Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Amber Gold (was Bette)
Charlotte Tilbury Amber Gold Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow ($32.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “rich, burnished, amber-gold.” it’s a medium-dark, golden bronze with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic shimmer-sheen finish. It was intensely pigmented with a creamy, blendable texture that applied evenly and smoothly to the lid. It could easily be worn as an opaque layer of product or sheered out as a wash. I could see very faint signs of creasing after four hours of wear that got a tiny bit worse after a full eight hours, but it was surprising how well it held up despite the early-on creasing. Applied only on the lid, it wore for eight hours without issue (effectively, no creases to settle into!).
This shade was previously named Bette.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Eve (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Flower #4 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Pretentious (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Iskandar (P, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Hello Kitty Chocolate Chip (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Stay Golden (LE, $14.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Poker Face (P, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Oxydus (DC, $37.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Chains of Love (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Suede (LE, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.24 oz. - $141.67 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be long-wearing, with a "glide-on" consistency with "soft-focus illuminating pigments" that will "smooth over lines and imperfections." They tend to have semi-opaque to opaque color coverage in a single, but they can be diffused for a sheerer wash of color if desired.
The texture has more of a gel-cream feel; noticeably emollient and full of glide but not as "wet" as one would expect. The formula has good adhesion and doesn't turn patchy as blended, which can be an issue with wetter formulas. It has a longer dry down time, which I find makes the formula more prone to faint creasing during that initial application time period.
In the past, like when the formula was originally released, I had more creasing at application and throughout wear (though always "faint" than disastrous, which I recall being puzzled by!). I've found that with more recently-released shades that it is more limited to creasing initially but once I smooth and buff out the product, it seems to keep from further creasing over the next seven to eight hours.
I eventually get faint creasing--though never that bad: where I can see it's there, but blinking, you probably wouldn't know it--after eight hours or so of wear.
Browse all of our Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow swatches.
Amber Gold (was Bette)
PPermanent. $34.00.
Cleopatra
Charlotte Tilbury Cleopatra Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow ($32.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “vibrant peacock.” It’s a rich, blackened teal with lighter emerald green and bluish-teal shimmer that gives it a more metallic finish when applied at full opacity. It has a more pearly sheen when applied as a sheerer, thinner layer of product. It was richly pigmented, and a little goes a very long way, but it started to crease after four hours of wear and worsened as time went, though the creasing was always faint to light.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Milani Mix It Up (DC, $6.99) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Forbidden (DC, $6.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Chantecaille Lagoon (P, $34.00) is darker (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Deep Sea (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Storm Cloud (LE, $16.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Throne (LE, $12.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I300 Pine Green (DC, $21.00) is more muted (85% similar).
- bareMinerals Dazzle (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Viseart Shameless (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mermaid Boy (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.24 oz. - $141.67 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be long-wearing, with a "glide-on" consistency with "soft-focus illuminating pigments" that will "smooth over lines and imperfections." They tend to have semi-opaque to opaque color coverage in a single, but they can be diffused for a sheerer wash of color if desired.
The texture has more of a gel-cream feel; noticeably emollient and full of glide but not as "wet" as one would expect. The formula has good adhesion and doesn't turn patchy as blended, which can be an issue with wetter formulas. It has a longer dry down time, which I find makes the formula more prone to faint creasing during that initial application time period.
In the past, like when the formula was originally released, I had more creasing at application and throughout wear (though always "faint" than disastrous, which I recall being puzzled by!). I've found that with more recently-released shades that it is more limited to creasing initially but once I smooth and buff out the product, it seems to keep from further creasing over the next seven to eight hours.
I eventually get faint creasing--though never that bad: where I can see it's there, but blinking, you probably wouldn't know it--after eight hours or so of wear.
Browse all of our Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow swatches.
Cleopatra
DCDiscontinued. $34.00.
Oyster Pearl (was Marie Antoinette)
Charlotte Tilbury Oyster Pearl Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow ($32.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as an “antique oyster gold.” It’s a coppery bronze with warm, reddish undertones and a metallic sheen. It had fairly good color payoff with a creamy, blendable consistency that was particularly prone to creasing while drying down. Even when trying to control and prevent that initial creasing, I still had very faint creasing begin after three and a half hours of wear, which got a little worse by the eight-hour mark but except for a very fine line of separation in my crease, the color hadn’t faded or smudged.
This shade was previously named Marie Antoinette.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Topaz (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop On the Rocks (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Smashbox Borrowed Bling (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Gilded (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Codes Elegants #3 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace I Don't Know (DC, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Frosting (PiP, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Golden Quartz (P, ) is darker (80% similar).
- Dose of Colors Heart of Gold (P, $20.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME658 Golden Brown (DC, $21.00) is darker (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.24 oz. - $141.67 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be long-wearing, with a "glide-on" consistency with "soft-focus illuminating pigments" that will "smooth over lines and imperfections." They tend to have semi-opaque to opaque color coverage in a single, but they can be diffused for a sheerer wash of color if desired.
