Charlotte herself and meant to take you from Day to Desk, to Date and Disco. I will chime in here and add that you can actually create an endless number of eye looks with the shades included so you’re not limited to pairing the shadows the way suggested on the packaging.
– Quality –
I have tried several of her eyeshadow quads over the years and the quality has always stood out to me. The Charlotte Tilbury formulas are superb: finely milled, easily blendable, long-lasting on the lids and featuring outstanding pigmentation.
– Versatility –
The colors in the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette have been cleverly selected to flatter any skin tone and any age group regardless of season, time of day, trend, outfit choice or makeup skills (this palette is absolutely perfect for beginners). All shades pair beautifully together and layer well. The finishes vary from matte to satin and shimmer.
– Ease of Use-
This is one palette where I know with certainty I’ll be using every shade. They made it so easy and done so smartly! The 12 shades in the palette are divided into 4 quick and easy looks (Day, Desk, Date and Disco) with 3 eyeshadows suggested for each look. So with each look, you have:
1) prime eyeshadow that goes all over the lid to prep
2) enhance shadow that goes across the lid
3) smoke shadow that blends into the crease, outer corner and to line the eyes
You first start with the prime shade and apply that all over the lid. Next, use the enhance shade to blend across the lid and add definition to the eyes. Then complete the look by popping the smoke shade into the crease, outer corner and to line the eyes. Easy peasy, no?
– Shade Range –
Let’s take a closer look at each of the 12 eyeshadows:
Day Eye –
- Prime: matte rice paper shade
- Enhance: satin cool-toned pink greige (grey+beige) with a pearlescent finish and ultra fine pink shimmers
- Smoke: matte neutral taupe
This is the look that surprised me the most. First, the colors appear very cool-toned in the pan. I am sporting a tan at the moment so I wasn’t sure how these shades would translate on my complexion. Then, the colors in the prime and enhance shadows didn’t show up very well when swatched on my arm, so I wondered if they’d be visible on the lids. Luckily, these doubts were quickly put to rest. These shades look so flattering and elegant when applied on the eyelids! The colors truly come together to create a sophisticated day time look.
Desk Eye –
- Prime: satin finish soft gold shade with ultra-fine silver shimmers
- Enhance: matte warm soft hazelnut brown
- Smoke: matte neutral medium brown
Easily one of my favorite looks and another pleasant surprise! I find that often times, warm-toned hazelnut shades (such as the ‘enhance shade’ included in this look) tend to make my eyes look tired. However, this particular hazelnut shade, adds definition and brings out the natural brown tones of my eyes in the most flattering way.
Date Eye –
- Prime: satin finish rose-gold color
- Enhance: shimmery medium mauve shade with a metallic finish and silver shimmers
- Smoke: matte cool-toned deep brown
The shades in this look appear to be universally flattering and appropriate for daytime as well as for an evening night out. They swatched well on the arm and applied well on the eyes.
Disco Eye –
- Prime: satin finish champagne shade with ultra-fine silver shimmers
- Enhance: deep toned brown with ultra-fine gold shimmers
- Smoke: deep carbon color that has a matte finish and some almost imperceptible silver shimmers sparsely running thru it
These Disco Eye shades are probably the ones that I’ll get the least use out of when paired together. I prefer to apply the enhance shade from this look as a crease color and on the outer third of the lid combined with the first two shades from the Day look. I also like to use the enhance shade and the smoke shade from this look to line my eyes regardless of eye look.
– Packaging –
This my friends is packaging done right! The palette comes in a gorgeous, metallic gold packaging with magnetic closure and a large mirror. It is incredibly elegant on any vanity and hugely Instagrammable! It’s ultra-light, inconspicuously slick and would probably fit in most makeup bags, thus it’s a great travel companion as well.
So this has been my latest obsession: the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette! An early Christmas present from myself to myself.
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
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The more I continued reading your post, the more I was seeing the $$ signs flying by. I guess I need this one too – more than ever!! Those green shades are so super pretty … but, like every other color in it. Have a beautiful day ahead darling
This is one stunning palette, perfect for every occasion. I also thought the enhance shade from the Disco look appeared olive green but upon closer look I realized it’s more of a deep, cool toned brown with golden shimmers. It’s definitely very unique! Hope you get a chance to try this palette. ~ Cat L.
As soon as I saw the email i could not wait to read this post too.I have been tossing and turning a few nights debating either to get this palette or wait until I can actually feel it amd play with it in store.Well I decided to go for the second as this will be out soon enough.I have seen in people ig stories that the packaging is plastic though?
