Charlotte Tilbury highlighter review See pics

Charlotte Tilbury is a true champ when it comes to glowy skin. The brand is no stranger to providing a killer highlighter range of products for every part of the face (and body) and they come in every texture (be it liquid, powder or cream form) that are fit for a wide range of skin complexions. This brand new range appears to be no different. 

Joining the best-selling Hollywood makeup range that includes the iconic glow booster Hollywood Flawless Filter foundation (1 sold every 30 seconds) and another sell-out sensation in the form of a liquid highlighter, the Hollywood Beauty Light Wands, here enters the brand new Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter. The next-gen highlighter comes in eight distinct and flattering shades fit for all skin tones with claims to highlight, sculpt and lift in just a few swatches.

The packaging screams opulence, as expected from any Charlotte Tilbury product. The palette comes in a signature CT sleek rose gold compact (fear not, mirror is included), perfect for the on-the-go girls.

As for the formulation, the press powder is infused with what the brand calls ‘Light Flex Technology + Smoothing Emollients’, which offer that namesake glow glide texture, as well as mica and squalane, that offer that satin finish that both illuminates and blurs the skin. We’re promised hydration, an easy blend and chic packaging. Seems like there is a lot to love.

Sounds promising, so we’ve asked five GLAMOUR staffers to try on five different shades and here are their truest and most honest opinions. 

The Product:

The Reviews:

Georgia, GLAMOUR’s Commerce Writer

Shade: Gilded Glow

As someone with dry skin (especially this time of the year), I'm constantly striving for that glass appearance. While a good base and glowy setting spray are absolute necessities for me, the real finishing touch is always a great highlighter — and Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter is just that. It feels like butter on the skin, and blends like it too, despite it being a powder. The colour pay-off is 'wow' from the get-go, but you can build it up even more for that see-from-space glisten. It comes in the same size compact as the brand's iconic Airbrush Flawless Finish powder, too, so you know it's going to last you yonks. Obsessed.

Rating: 9.5/10

Elle, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor

Shade: Moonlit Glow

When it comes to glow, Charlotte is a woman I trust. Given how much success her Bronze & Glow palette has had I was buzzing to see she's released a standalone powder highlighter in eight shades to compliment all different skin tones and moods. Want something glowy and cute? Pillow Talk glow introduces a little blush action into the mix. Want something cool-toned? Moonlit glow is opalescent. Sunset glow gives golden hour skin and Gilded Glow offers a beautiful golden sheen, softly diffused over cheekbones and collarbones. You can go light for a subtle radiance or layer it up for dazzling skin, either way it blends like a dream.

Rating: 9/10

Shei, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Writer

Shade: Rose Gold Glow

I'm not usually one to use a press powder highlighter. They’re pretty intimidating even for self confessed MUAs like myself, and these 2k23 trends put a strong case for natural, seamless dolphin skin finish, so the glitter can become a lot very quickly. However, when it comes to Charlotte Tilbury it’s easy to be swayed. I tried to unbiasedly test out this highlighter and I was thoroughly impressed. 

It didn’t feel grainy as some powders can, it glided easily across the face which made blending easy and the pigment was strong (all you need is one swipe), which complemented my dark skin perfectly. I’m unsure wether I’m fully converted to a powder highlighter over its creamy or liquid counterparts, specially during the winter months, but, one thing I know for sure is that this one might just serve me well in the upcoming summer heat. Golden hour all day long.

Rating: 8/10

Sophie, GLAMOUR’s Commerce Editor

Shade: Bronze glow

As is usually the case in the bleak month of January, my complexion has been looking a tad dull — so, alongside an amped-up skincare routine, Charlotte Tilbury's Glow Glide Face Architect highlighter is saving my *life*. It's hardly a surprise: everything CT is famed for its Hollywood glow-giving effects, but this sparkling powder highlighter takes things to a new level. I use it all over: my brow bones, cheek bones, upper lip and at the end of my nose for a more defined facial structure — and will continue to do so until I hit pan. Then, we start over.

Rating: 9/10

Ali, GLAMOUR’s Website Director

Shade: Sunset glow

I'm not usually a highlighter gal; I prefer a matte look with a shimmery blush for a subtle flush of colour. But the buzz around Charlotte Tilbury's latest highlighter, and the promise of brightening, lifting and sculpting my skin, was too good to pass up. I went for the shade Sunset Glow, a creamy, natural-looking caramel shade with a radiant shimmer, which is sort of like if your favourite powder bronzer and liquid highlighter had a baby – that lit-from-within glow without being too drying. 

I used my regular blusher brush to apply the product high on my cheekbones and up onto my brow bone, before lightly dusting over my nose and cupid's bow for that extra bit of glow. This is where I usually apply my blusher to help 'lift' my face (this video changed my life), but the result with the Charlotte Tilbury highlighter is even better. My complexion is glowing, my features are sculpted, and the bronze shade gives me a healthy glow. Unlike a lot of pressed powder highlighters I've tried over the years, this one doesn't settle into my fine lines or cake into my foundation. I'm a total convert. 

Rating: 9/10

For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8pLTAq6OorKSaerW1y5usq7FdnbytuNiwpqicXZy5sMOMoKOinJVis6KvxGaYq5uYnsGmr9Nmn6KfmKG2qLTTnqlmqpWrtqbD