The texture has more of a gel-cream feel; noticeably emollient and full of glide but not as "wet" as one would expect. The formula has good adhesion and doesn't turn patchy as blended, which can be an issue with wetter formulas. It has a longer dry down time, which I find makes the formula more prone to faint creasing during that initial application time period.
In the past, like when the formula was originally released, I had more creasing at application and throughout wear (though always "faint" than disastrous, which I recall being puzzled by!). I've found that with more recently-released shades that it is more limited to creasing initially but once I smooth and buff out the product, it seems to keep from further creasing over the next seven to eight hours.
I eventually get faint creasing--though never that bad: where I can see it's there, but blinking, you probably wouldn't know it--after eight hours or so of wear.
Browse all of our Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow swatches.
Oyster Pearl (was Marie Antoinette)
PPermanent. $34.00.
Chocolate Bronze (was Mona Lisa)
Charlotte Tilbury Chocolate Bronze Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow ($32.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “wisteria-chocolate bronze.” It’s a dark, chocolate brown with warm, plum and bronze shimmer with a slightly red, plummy tone to it. It looks rather brown in the pot and swatched, but as it is diffused and sheered out, it has a reddish tone to it. The pigmentation is off-the-charts, and you need so little product to get really opaque coverage out of it. This one seemed to dry down slightly faster than other shades, but again, there was very faint creasing noticeable by the four-hour mark, and then it got only a little worse over time.
This shade was previously named Mona Lisa.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Bastille in the Night (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #4 (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Constructivist (DC, $18.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #5 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Dark Sienna (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Thunderbird (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Driftwood (LE, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Cinder (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Baby I'm a Star (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Beautifully Charred (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.24 oz. - $141.67 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be long-wearing, with a "glide-on" consistency with "soft-focus illuminating pigments" that will "smooth over lines and imperfections." They tend to have semi-opaque to opaque color coverage in a single, but they can be diffused for a sheerer wash of color if desired.
The texture has more of a gel-cream feel; noticeably emollient and full of glide but not as "wet" as one would expect. The formula has good adhesion and doesn't turn patchy as blended, which can be an issue with wetter formulas. It has a longer dry down time, which I find makes the formula more prone to faint creasing during that initial application time period.
In the past, like when the formula was originally released, I had more creasing at application and throughout wear (though always "faint" than disastrous, which I recall being puzzled by!). I've found that with more recently-released shades that it is more limited to creasing initially but once I smooth and buff out the product, it seems to keep from further creasing over the next seven to eight hours.
I eventually get faint creasing--though never that bad: where I can see it's there, but blinking, you probably wouldn't know it--after eight hours or so of wear.
Browse all of our Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow swatches.
Chocolate Bronze (was Mona Lisa)
PPermanent. $34.00.
Champagne (was Norma Jean)
Charlotte Tilbury Champagne Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow ($32.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “sparkling-pink champagne.” It’s a light, golden beige with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic sheen. It had rich color payoff that applies evenly and smoothly at full intensity, if desired. The finish becomes more sparkly and less pearly when applied as a sheerer wash of color. The drying time on this one seemed slightly longer than the average on these, which meant it was very prone to creasing while it was drying down. I tried to keep my eyes closed while it was drying and tried to pat it into place to minimize that initial creasing (which should be unnecessary!), and when I was successful, there was still that faint line of creasing after four hours of wear. That faint line got slightly worse as the day wore on. When I used it as a brow bone highlighter, it lasted for eight hours without fading or breaking down.
This shade was previously named Norma Jean.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Plunge (LE, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Natural Vigor #1 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Kitties (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Rayon (22) (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Sweet Sovereign (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Ball Gown (V2) (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Natural Vigor #2 (LE, $21.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Gold Foil (45) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarina Tarantino Delightful #4 (DC, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #7 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.24 oz. - $141.67 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be long-wearing, with a "glide-on" consistency with "soft-focus illuminating pigments" that will "smooth over lines and imperfections." They tend to have semi-opaque to opaque color coverage in a single, but they can be diffused for a sheerer wash of color if desired.
The texture has more of a gel-cream feel; noticeably emollient and full of glide but not as "wet" as one would expect. The formula has good adhesion and doesn't turn patchy as blended, which can be an issue with wetter formulas. It has a longer dry down time, which I find makes the formula more prone to faint creasing during that initial application time period.
In the past, like when the formula was originally released, I had more creasing at application and throughout wear (though always "faint" than disastrous, which I recall being puzzled by!). I've found that with more recently-released shades that it is more limited to creasing initially but once I smooth and buff out the product, it seems to keep from further creasing over the next seven to eight hours.
I eventually get faint creasing--though never that bad: where I can see it's there, but blinking, you probably wouldn't know it--after eight hours or so of wear.
Browse all of our Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow swatches.
Champagne (was Norma Jean)
PPermanent. $34.00.
