I have enough lipsticks to last me a lifetime, a vast array of shades and finishes, from mattes to glosses, from nudes to brights, from the drugstore to high end and no thank you, I don’t need any more and I won’t be purchasing any more. Said no lipstick junkie EVER!!!
As true as these words ring and as much wisdom and insight they bring along, the reality is always a little different. Enter the new world of Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Collection, one of the most anticipated lipstick launches of the Summer. The innovative formula is enriched with a secret antioxidant extract from the Lipstick Tree to help protect against UV damage, a blend of special waxes to ensure a seamless smooth application and clever light-diffusing pigments that add dimension and veil the lips to leave a lasting impression.
The celebrity-inspired collection includes four re-promoted shades from existing ranges (the classic Very Victoria read my review here and inspired by Victoria Beckham , Penelope Pink inspired by Penelope Cruz, Sexy Sienna inspired by Sienna Miller, Nude Kate inspired by Kate Moss) and twelve new shades:
- Miranda May –dark pinky coral inspired by Miranda Kerr
- Kidman’s Kiss –rose petal pinky coral inspired by Nicole Kidman
- Super Cindy – browny nude inspired by Cindy Crawford
- Bosworth’s Beauty – bright peony pink inspired by Kate Bosworth
- Salma’s Secret – deep-rose plum inspired by Salma Hayak
- Liv It Up – medium pink inspired by Liv Tyler
- Tell Laura –geranium orange red inspired by Laura Bailey
- Electric Poppy – reddish dark fuchsia inspired by Poppy Delevingne
- Hot Emily – orangey coral red inspired by Emily Ratakjowski
- Hel’s Bells – rich berry plum inspired by Helena Bonham-Carter
- Carina’s Love – medium dark orange red inspired by Carina Lau
- Kim K.W – pale pink nude inspired by Kim Kardashian West
Alluring colors, luxe packaging, creamy velvety formula, all coming together to create a product impossible to resist. And I didn’t even attempt to resist, I was full of excitement and anticipation. I scheduled a NO BUY May during which time I avoided all beauty sales and only shopped for necessities (qtips, cotton pads and the like), saved , and as soon as these Hot Lips lipsticks were launched at the end of June, I purchased ($2 from each lipstick sold during the first two months is donated to Women for Women International, an amazing organization supporting socially-excluded women, survivors of war).
After much ohh-ing and ahh-ing over the impressive range of colors, it was a tough decision but I finally settled on three shades, with the stipulation that I would slowly expand my own Hot Lips Collection over time. The shades I picked are: Kim K. W, Liv It Up and Secret Salma. A nude, a pink and a dark plum, that will have me covered no matter the situation, trend or season.
This is one shade I immediately knew I would buy before I even laid my eyes on any swatches. Kim Kardashian West is the queen of the nude lip and her makeup is always flawless. She might be an acquired taste for some, but when it comes to makeup she has my vote hands down. The shade is a soft nude-y, pale ballet pink that has a vintage feel to it: think a shade that icons like Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and Audrey Hepburn might adorn themselves with. I find this particular shade and formula a little streaky, but it is buildable so that takes care of the problem. The shade can be worn on its own with no makeup at all, however I find that it washes me out a bit when worn that way, given that it is such a pale, nude color. My recommendation is to pair it with a smokey eye, but it can also be worn as an everyday shade with minimal makeup.
I knew I wanted to pick up a medium pink that had the potential to become my signature everyday lip color, and Liv It Up inspired by the lovely Liv Tyler, was exactly what I was looking for. It is a medium rosebud pink, reminiscent of my beloved Tom Ford Spanish Pink (Spanish Pink has some orangey hints to it unlike Liv It Up which is a true medium pink). This truly is a shade that looks beautiful on its own with no makeup at all, as well as paired with a smoldering, smokey eye. I will say that it is a true medium pink, thus those complexions with rose-y undertones might want to swatch this first.
Shockingly, this is my favorite shade of the three I own. I say shockingly, as I’m the type that is immediately drawn to nude shades and Secret Salma is anything but. It is an enchanting rich, deep, rose/berry/plum shade that looks sophisticated in the summertime, as well as in the fall and winter. I think the shade complements medium, olive complexions perfectly. It can be worn on its own with no makeup at all or paired with a soft, neutral eye makeup look. At first glance, it might look like the typical berry shade but I assure you it is not. It is very different that any of the shades I have in my vast collection of lipsticks. I think what makes the shade unique is the fact that it combines shades of rose-y berry with deep plum. Truly an outstanding shade that I’ve found myself reaching for time and time again.
Now raise your hand if you have any of the Hot Lips shades on your list! Which one is your favorite?
