Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick Stoned Rose review, swatches

If these have Fallen from the Lipstick Tree, I want the whole forest.

Charlotte Tilbury makeup products have been on my wishlist ever since they came out. I hit their counter in Selfridges last month - it was so crowded that finding an SA took a while, but it was worth the wait. The friendly SA recommended the K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipsticks to me, because this range had subtle, wearable shades, and I told her I was a dusty rose person.
I swatched all 10 shades and picked Stoned Rose - again, based on her advice. "Coral shades can be as subtle and wearable as dusty rose on you," she said. "A bit of variety never hurt." So despite wanting to stick to pink and mauve tones, I picked it up. I also got a concealer, and she gave me some foundation samples to try.

Here are my thoughts on the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipstick in Stoned Rose.

Packaging of the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipsticks

That rose gold case. LOOK! I want a dozen of these for the case alone. The metallic case is luxurious and sturdy and closes with a satisfying click. I have dropped this lipstick already and nothing has happened, not even a dent. It has survived hot weather (34℃) without air-conditioning and has not melted.

Fallen from the Lipstick Tree

CT says these lipsticks are enriched with a secret ingredient - the "Lipstick Tree". Look at the external box and you will find it mentioned. What is the Lipstick Tree? It is a tropical plant native to the Americas. The prickly red fruits contain an antioxidant that offers UV protection while making the lips "cashmere soft". Incidentally, the fruits were used by Native Americans to paint their lips.

Formula, pigmentation and staying power of the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipsticks

The CT K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipsticks are incredibly creamy and weightless so much so that you think the colour has not shown up at all. But it does, and lasts through sandwiches and biscuits, though it will not survive pasta or smoothies. I can go through a good five hours without retouching; it lasts as long as Lancome Rouge in Love lipsticks do for me, which is the most by any non-liquid, bullet-formula lipstick. It fades evenly and the fading looks as pretty as the lipstick itself, IMO.
Apart from the Lipstick Tree fruits, these lipsticks contain light-diffusing pigments and waxes that give a smooth and glossy finish, and are paraben-free.

I thought this would be sheer because it felt so glossy. But there is enough payoff to cover my pigmented lips nicely.

Swatches of the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipstick in Stoned Rose

Stoned Rose is subtle, yes - I would not have bought it otherwise. But it is not a dusty rose. It is a subtle rose with coral tones to it. The SA called it a "warm coral rose" and insisted that I pick it over my signature mauves (I was about to pick Bitch Perfect). This is a slightly deeper and tad more orange/coral version of Soap & Glory's Perfect Day Fabulipstick, which is now my everyday lippie.

On the hand, natural light. Bare skin.

On the lips, natural light.

Verdict

These. Are. Fabulous. I want all 10 shades now. They apply beautifully, stay on as well as can be expected from a non-matte bullet lipstick, fade out evenly and give good coverage. The shade range offers beautiful, wearable shades.
At £23, these are nowhere as expensive as Tom Ford lippies, which cost £38 each. They are less expensive than Rouge d'Armanis, which are £27 each. And they are every bit as good. What more can you ask for?
They are available at Selfridges online here - worldwide shipping available!

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