Veruschka
Charlotte Tilbury Veruschka Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow ($32.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “minky-mossy golden grey-green.” It’s a medium-dark, muted olive green with warm, bronze and antique gold sparkle and shimmer. It had a little more slip than other shades, which made it apply with less intensity in a single layer, though it was buildable to fully opaque color. I had faint creasing within four hours of wear, which slowly worsened over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Midnight (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Dior Jardin #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Jardins de Lumieres #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Seaside (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Vintage Coin (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Dior Bonne Etoile (384) #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Guerlain Les Precieux #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Fiction (DC, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Smoky Emerald (P, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Bronx (LE, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.24 oz. - $141.67 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be long-wearing, with a "glide-on" consistency with "soft-focus illuminating pigments" that will "smooth over lines and imperfections." They tend to have semi-opaque to opaque color coverage in a single, but they can be diffused for a sheerer wash of color if desired.
The texture has more of a gel-cream feel; noticeably emollient and full of glide but not as "wet" as one would expect. The formula has good adhesion and doesn't turn patchy as blended, which can be an issue with wetter formulas. It has a longer dry down time, which I find makes the formula more prone to faint creasing during that initial application time period.
In the past, like when the formula was originally released, I had more creasing at application and throughout wear (though always "faint" than disastrous, which I recall being puzzled by!). I've found that with more recently-released shades that it is more limited to creasing initially but once I smooth and buff out the product, it seems to keep from further creasing over the next seven to eight hours.
I eventually get faint creasing--though never that bad: where I can see it's there, but blinking, you probably wouldn't know it--after eight hours or so of wear.
Browse all of our Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow swatches.
I don’t tolerate, at any price point, cream shadows that crease when worn alone, and, especially , not at the high end price range.
I was really surprised — I guess the only saving grace is that isn’t “major” creasing but even minor creasing is a no-no. I could personally tolerate minor creasing after 7-9 hours, but at four, it’s a warning sign. It’s a product that becomes one that I’d want to check in on to make sure it looked OK, and it’s one I wouldn’t trust for 12+ hour kind of day — I prefer to set it and forget it when it comes to makeup, you know? There are other longer-wearing formulas, so there’s no need to jump for one that’s expensive and has issues.
OMG!! I totally agree. More often than not they all do this. Where is the quality control these days? CT marketing always talks a big game too. I have the oiliest eyelids ever and I’ve found the Laura Mercier Cavier Sticks and SOME of the Maybelline tattoo cream shadows to be the most long lasting/creaseproof.
Here here! Thank you. Absolute no creasing for this price point. Come on, Charlotte! Too bad because they are gorgeous.
Again I passed for the first time with CT. For a Tom Ford creator, I expected much more similitary in texture and formula all around to TF cream colours. They are workable, though! You look beautiful as always! Great review! Happy Mother’s Day! Your furbaby love you so much! 🙂
Yeah, I was thinking they might be similar to TF since I believe she helped with the original TF range (there was some connection… I could be misremembering), and they had a similar look in the pot. They really felt similar, but this faint creasing thing early on was so weird (well, weird because it didn’t get a lot worse).
You’re exactly right about their collaboration(s) and this seemed to have an extra slimy type thing.. Maybe it couldn’t be exact to lessen the speculation of their mostly known work together? At only basically $10 less, it really isn’t that much of a cheaper option for those who can’t afford TF. But, who can afford it? Quite honestly NO ONE can finish an entire pot, so if you shell out the cash, you’re SAVING money for years worth of a perfect formulation and setting into complex colors that enhance eyes like nothing else. 5 $10 eye shadows or one pot to cover all the bases? I have to use primer and a very light hand but I’ve never been disappointed! One and done! Grab a UD palette on sale for more cor variety and you basically have all you need for eyeshadow in the least expensive way possible. I was upset by the summer TF releases. He sure knows how to make a single cream more expensive! Eye shadows durable, texture possibly not, but WTH was that? Over $60 per each, and not even in glass? The pictures were amazing, though. Beautiful collection all around.
that texture looks so delicious, I wanna bathe in it! (LOL) but some of these disappointed :/
🙁
Bette and Mona Lisa are gorgeous, but I wear cream shadows instead of primers and creasing is simply a deal breaker!
If you’re using powder eyeshadows on top, it does last better, but if you just use cream ones instead of powder, then I’d for sure stay away. I’m not keen to recommend the product, though, because it shouldn’t crease, period!
Hey Christine, I am SO SO happy you already got to try all of these and basically saved me from the whole batch! With my oily monolids, things usually crease on me more easily. If it creases on you so fast, I really don’t have high hopes for them. Some of the shades are really pretty tho (Mona Lisa!). It’s a real pity.
They look SOOOOOOOO pretty on. I really, really wanted them to work well 🙁 The price point isn’t cheap, but IF they had been as good as TF, it would have been still $10 savings (and you get a tiny bit more with CT).
Well put! At $32, it better not crease – the Clinique Chubby Sticks, MAC Paint Pots and LM Caviar Sticks all offer similar shades at lower prices and perform decently.