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Cat I love Secret Salma on you! You have definitely found your shade! I’m very intrigued by these but the fact that I can’t swatch them in the store has really prevented me from taking the plunge! I think the more swatches become available online the more likely it is that I’ll get at least one or two! So far I really like Liv It Up!
Hi Sara, thank you for such a lovely compliment! I agree, I was slightly on the fence given that here in the States, Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks in general are not readily available! I spent some time researching these online and looking at online swatches. This is also what prompted me to post my own review of these in hopes that I could help others who cannot physically swatch these before purchasing. If you decide to pick up any of these, hope they’ll live up to your expectations! Thank you for reading and commenting! ~ Cat L.
Great post Cat.I will definitely pick up liv it up next time I go shopping.xx
Thank you so much, Edra! Hope you enjoy Liv It Up as much as I have! ~ Cat L.
They’re all so beautiful, I want them all! I got Very Victoria which is such a beautiful all year round nude shade! I think I’ll get Kim K W next!
I agree! I wish I could get them all! I have Very Victoria from the Matte Revolution collection and it is indeed such a stunning, all year round shade! Great pick! ~ Cat L.
Hi, I have the KISSING lipstick in shade Love Bite, but I am tempted by these new lipsticks from CT, especially after checking out your pictures. I love how the Secret Salma shade looks on you, but that is not unusual since I love striking lip colors. I am so happy you like this brand!
Hi Daphne, thank you for stopping by. I know we both share the love for CT makeup and I think you would really enjoy these lipsticks! Everything from formula to the kiss imprint to packaging is just so lovely! There are definitely some bright colors in the range that you could choose from. I think Hel’s Bells, which is a beautiful deep berry shade, might suit you perfectly. I’m actually also tempted by this color especially as we go into fall and winter. Thank you again for stopping by. I am a fan of your Instagram @CosmeticSnob and YouTube channel (Daphne S.) so your feedback is greatly appreciated! ~ Cat L.
You picked 3 amazing shades Cat ! I love all three , they look amazing on you ! I think Liv It Up is my favorite of the three but all of your choices are shades that I personally would have picked myself ! This was a great read 🙂
Thank you, Kristen! I really appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the post! ~ Cat L.
Ooh yay love your review and swatches! I have every single one you do and love them to bits! Charlotte seriously is draining me, I need a CT fund!!!!! haha if only she could see me year after year oh gosh. I am so addicted to her lipsticks especially the Matte Revolutions, they are just one of my top faves ever along with Tom Ford’s mattes! And the color pinks that she makes are just too beautiful! I find that it’s so hard to find the perfect pink for really fair skin but she makes them so lovely, she is my fairy godmother of pink lipstick haha! I really am enjoying wearing Secret Salma, I didn’t think I would like it as much but wow it’s such a gorgeous and deep color! I’m gravitating towards these deeper colors lately, I’m surprising even myself! But for you, anything looks fabulous on you, of course! Great review!
xoxo
http://www.hellohimawari.com
Mika, your comments always brighten my day! Thank you! I hear you on that CT fund, I need one pronto! I was thinking the other day that the Matte Revolution range is probably my favorite, but then I realized that I wear my Penelope Pink from the Kissing Range and more recently Secret Salma, just as much. I wear Penelope Pink as if it were a lip balm or a gloss, it feels that comfortable and looks that natural on me. I’ve also been in the mood for deeper shades, and I think it’s because I’m over the heat and looking forward to the fall. Thank you again for stopping by. Now off to catch up with your blog http://www.hellohimawari.com ~ Cat L.
Secret Salma!!!! I love the way you write… it’s so personable, and I can totally feel your charisma oozing through!! I’m excited with your new purchases, and these look amazing!! I really don’t need anymore new lipsticks though, i have more than i could use in my lifetime. But we’ll see how long this lasts! 😉
Such a lovely comment to read this afternoon! Thank you so much, Linda! I take a lot of pride in my blog. It is a real passion and an extension of who I am, thus I’m so glad to be able to translate that via my posts! Yes, Secret Salma is definitely a stunner and I totally hear you on having enough lipsticks to last a lifetime. You are definitely stronger than I am! Thank you again for stopping by. I just subscribed to your blog http://www.silverkis.com You always introduce the most hyped up products and I need to make sure I’m not missing out on any posts! ~ Cat L.
I haven’t yet got a single lipstick from CT latest launch, was disappointed that she doesn’t have a boutique at duty free ?, on my short list now after reading your review, so this might be my next purchase as I love her airbrush powder so much ?.
Wonderful review Cat of our favourite thing lipstick ??