I think you ought to check this palette out in stores when it comes out. It is way prettier in person and although the shades appear dupable, I have yet to find the dupes! ~ Cat L.
Thanks Cat for this wonderful review! I totally can relate to the not being able to sleep part! But I will stay strong and resist! My latest obsession is the new MJ palettes ? one obsession at a time they say!
Xx
Lyna
http://Www.beautybylynmed.com
Lyna, the struggle is definitely real. I like that, one obsession at a time! 🙂 Stay strong dear friend! ~ Cat L.
I was going to get the CT powder as I have run out, then you remind me
Of this oh dear Golly I have every excuse to get it. Such beautiful shades you swatches them beautifully.
Esnath @ http://www.prettypeachblossom.com
Thank you so much, Esnath. I think you definitely need to swatch this for yourself and actually see it in person. It is absolutely stunning! ~ Cat L.
What a great read, Cat!! LOVE this palette. Thanks so much for sharing. ❤️
Thank you, Sarah. So glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! ~ Cat L.
Thank you for this great review, Cat. I however was a little disappointed that the packaging is made of plastic. I guess you can travel with it more easily then. I do love the concept and all the shades in there.
Lota of love, Desi (stunnydesi_loves on IG)
Thank you for stopping by, Desi. I actually think the packaging is so clever! It does not look like plastic at all, at least not in my humble opinion. At the same time, it’s so inconspicuous and light. It looks like the most gorgeous golden metal but doesn’t feel as heavy. I was glad it wasn’t cardboard!! ~ Cat L.
What a gorgeous palette!! <3
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Thank you. It truly is a stunning palette. ~ Cat L.
The palette seems so versatile indeed! What a great treat for yourself Cat. I think you’ll be making great use of it.
xx
Dom
http://www.calibeuate.com
Thank you, Dom. So far I’ve been using it daily since I got it! The shades are all right up my alley! ~ Cat L.
Thanks a lot for the great review and beautiful photos showing the swatches! 🙂 This palette is a hit and it is the perfect gift for Christmas! 🙂 I have just ordered one today and I can’t wait to play with it! 🙂 The idea to split the shades by occasion was really great, however I will want to mix the shades and try different looks…:)) Thank you again and have a wonderful day, my dear! 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by, Alina. I love your YouTube videos so your feedback means a lot to me. I think you will adore the palette. The shades are so versatile and with just the right amount of pigment! Enjoy it beautiful friend! ~ Cat L.
The palette looks glorious. I love the golden packaging. I am also a fan of CT eyeshadows generally. If I did not already have so many nudes and shimmers, plus two CT quads, I’d be very tempted. It sure would make for a great gift 🙂
Oh perfect review Cat! This one is definitely top of my wish list. I put myself on a spending ban for make up but I think this one breaks the rules. I love how the colours are grouped together to create the perfect look but as you say the possibilities are endless with such gorgeous shades. Love the packaging too.
Great photos and swatches.
Much love Lisa
Beauxdiaries.com
I have been trying my hardest not to give in and buy this but who am I kidding, like seriously. You know when it comes to CT I am weak and now after seeing your amazing swatches and bending my arm backwards (hehehe) I have to buy. I have lived off of my Beauty Glow Look in a Palette alone all summer so I know its a good decision.
A gorgeous review as always Cat and I know that you shall be rocking this palette and its looks to the max and looking seriously gorgeous!!
– Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
What an amazing detailed post Cat!! This palette is gorgeous and your swatches show that it has an amazing pigmentation. I love the color selection as it seems to go well with any occassion. I am a huge fan of CT although I haven’t tried many of her products, I truly love the ones I have tried so far. I will check out this palette for sure.
Lily | https://lmastr0819.wordpress.com
I was very curious about your post as soon as I saw your awesome photos of this palette on your Instagram feed and your lovely look on your story ! This palette sounds as good it looks ?? xx
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
I’m not into big palettes either, but the way you’ve described it in detail, I can totally relate! I like all the looks, and the Date Eye look reminds me of Tom Ford’s She Wolf. It’s really cleverly put together, and will be really great for travels!
Yeah, I totally need this. Can I possibly deny myself an incredible palette of luxurious nudes and neutrals? Well, no I cannot!
Finally I get to read and look accurately on the swatches thank you Cat. I was hesitant on buying this palette just because I’m so overwhelmed with all the holiday makeup that’s popping every day. I’ve been so good this year just like you being minimalist or shop my stash. To be honest I still have packages that I haven’t open intentionally so when I have the urge to shop I just open 1 package at a time. Anyway enough of my story but your review definitely help me in my decision on getting this palette.