So glad I waited for your reviews on them before actually binge-buying em’ all haha. Now, I’m totally getting the tom ford cream shadows instead ~
I can’t tell you how bummed out I am about these 🙁 They’re just so pretty on – hope they consider working on the longevity portion in the future.
Long-time lurker, first-time poster! Thanks for all the amazing work you do!
I am SO glad you reviewed these…I’ve been drooling over them since they launched EVEN THOUGH I have found Charlotte Tilbury in general to be way over-hyped and over-priced…go figure…her marketing/photo people do a great job in making the products look GORGEOUS. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy the couple of products I have…just not sure the quality and performance are there given the price point. Your review makes me still want to try them (I want Mona Lisa for my green eyes), but especially since I ordered one of the TF summer duos and these are permanent, I’ll likely hold off.
Happy first comment, Allie! 🙂
Happy to help! They’re really lovely on – the finish is spectacular – and I love that they’re very pigmented, but that faint, early-on creasing makes me so sad! If you do end up with one, definitely recommend dusting translucent powder on top — I had the most success with that method.
Thanks! I’m fighting temptation despite the review because that promo image with Mona Lisa is just so pretty.
Hi! For green eyes, try her chameleon eye pencils in Bronzer Garnet, Amerhyst Aphrodesiac, and Amber Haze & the Emerald one along with Golden Quartz.. They’ve all worked beautifully for my green/aqua/gray eyes! Happy times to you! *Celebrating first comment* Join us! 😀 Xoxo
Thank you!! 🙂
How do you like CT products? I find myself let down given the price point.
Welcome back, Allie! 🙂 Hi! It’s ironic for me to be to be speaking my opinion about CT’s line because for the longest time, I avoided it due to hype. Then I was overtly so making my opinion of her blushes looking like breasts known. I had a distaste before trying anything. My lips are severely dehydrated, my skin is sensitive. I heard such greatness about the lipstick & glosses, and especially the blushes! So… I caved. When I admitted it, I even surprised Christine here! 🙂 My first purchase was of two blushes and a lipstick. I fell IN LOVE. I’ve never bought “The magic cream” because it seems ridiculous to me. (My skin & opinion, great for others which is good, but I pass) and also not her primer because I like what I use! Ever since my first purchase: I’ve bought the AMAZING Filmstar bronze & Glow, every blush except the climax because I don’t need a brown, more lipsticks, Lipliner, every single eyeliner (called Rock n kohls called I believe), every single chameleon eye crayon, a foundation, eye quads, mascara, which I’ve not yet gotten to but feel great about it & its next in rotation, and some of her lip gloss, and the concealer pen: fab. Learning she formulated much of Tom Ford’s uber luxe makeup, and hers cost less… I researched. Bingo! Formulations very similar! My thoughts are very high. Breasts? Nope, luxury perfection on the best powder blush I’ve applied, and everything works flawlessly with ease, looking gorgeous always. The only caveat I have is that I find the packaging so beautiful that I’m afraid to handle it, being a klutz, and drop it! I’m quite careful, though, and I only purchased through Ebates when %cash back was high at particular stores. Oh, and I adore the beach sticks! Due to lip hydration, and my obsession with CT’s line now, I’m lemming her lip scrub and balm but from experience, I know I don’t need it and it’s not better than anything I already have. (I’ve tried everything from a penny to massive money) Someday… Lol 😛 I’m currently very into a skincare regimen I’ve luckily figured out so I won’t try her goddess mask and the like, nor do I use bronzers or body glow. I thought these cream eyeshadows had an odd slip in them somewhere, but it’s weird because at first, it doesn’t seem that way, so I passed here too. These are solely my opinions. Her products are amazing and inspiring. They feel luxurious, wear well, and I enjoy using them and am a happy owner! For the record: I’m mid thirties, I look like a teenager, am chronically ill, very pale skin w/extreme cool undertones, light bright green/aqua/gray eyes, very pigmented lips. Sensitive reactive skin. Severely long eyelashes. All things I have tried have not bothered me and really work well with my features. Oh yeah! I have her finishing powder, too! Excellent! Overpriced? That’s the industry & what to expect from CT. But some things are ridiculous to me and I won’t need more than I have thus far. So I’m glad I caved to try these “amazing” blushes. They really are, and are nothing like the pictures. They’re smaller and beautiful! Made me want to buy special brushes to designate-great. The eye kohls are intense! Love them! The chameleon eye pencil crayons I suggested are a smooth one and done. The skin around my eyes is naturally quite lubricated and thin, very sensitive, and they work beautifully, stay time is great! Foundation is a unique formula that easily mixes with whatever you want and has a decent range. It’s not my go-to, though. Lipstick is smoothing and lovely, lip pencil quite good! Gloss similar to TF. Beach sticks tiny but a quick easy application! Now learning about Coloupop’s blush being legit, I’m sure I’ll prefer those! 🙂 I tried to cover everything I could think of from CT to answer as best I can for you! What have you tried and how have you been disappointed? 🙂 XO ~Lotus 🙂 (Hope I made sense!) 🙂
WOW! Thanks for the info and thoughts! I just keep hearing so much about how amazeballs CT is, so I bought her lipstick in confession, a lip liner in pillow talk, and lip lustre in l.s.d. Loved l.s.d. (Did not have Christine’s issue with settling), like pillow talk, and did not like confession. Confession looked muddy on me even though from online pics it pulled more pink. I also really didn’t like the texture, and it did not last that long. Same for the liner…Did not love the texture. I actually hate the packaging and find it cheap feeling and looking. If the products were cheaper, I’d be pretty happy and more forgiving, but at this level (plus hype), I expect more. Her stuff keeps calling to me, though…everything looks so pretty. I’m freckled, pale, neutral toned (lucky me! So many reds to wear!), green eyes, and ombre red/auburn hair. I’ll probably cave and get more…especially the mattes coming in September…heard they’re awesome. I’m also amethyst cameleon-curious. Thanks again!