Oh Esnath, you have to get on the bandwagon as CT does lipsticks so well! There are a few berry shades, mainly Secret Salma and Hel’s Bells, which I think would look gorgeous on you! I hear you about the duty free, I also had my eyes wide open during my travels this past summer. Hope you have a great vacation! Safe travels and I’ll keep my eyes on your blog http://www.prettypeachblossom.com ~ Cat L.
All three look amazing on you, but I agree that Secret Salma is my favorite. At this point, you’d think no lipstick shade could be surprising – but Secret Salma is the most pleasant surprise! Also, I didn’t realize that these lipsticks had antioxidants. That helps justify the purchase a bit more 😉 I appreciate the warning about Liv It Up, as I have very pink undertones and I was on the fence about grabbing the shade. Wonderful post! <3
Hi Jenn, agreed – Secret Salma is such a sophisticated shade, definitely a pleasant surprise for me as well. I also loved your posts on these CT lipsticks on your blog http://www.beautybyjellybean.com as one of the shades you picked up is the shade I have on my list, Hel’s Bells! Great post! ~ Cat L.
STUNNING pictures that they really do the brand even more justice! Absolutely stunning! You have impeccable taste and love all your colour choices, just wished I lived closer so I could ‘borrow’ some of them hahahah! Lipstick is by far my biggest weakness too and what I carry more of in my make up collection as we always need them right?! Oh the lipstick fun we could have together, can you imagine! Great review as always and a pleasure to read and drool over. Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
Oh Kelly, it is always such a delight to read your comments! Thank you so much for such lovely words! Your blog http://www.kellilash.com is such an inspiration to me, so your feedback means more than you know! ~ Cat L.
Beautiful collection thus far & quite confident that you’ll add more to it soon. They’re all lovely shades for your complexion, but ‘Liv It Up’ & ‘Secret Salma’ look the best on!!
I have ‘Super Cindy’ & ‘Liv It Up’ and like them both, but a bigger fan of the latest.
Have a beautiful evening darling
Thank you so much for stopping by, Anxhela! Glad you enjoyed the post! I’ve also had my eyes on Super Cindy, it seems like such a beautiful neutral shade, plus I’m such a Cindy Crawford fan! I’m sure both of the shades look stunning on you! ~ Cat L.
I love Secret Salma and Very Victoria (shocking, you already know how much I love this shade). But Secret Salma is indeed very beautiful shade especially on my medium to tan (summer) skin. I need to check Liv it Up as it looks gorgeous on you. Again what an amazing review, and yes you made want to buy more shades on that collection even though like you said we already have enough lipsticks to last us a lifetime.
Thank you so much for such kind sweet words! Agreed, both Secret Salma and Very Victoria are such beautiful, classic shades that never go out of style. Liv It Up is a true medium pink and I think it would look lovely on you. Do let me know if you end up picking it up and I’ll be sure to keep up with your Instagram photos! ~ Cat L.
If i ever have to get one its definitely gona be Secret Salma!! Such a stunner shade, already ooh-ing and ahh-ing!!
Loved the indepth review and pictures xoxo?
Thank you! I think you would fall in love with Secret Salma and I bet it would look stunning on you! It is such a sophisticated berry plum shade, so unique! ~ Cat L.
Love the review Cat and all three shades look fabulous on you. My only gripe with Charlotte Tilbury after reading all the celeb inspired shades, even though they are great she has not done a shade or celeb inspired shade for darker skin tones, which is a little upsetting, but nonetheless I always rely on your reviews and recommendations and will try a shade in store you always steer this London Mumma in the right direction.
Have a fab week lovely.
Lindsey xxx
http://www.londonmumma.com
Thanks so much, Lindsey! Your blog http://www.londonmumma.com is one of my go to resources when it comes to style and eating/living healthy so I always get excited when I see a comment from you! I could not agree more with you and wish that Ms. Tilbury would have come up with a wider range of shades. There are a few colors in the Hot Lips collection that I think would look beautiful on you one of them being Secret Salma and the other ones Hel’s Bells, Hot Emily and Carina’s Love. But then again they’re all somewhat bold colors and I wish she would’ve created more every day shades for all complexions and skin tones. Do keep me posted and let me know if you end up trying any of these! Now off to catch up with your blog! ~ Cat L.
Cat Secret Salma looks amazing on you! Makes me want to try it for my self . Great post dear!
Thank you so much! Secret Salma is such a beautiful shade, suitable for most complexions. I definitely recommend trying it! ~ Cat L.
GORGEOUS SHADES. I truly love them all. They look so beautiful on. I don’t know if I could pick a favorite of the 3. All Fab.
Thank you Janine! They truly are very beautiful shades and you can never go wrong with a CT lipstick! ~ Cat L.