Why Everyone Is Freaking Out Over Charlotte Tilbury's New "Magic" Foundation

Once upon a time, I couldn't have cared less about foundation. I didn't have perfect skin, but it was fiiiine. Then life happened, and I was introduced to a whole new slew of skin problems I'd never had before—adult acne is real (opens in new tab), kids.

So when beauty editors and bloggers started eulogizing Charlotte Tilbury's five-years-in-the-making Magic Foundation (opens in new tab) this past fall, I had to get my hands on it. The problem was it wasn't available in the U.S....until now 🙏.

Just two months into 2016, it's already being deemed the best foundation of the year (opens in new tab)—and having finally tried it for myself, I can attest to its poreless powers. It's straight-up magic.

For one, when you wear it you can totally get by without concealer or color correction (opens in new tab). I'm telling you—enough tactful layering of this velvety formula and you can cover anything: redness (my personal issue), cystic acne, pigmentation. Often times this level of coverage can skew cakey, but because it blends so well, it yields a dewy, melts-into-your-skin finish that lasts. all. day. No primer necessary. Plus, its 15 shades present a wide spectrum that caters to all skin tones.

And if you're skeptical, you can literally witness the transformation firsthand as Tilbury has created a video mini-series that showcases her Magic Foundation in action, correcting a multitude of skin problems including severe acne and birthmarks.

As if the coverage alone isn't enough of a draw, there are also the hidden benefits. You'd never know it from the final result, or even the consistency of the emulsion, but it actually has SPF 15 baked into it. I've found that sunscreen, both when it's included (too ghostly) and when it's not (sun damage really scares me), to be the downfall of many a foundation formula. So this execution was thoroughly impressive to me.

Then, there are the active ingredients, which include:

Okay, so I know it sounds like I'm totally drinking the Kool-Aid because I am, but this foundation really is that good. Like, I never-want-to-take-it-off good. $44 may be steep, but in my mind, if your makeup doesn't have the right canvas, all is lost.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, $44; charlottetilbury.com (opens in new tab).

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