Oh no! I was eyeing these, as the colors are so pretty, especially Norma Jean and Veruschka, but these will never last on my oily lids. I’ll stick with Tom Ford and the Armani Eye Tints. Knowing how you like teal, I was hoping Cleopatra would perform well, but it’s not to be 🙁
On the lash line… it seems okay, but I have other teal eyeliners that are awesome and ultimately, I find pencil easier to use on the lower lash line! But I would have loved to see Cleopatra do well!
I had the exact same surprising experience with my pot of Cleopatra. In the pot, the texture does seem so similar to Tom Ford’s, but a little bit…softer maybe. Definitely lacks the iron-like wear and opacity of the TF creams, though. It’s more high maintenance than I was anticipating as after the initial creasing I had to go back in to refill some of the creased spaces, but the same thing happened where it seemed to just stop creasing after that initial creep-up. I’ve taken to using MUFE’S Peacock artist shadow over it to set. Lovely color, fun to wear, but not quite up to snuff for an expensive cream shadow release.
But I am absolutely keeping it as the color on the eye itself is just gorgeous.
AHHHHH, you’re the best, Celia! I felt so alone — and when it doesn’t even conform to the normal “bad” experience of a cream eyeshadow, it left me going, “Why? What? What is the sorcery…”
It’s like it creased, decided, “Oh, I’m a $32 eyeshadow, maybe I shouldn’t do that…”
Hahaha I was so relieved when I saw your review because I thought it was so, so weird and maybe just something about my lids. Such an odd, specific trait 😛
I had the same initial thoughts! “It’s me! It’s gotta be me!” so it’s a relief to know it’s not just me 😀
Ooh! Great idea! Thank you, Celia! May I please ask you if you honestly reach for ColourPop blushes when doing your own makeup? I’m at a crossroads with my giant collection and wanting but not needing yet finding ways to need but they seem over marketed and trendy, perhaps not a miracle.. I noticed you had a great positive lengthy comment amount them, so I hope you can help me here! Thank you, love!
Hey, Lotus! I hope you are feeling well and I’m sending well wishes your way. I found ColourPop before their marketing took full effect as they were being discussed on Sephora’s beauty forum on their initial release with positive reviews. So I came into it pre-hype and am definitely still 100% with the brand through the hype 🙂 Hype often makes me suspicious too, but in this case it is very much deserved hype. They earned it with reasonable pricing, great customer care, and extremely high-quality products. I’m reaching for my ColourPop highlighters, blushers, and shadows/pigments on a regular basis, both for myself and at work. They’re really excellent. Every friend, fellow actor, or fellow MUA I’ve introduced them to has loved them so far. I wholeheartedly recommend them to you from friend to friend and makeup-lover to makeup-lover. They out-perform some high-end products and certainly perform above their price level. I’d give them a try 🙂 But your collection will still be beautiful without any, of course! Not a miracle, no, but I do think they’re a game-changing brand and innovative new brand.
