by Lexi Inks
Anyone would want to have glowing, hydrated skin. Because of this universal desire, social media is chock full of elaborate, 12-step skincare routines that claim to offer you a chance to quench the thirst of dry skin or brighten up dull patches. As a skincare enthusiast in her 30s, however, I’ve learned the true meaning of “less is more.” Rather than slather on serum after serum, I’ve simplified my daily routine — with impressive results.
I used to be easily influenced into buying the buzziest under-eye creams or viral hyaluronic acid serums, but with age comes wisdom. I’ve learned more and more about what my skin needs (and what it doesn’t) over the years, and skincare trends like slugging or layering a million different acids and weekly chemical exfoliants just don’t vibe with my sensitive skin anymore. Instead, I’ve discovered a powerful combo that both tones and hydrates my skin in just two steps. Yes, only two.
While Charlotte Tilbury is a brand known for their iconic Pillow Talk lip products and their highlighting and contouring wands, you may be surprised to learn that they also have an incredible skincare line. While the effectiveness of some beauty brands don’t always translate as well into skincare products, miss Tilbury really outdid herself with her creams, toners, and cleansers. The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream ($100 for 50ml) and Glow Toner ($55 for 150ml), in particular, have transformed my skin — and condensed my daily routine — in an amazing way.
Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner Review
Honestly, I haven’t always been a huge believer in skin toners. Have I pretty consistently owned two or three toners at a time? Yes. Have I used them as often as I should to really give them an honest try? No. They have historically sat in my skincare cabinet, occasionally pulled out when I felt like throwing them into my routine.
Charlotte Tilbury changed the game for me when I first encountered their Glow Toner. The packaging was gorgeous and intriguing, of course, and the mention of super effective ingredients like the RoyalEpigen peptide, niacinamide, and prickly pear extract drew me in. Their promise of tighter pores and hydrated, balanced skin texture were confirmed by my skin’s standards.
The glow toner definitely reduced any visibility of my pores, especially around my nose, and the refreshing formula left my skin feeling just that — refreshed and, as the name suggests, glowy AF.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream Review
Even in the steamy summer months, my skin can get as dry as the Sahara. Thankfully, Charlotte Tilbury came in clutch with their award-winning water cream. This gel formula moisturizer is water-based (obvi) and the brand claims that it offers 100-hour hydration — a lofty statement I can honestly say is pretty accurate.
Although the product is light enough to apply daily in your morning routine, it really packs a punch in its ability to keep your skin hydrated and plump. I found that applying it generously after cleansing and using the Glow Toner still barely left a trace, so I felt like it didn’t sit as a greasy or thick layer on my skin. The niacinamide complimented the same active ingredient in the toner and really left my skin feeling smooth and more even.
To keep my skincare routine as easy as possible (and therefore as easy to stick to as possible), I decided to mix in my sunscreen with the water cream. Because of it’s a lightweight gel moisturizer, the combo settled right into my skin without a hitch. I felt that it absorbed well throughout the morning, without drying out and leaving my face begging for more hydration.
The Results
Overall, I was blown away with how glazed and glowy my skin became after using this combo for only a few days in a row. Paring down my morning skincare routine to three total steps — cleansing, using the Glow Toner, and then applying a mix of the Magic Water Cream and my sunscreen — both saved me time and saved my skin from feeling overloaded with product.
Because I’m in my 30s and have spent plenty of time in the sun over the years as a certified Florida girl, I have started noticing early traces of fine lines on my forehead. I’m really aiming to minimize the progress of those forming, and the effective ingredients and hydrating impact offered by both the cream and the toner seem to be a great solution for this.
The water cream is also purported to significantly reduce facial redness — which is something I’ve always had in abundance — and I agree that this was an accurate benefit. I’m highly impressed with how much of a difference this skincare combo made in my skin without leaving it drowning in layered serums and creams. I guess you could say it really is “magic.”
