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Charlotte Tilbury’s pillow talk vs nude romance – which lipstick is best?

One is matte, the other a creamy satin and only one can come out on top

Louise Whitbread
Friday 10 June 2022 10:16 BST
One pillow talk lipstick sells every two minutes globally
One pillow talk lipstick sells every two minutes globally (The Independent)
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When it comes to luxury make-up, Charlotte Tilbury is often the first brand name that comes to mind. With an army of cult favourite products, from glowy skin tints, foundations and bronzing creams to highlighters and lipsticks, all housed in gilded gold packaging, they are a make-up obsessives dream.

None have made quite the impact as the famous pillow talk lipstick. The universally flattering nude-pink shade first launched in 2013, with one selling once every two minutes globally, according to the brand.

So popular in fact, it’s gone on to span into a full collection of products, including an eyeshadow palette, blusher, highlighter, eyeliner, lip liner, lip gloss and even mascara.

One of last year’s most lauded launches by the eponymous brand, created by the celebrity make-up artist, is the lipstick called “nude romance”, and it certainly piqued our interest.

According to Tilbury herself, if you’re a fan of the cult-favourite pillow talk shade, you’ll love the reimagined one, which has a peachy nude hue in a creamy-wax formula.

Comparing this new product to the brand’s most coveted beauty buy is a big claim, so we were keen to put it through its paces, to see if it can live up to our beloved pillow talk lipstick.

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How we tested

We put both to the test in order to find the merits and pitfalls, if there are any, to each lipstick.

On the left is the cult classic shade pillowtalk and on the right is the latest launch, nude romance
On the left is the cult classic shade pillowtalk and on the right is the latest launch, nude romance (The Independent)

Rating them on texture, finish, staying power and pigmentation, this is our in-depth review as we see if nude romance will take pillow talk’s crown.

Charlotte Tilbury matte revolution pillow talk lipstick

charlotte tilbury pillowtalk.jpg
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Charlotte Tilbury look of love lipstick nude romance

charlotte tilbury nude romance.jpg
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Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk vs nude romance FAQs

Is Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk vegan?

Many of Charlotte Tilbury’s make-up and skincare products are vegan, including its bestselling pillow talk which has no animal by-products. The cult brand’s nude romance lipstick is also made with vegan ingredients.

Why is CT pillow talk so popular?

Owing to its muted pink shade that helps enhance your natural lips, it’s no surprise that pillow talk is so universally flattering and loved. Charlotte Tilbury claims she has made a shade that suits every skin tone, which further goes to explain its popularity.

Should I get original or medium?

The original pillow talk shade is a soft peach nude and perfect for those wanting light coverage, while the medium is a touch dustier and darker in comparison, providing a warm berry hue.

The verdict: Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk vs nude romance lipstick

Charlotte Tilbury’s lipsticks are pricey but you get what you pay for; the gloriously lavish packaging is a palm-sized treat that you won’t regret investing in.

If you’re looking for a nude toned version of pillow talk, or are just keen to ditch the matte finish lipsticks in favour of creamier textures, then nude romance won’t let you down on coverage, pigment or staying power.

However, if you’re a die-hard fan of pink undertones and a formula that won’t budge, then pillow talk ticks all the boxes. It’s a fuss-free product that will suit almost every make-up look, making it a no-brainer as to why it continues to be a bestseller.

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For more make-up reviews, read our guide to the best eyeshadow sticks for quick and effortless make-up

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