Hope that helps, Lotus! I’ll try to help with any questions as always <3
Hi again, sweetie pie Celia! Thank you oh so much for taking the time to type out so much thorough informative necessities for my decision making as well as wishing me well. You are such a darling and I’m sure everyone who knows you feels you are a splendid best friend! I’m super stoked about using products like these as it will help me time-wise and make things more fun! Knowing you’ve been with them before what seed like them buying sales is super interesting! The fact you choose to reach for them daily, when you have an immaculate collection of everything else to choose from, is really the thing I needed to hear. With as skeptical as I am, I’ve been thinking there has to be a catch, but I’ve kept researching and become more interested! Your honest reliable words are trustworthy, meaning so much to me, thank you, and I am definitely going to dive in now! (Well, when funds permit!) I also did not know you were an actress! I grew up acting and doing musical theater, professionally and otherwise. Many things! How cool that you’re a fellow thespian! And a gorgeous sweetheart! 😉 Kiss kiss! You are so kind. Truly kind. I’m touched and so grateful for your response. Such a help I can believe with added care. That’s a special quality. Must be why I value and love you so much! Thank you sooo much, Celia. I feel secure executing my massive ColourPop attack to come, and I’m smiling! 🙂 I hope you are well and enjoying every moment of your life and work, as well a those around you treating you with respect and compassion. You’re a doll. If you ever have time, it would be lovely to see you post some looks using ColourPop! Curating a collection is the least of my concerns. Having efficient products that can work well with ease and be enjoyable, less expensive as a bonus, and variety, ate what I look for. I will admit that choosing seems difficult as all are so beautiful! Blushes & highlighters alike! I want them all! Haha! 😀 Many supposedly appear on the skin exactly like others, so I’m hoping to determine which ones do that as I don’t want 5 the same color. Staples, flushes, sun burn, and unique colors! Is there much difference between the matte and satin when applied? If skin is well taken care of, I can’t distinguish a difference along with the bonus of gorgeous highlights! Being super cool toned and upper pale, you can imagine my swooning upon seeing the highlighters! Monster & Hippo especially, but all I can easily find functions for! Many seem to be a nuanced pairing with a blush of similar color! So I could have so much fun with these! Being that I use only one hand, your encouraging words about their efficacy really makes me feel good because it will be easier and I get to try tons of new things for the price of two! 😉 Bless you, my dear. Always feel free to make recommendations based on your experience! 🙂 I always enjoy reading your comments! Much love, beautiful girl! Equity! 😉
~ Lotus <3 Always 🙂 xx 🙂
**Hugs** Oh, Lotus, my beautiful friend! What an amazingly sweet post. You made my week! I’m so happy to hear you are planning on using your recovery time to play with makeup and enjoy lots of self-care! It is so very important to me that you are in the best spirits <3 I didn't know you acted as well! How fun 🙂 The many reasons we get along are always revealing themselves. I'll definitely get around to posting some looks some day and will certainly include ColourPop. I hope your experience with the line is as good as mine has been. Choosing is tough with them! But at least they put swatches up on their site on multiple skin tones (I'd say their swatches have been fairly accurate to each color in real life) to make it a bit easier 😉
So far, I haven't run into a color from them that battled my complexion too much (since we share the paleness). Monster, Hippo, and Boba are some of my top picks but they're all really good! The mattes and satins vary a bit, but the mattes are fairly satiny and never drag on application. The sheen on the satins is very nice. I've had luck with both kinds.
Much love and all the well wishes to you, my beautiful dear <3
thank you for your review! I missed the first round of tf cream shadows and was going to buy the duos… Then saw these and though oh, I can save some $! Turns out I should just buy the tf huh?
Sadly, it seems the case 🙁 I was so excited for a teal, too, haha.
What a complete shame about the creasing issue. If Maybelline can eliminate it in shadows that cost around $10 CAD or less, there is no excuse at this price point – NONE! Prestige name alone won’t carry a brand’s crummy products – I think consumers are getting more and more savvy, largely thanks to blogs like this one, Christine! Some of these colours are delicious, though (Veruschka, Cleopatra and Mona Lisa especially appeal to me) but I’ll see what dupes there are in formulas that wear better.
Well-said, Mariella!
It’s such a shame – I really can’t get over how glowy/luminous the finish is, and despite a more metallic/pearly finish, I didn’t have any issues with it looking thick or heavy on my lids as some metallics do.
Hmmmm its strange they would perform differently to Tom Ford ones, the ingredients are identical minus one or two plant/oil extracts.
Same ingredients doesn’t always mean identical, if only because we don’t know the quantities! Even switching the order of a few key ingredients can change how a formula performs (see Giorgio Armani Eye Tints vs. YSL’s version). It’s surprising, but I imagine it is like baking — a slight difference in measurement can have potentially huge impact!
I believe you are correct when comparing the ingredient list of CT cream eyeshadows to the Tom Ford ones more closely, some ingredients are higher and others lower on the list and its THIS shift that is causing hers to crease and Tom Fords to hold out better… How disappointing, it would have been nice to have some comparable cream shadows that were permanent (and a pinch cheaper). We should send a petition to Tom Ford demanding his cream shadows make a spot in his permanent line, right?! 🙂
I keep writing to TF and requesting it, lol! Maybe one day!
It is always surprising that slight tweaks like that can really change a product!
I’ve been eyeing these, I really like Bette and Cleopatra, but if they cerase on you, they’dcrease something horribly on my lids.
Thanks for money saved!
No problem, Helene!
Yes, definitely a surprise. I was like, “Wait… is that.. no way…” and then I was worried!
$32. and it creases??? Oh heck no! And if it creases on you, I know it would be a hot mess on my nearly monolid eyes, or as my daughter calls them “very hooded double eyelids”. Without primer, almost EVERYTHING creases on me sooner or later. But a HE cream should NOT!
Yep! I know that I have more normal-to-dry lids – not so dry that nothing creases – but not really oily, so I can get decent wear out of most products so I definitely worry a lot if I see creasing on me early on for anyone who has oilier lids!
