Sally Foran: Is the new Charlotte Tilbury loose powder really that good?

Our beauty editor Sally Foran got a sneak peek at one of the most anticipated additions to the Airbrush franchise — a loose powder

Sally wearing the product: ‘Despite my tendency toward dryness, the powder sat effortlessly.’

I have always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with loose powders. On the one hand, I love how they erase shine, blur texture, minimise the look of pores, and instantly soften those hollow, sunken shadows under my eyes.

But on the other hand? They can really accentuate fine lines, cling to any dry patches, and leave my skin looking flat, dry, and cakey. That’s not a flattering look on anyone, but especially not on my 50-year-old mature skin where I need all the hydration.

So, when I was invited on a press trip to Charlotte Tilbury headquarters in London for the grand unveiling of the next chapter in her iconic Airbrush franchise — the Airbrush Flawless Blur Loose Powder — I was beyond excited. I knew if anyone could create a loose powder that avoided all of those common pitfalls, it would be CT.

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the sneak peeks making the rounds all over social media and wondering – is it really that good? In my view, yes.

The loose powder is born from the brand’s bestselling Airbrush Flawless Finish pressed powder, and uses AIRtech, Tilbury’s signature long wear, light-as-air formula, infused with hydrating skincare.

It combines micro fine, light diffusing powders that soften texture and marionette lines with oil and shine control microspheres. These microspheres offer up to 24 hours of oil and shine control while keeping the skin comfortable and breathable. It also claims to deliver 24 hour hydration — which as Charlotte herself said, feels like a complete juxtaposition for a loose powder.

Unlike traditional chalky formulas that cause dreaded flashback in photos, this weightless veil stretches naturally with the movement of your skin, melting seamlessly into your foundation or concealer.

It delivers a modern matte finish that flatters everyone from ages 18 to 80, because it doesn’t dry out the skin or settle into any lines.

Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Blur Loose Powder

We got to see this in action firsthand when one of the Tilbury pro artists demonstrated the powder on a live model. The transformation was undeniable — instantly smooth, blurred, and perfected skin that looked lifted and radiant, rather than flat or powdery.

Following the demo, I was eager to put it to the test back at my hotel and I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the results. It was akin to applying a real-life blurring filter on my face. Super thin, super silky, super creamy, ultra finely milled and featherlight, it glided on seamlessly for a truly undetectable, skin like finish.

Where it truly shone for me, was the under-eye area. Despite my tendency toward dryness and fine lines, the powder sat effortlessly without settling, caking, or accentuating any texture. It locked my makeup in place, and after that initial application, I didn’t feel the need to touch it up later before going out for dinner. It controlled any excess shine and resisted creasing — a huge first for me with a loose powder.

The range is available in seven skin and brightening shades. The five translucent options blur and set without altering your foundation colour, while Brightening Pink and Brightening Peach work to colour correct dark under eye circles. The pink shade was definitely a winner for me — I used it under my eyes to lighten and brighten the area.

As a frequent traveller, I was delighted with the packaging too. The tub features a micro fine mesh with a clever lock and seal mechanism, meaning no more powder exploding all over your beauty bag and it dispenses just the right amount, each time.

It also comes with a heart shaped velvet puff with a rounded tip ideal for targeted application and brightening under the eyes, while the defined edges let you sculpt, snatch, and lift beneath the cheekbones.

It is, without a doubt, the most blurring, flawless, foolproof powder that I’ve ever encountered, and in my view, sets a new standard for luxury loose powders.

As Charlotte Tilbury said to us, she didn’t invent powder, but she has re- invented it. Having tested it on mature skin, I think she’s completely nailed it.

• €54, Brown Thomas