I love the look of Mona Lisa and Cleopatra but it’s such a shame that they creased on you. That is not something I would accept in $2 eyeshadows, given the quality of formulas currently available so something that’s going to cost me close to $40 (in Canada) cannot even remotely crease. But like I said, such a shame because they look gorgeous.
I was surprised as well – in general, I like the CT line, and given they applied so well, were really pigmented, etc. all it had left to do was succeed on wear, lol!
I have Bette. I had no issues with creasing at all ! And I think these are very similar to Tom Ford. Not exactly, but they’re not terrible. I use Nars eye base. I had no issues. Stayed on all day. I think it probably depends on the induvidual and how oily the eyelids are. Don’t count these out, they’re pretty great!
That’s great to hear that using a primer seemed to help, Kerrie!
These seem like a cross between a standard cream eyeshadow and the Armani Tints. Cleopatra is the only interesting one to me, and it’s like a slightly more blue-teal version of Emeraude (which I have, and will conquer!). The others, I have similar shades in formulas that wear better and cost less.
Really strange about the arrested creasing, though. How odd.
Yep, I felt like I was imagining it, since it didn’t drastically crease. There’s definitely a lot of similarity between this and Emeraude, and it’s so rare to find these types of colors that are actually pigmented in cream/liquid kind of formulas.
When I first saw them, they did remind me of TF. Will check for CT brand when I go to Nordies Stanford next time. Neither Stanford nor Valley Fair carried CT brand in-store last time I checked.
Hopefully you can find them!
Oh that’s too bad! The funny thing is, Tom Ford’s cream shadows do that for me: there is ever so faint a crease within the first couple of hours, and then it just stops and wears like iron the rest of the day. I’ve tried all sorts of application. Love the color, but the little crease line annoys me because the colour isn’t as intense there.
I was hoping Charlotte’s version wouldn’t do that, buy if it creases in you, it’ll definitely crease on me! The colours are gorgeous though!
Dusting powder on top seemed to be the best with these, so if you have tried that trick, maybe that could help with TF for you. So bummed that that happens with you with Tom Ford’s, though. I can totally understand how annoying it is! I know it’s unlikely anyone else would notice, but I know it’s there, and at this price point (or higher!), I want to be able to count on my makeup working right.
OMG be still my heart on that teal. I don’t know what it is this year, but I’m all aflutter over everything teal..again. I’ve been here before.
I do see the faint creasing which is so bizarre. Many of these remind me of Tom Ford, of course, but also the colour range offered up by GA in the tube shadows earlier this year. Still, I mights have to grabs me the teal.
Cleopatra is definitely the most unique of the bunch!
Thanks for the review, Christine. I also really appreciate your suggested application for trying to make this formula work. I think most of us would truly like to see a non-biased, yet very helpful review. I know that for those who have already bought the product, returning them is always an option, as long as the product doesn’t deliver what it claims or falls short in certain criteria. But I am the type of person who hates returning things to the store, and always appreciate a better application method to make it work. I like your trick of dusting translucent powder on it to make it stay longer.
Glad I could help, Fuji! 🙂 It’s a good trick when you have a cream or liquid product that can crease but don’t want to change the color of too much (or at all). It can take down the shimmer a little bit, but I usually find it “melts” a bit and you can hardly notice a difference, especially if you do translucent, but even beige can work.
Surprise! I was expecting these to do well! So glad I waited for your review and bummed because they are gorgeous. I really wish Tom Ford would just relaes his creams in his permanent line. Its a lot easier to buy one or two here and there. Plus,I personally do prefer to shell out the extra $ and just know the product will work well.
Me too, Nicole! 🙁 I was so excited for these initially!
Every cream product creases on me, so that wouldn’t be a deal breaker, but the shade range is oddly limited. So many warm toned browns and coppers!
I was surprised to see so many warm neutrals.
I didn’t have any creasing with Bette. I used my fingers for application, I only needed a tiny amount to get a very metallic look. Wore it around eight hours and it looked very nice at the end of the day. My eyelids are pretty normal too and I moved to a place with no humidity so maybe that was the case :))
Glad it worked so well for you, Beti! 🙂
You’re brave! I feel like a lot of people won’t speak ANY bad of Charlotte Tilbury (typically Youtubers, the least hardworking, most untrustworthy type of beauty reviewers out there–the antithesis of you!). So glad SOMEONE came out and said her products have flaws. You’re the ONLY beauty reviewer I can trust.
That’s very humbling, Jessica! 🙂 I’m glad I can be someone you count on!
Such a pity these didn’t have longer wear! At that price point I expect it to have little to no downfall. I might still pick a couple up at some point but I have a feeling I might love these less than I love my (much cheaper) Maybelline Color Tattoos.
I was very bummed out that these weren’t better — I really loved the finish of them.
Oh so sad! I had heard it was a dupe for the TF so I thought I could get more colors…now I see that’s not the case bummer! I just ordered a few of them so we shall see when they get here if I return them
Keep me posted! I find the formulas to feel and look very similar, but the wear is the major point of differentiation for me!
Love the colors and price. Haven’t much experience with cream shadows. Sad about revive but may try. Looks good on you, as always
Thank you, Susan!
OMG, I thought $32.00 for the set. Nevermind!
If only, lol!
I know. I was getting my card out to order but we were driving, not me, and it was too bumpy. Thank you horrible winter for pot holes.
Adore these colours – especially Cleopatra and Veruschka. BUT at this price point they should be perfect, no creasing or problems.
Anyway, by looking at the dupe list – many of these colours are in the Colour Pop range – so for $5 you can get an identical colour at a fraction of the price and just as good in quality.
By the way L’Oreal’s Gilded Envy is an EXACT match for Veruschka.
Yep, ColourPop definitely has a few similar shades that wear longer!
OMG, I need to dig Gilded Envy out of my drawer! Thanks for the tip
No way would these stick on me, if you had trouble. The colors are absolutely gorgeous, though, especially Cleopatra.
The colors are lovely!
These are so disappointing I got Cleopatra and Veruschka and they’re such pretty colors, but crease within a couple of hours. I’ve tried with and without primer, the difference was negligible. I’ll be returning them shortly. On a CT tip, though, her new matte lipsticks are great.
Such a bummer, Alice! 🙁 Sorry to hear that you had creasing problems, too! I definitely felt like a powder that sets or mattifies the lid made a bigger difference than just a regular primer with these.
As much as I love the look of Bette and Cleopatra, I just can’t do a cream shadow that tends to crease. I have a hard enough time as it is to make eye make-up stay crease-free on my oily lids.
Totally understand!
I have this product in the Marie Antoinette color and I’ve been using it for over a week and have had no problems with creasing. Although, looking at your pictures I wonder if there has been very minor creasing that I just haven’t noticed. My bigger problem with the product is that they look totally different depending on the light. Sometimes I really like the color I have and then sometimes it looks way too warm.
Happy to hear you haven’t had issues with creasing, Halcyon! 🙂
Marie Antoinette does that on me, too. It turned sort of rose gold on my arm. I don’t know what color it was on my eyes today but I wasn’t happy with it.
Too bad about the performance, Cleopatra’s gorgeous, and perfectly what I wanted out of a “blackened teal” sort of shade. (So many of them end up reading just black.)
It’s a really gorgeous color – sad times!
I just bought four of these and of course the 4 beige/brown/golden ones. I have been wearing them the last couple of days and I am in love. The colours are gorgeous, and they stay on really well. I always use the Too Faced Shadow Insurance no matter what so I have not experienced any creasing at all. My eye makeup have been looking divine the past four days! 🙂
Happy to hear you’ve had good luck using TFSI as a base with these!
Mona Lisa and Cleopatra are great colors, I wish they were better performing.
Me too!
I agree with the comments to pass on this. She is such a compelling saleswoman that if I hadn’t seen this review I would’ve purchased at least one. Say nay to creasing!
They had a lot of promise!
These don’t crease on me at all, but I’m just wondering how Cleopatra compares to Armani Eye Tint in 04? In terms of shade and effect, especially.
CT Cleopatra seems to have a black-ish base – did you like this color though?
http://www.temptalia.com/submit-dupe?sbs=1&pid=195869&dupe=188875
Sure, the color is pretty!
How does Mona Lisa compare to Armani Eyes to Kill Eye Tint in Senso in terms of color?
Please click the links in the review for dupes – it is already listed on The Dupe List and show in the side-by-side comparisons! 🙂
Just fyi in case anyone is on the fence about these:
I have 3 of these and haven’t had a creasing problem. I love Tom Ford cream colors and when they didn’t release any creams for A/W, I couldn’t stand it and I bought CT’s Marie Antoinette, Mona Lisa and Norma Jean except that mine was just called Jean.
For no creasing, I used eye primer (I use MAC’s) + light dusting of translucent powder + CT eye cream color
As part of my daily eye routine, I always apply the MAC eye primer and I always dust with translucent powder after applying primer and before applying my eyeshadow. I do that with all my eye looks, regardless of cream or powder because I want the longevity. My longest wear time for the CT cream(s) before I took it off was 16 hours; I’ve worn all 3 colors (not at the same time) for the last 2 weeks and have had consistent results. I have not tried these by themselves without any primer or powder, but I haven’t gone without primer or powder with any eyeshadow for years. I know some have said that at this price point there shouldn’t have to be any extra “help” with application and/or that creasing shouldn’t be an issue and I agree – but I also love this particular formula (exactly like Tom Ford’s imo) and all the colors and really really really wanted them to work, ha ha ha. I’m going to pick up Veruschka and Cleopatra next week!
My math is wrong – the longest wear time was 14 hours.
Yay! I’m so glad you’re having such great luck with these. I’ll have to try primer sometime with them. They are gorgeous on, but that faint creasing is sooo annoying, lol!