When the woman behind the cult lip liner that sells every 2 minutes somewhere in the world announces the launch of a new lipstick collection, you can bet that it caused the entire beauty community to go into meltdown. Upon discovering that each of the 11 lipsticks had been created in homage to an array of iconic celebrities and inspirational women and men, I pretty much went into a frenzy. After all, why on earth wouldn't I want to rock a lipstick shade that promises to have bottled the beauty DNA of Jennifer Aniston or Kylie?
The Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 collection landed this morning, and I reckon these lipsticks won't hang around for long. "When I created this range, I wanted to create a new colour world for everyone—looking for gaps in the colour spectrum and mixing the most nuanced, super-flattering, super-wearable shades," explained Tilbury.
Even better, Tilbury has pledged £1 million from the sales of the lipsticks to Women for Women International—a charity committed to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. So not only will your lipstick look great but it's also philanthropic.
To put them to the test, I called on the rest of the Who What Wear editors to give me a hand. Some chose based on the name or celebrity inspiration behind the lipstick (Susan, I love you), others chose their favourite packaging (there are five interchangeable, refillable tubes up for grabs FYI) and some editors simply picked their favourite hue (aka the old-fashioned way).
Spoiler: Hannah Almassi's husband remarked on how amazing she looked in her chosen shade when she got home last night, so there are some definite hits in amongst this bunch.
Keep scrolling to see which of the new Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks were our editor's favourites and to shop them for yourself.
Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief
"I've been wanting to try Pillow Talk since our resident beauty guru Mica Ricketts introduced me to it, so it's no surprise that I went for the shade that's probably closest. In Love With Olivia is just the right side of a darker pinky-nude for me—great for usage all year round, but I particularly like it right now with my mini tan. Super soft and moisturising too."
"Everyone is in love with this super-flattering sumptuous pink. It is so effortlessly polished and stylish," said Tilbury. "Olivia Palermo is the queen of style, and this lip is the perfect accessory to every outfit because it looks amazing on everyone. It's your lips but better!"
Joy Montgomery, Shopping Editor
"As someone who wears lipstick approximately once a year, I delegated the selection process to my colleague Alyss, who picked out this thoroughly extroverted shade of red (thanks, Alyss). I've had a fair few bad experiences with deeper shades, as when paired with my blonde hair and darker eyebrows, the effect can be a bit OTT. However, this was far softer than expected, and I liked the subtle pinky undertones which made it feel less harsh. I still won't brave it for day-to-day wear (far too much effort), but I'll definitely try this out for the next wedding or formal occasion."
"I always say everyone should be more Patsy, so I created this lipstick in homage to my glamorous mother, Patsy Tilbury. She always says a red lip can take you anywhere," said Tilbury. "And this is an iconic, statement red lip. It instantly brightens and pulls an outfit together."
Mica Ricketts, Deputy Beauty Editor
I love a good red lipstick, so I knew that I'd gravitate toward the bolder shades in this collection rather than the nude ones. However, it's purely the fact that this lipstick was inspired that Susan Sarandon that encouraged me to try it on, as orange-toned reds don't normally work for me. Turns out that I ended up loving it. It's a rusty red that feels more wearable for every day than my normal pillar-box shades.
Related: 15 Red Lipsticks That Make Your Teeth Look Whiter (and Some That Don't)
"This is a universally flattering, dynamic daytime red with the most wearable tawny orange-red tones," explained Tilbury. "This colour really brightens Susan Sarandon's complexion and complements her auburn locks and big brown eyes perfectly. It is a versatile, accessible red that is super-flattering for all skin tones."
Emma Spedding, Deputy Editor
"When I was handed a star-covered lipstick case and told I was testing JK Rowling's one, I was expecting to find something that looked like it was made in Herbology, but thankfully for my face, this isn't a lipstick version of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. I normally wear Charlotte Tilbury's Bitch Perfect, and this nude lipstick is a slightly darker shade but is a perfect everyday lippie. I am sold."
"I have always had a magical connection with J.K. Rowling—she is an inspirational icon to me," explained Tilbury. "I have often used Bitch Perfect and Pillow Talk on her, so I wanted to create a soft, flattering pink nude that was a magic 'peaches and cream' sister to these two! It looks great worn as a blush on the cheeks for a fresh, pretty pop of colour."
Nell Block, Assistant Editor
"I'm kind of an all-or-nothing woman when it comes to lipsticks. I go for either a bright red or a pinkish colour that is essentially the same as my lips. Dance Floor Princess (named after Kylie Minogue) is the latter version, and I really love it. It enhances my natural lip colour and makes me look more tanned. A big yes from me."
Related: I Just Tried 40 Nude Lipsticks—These Are the Ones I'd Recommend
"We've worked together on everything from magazine covers to album covers, and I am always inspired by Kylie Minogue's classic beauty," said Tilbury. "This dreamy, pretty, '60s cool-girl, pop-pink lipstick is a hit with every skin tone."
Alyss Bowen, Social Media Editor
"I'm a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks already. and these new shades are no exception. I'm normally a 'red red' kind of girl, but the pinky hue of Amazing Amal caught my eye immediately. This shade is more wearable than a true red for a day in the office and looks great when worn with blush-toned tops, which I just so happened to be wearing on the day of testing!"
"Amal Clooney is the most inspiring, incredible role model. She has such a timeless poise and elegance, and she wears makeup in a very chic, effortless way," said Tilbury. "I wanted to create a soft elegant, berry-pink with the neutrality of warm berry that can be used as a stain, or to add an enlivening pop of colour to any outfit."
Shop the Rest of the Hot Lips 2 Collection
"Alessandra [Ambrosio] is the ultimate angel, and this is the ultimate angel beauty secret! It has this fresh, sheer, juicy texture that enhances your tan and makes you look glowing and gorgeous in seconds," said Tilbury. "I created this perfect sunset, peachy nude that makes lips look instantly fuller and wider."
"Carina's Star, inspired by Carina Lau, is a wearable, fresh, illuminating, modern peachy soft coral," explained Tilbury. "The nuanced colour enlivens the lips and has a subtle brightening effect."
"Jennifer Aniston is known for her lit-from-within goddess glow. And so when looking at her sun-kissed complexion, I wanted to create a tawny beachy rose," said Tilbury. "This is a universal colour that looks good on everyone. It enlivens the complexion to give you instant looking health."
"Viva La Vergara is inspired by vibrant energy and sensuality. It is a flattering soft wine shade; the perfect wearable nuanced colour," said Tilbury. "I worked closely with Sofia Vergara to come up with this colour. It has a painterly texture that blends with the natural pigment in your lips and sets beautifully."
"Edward Enninful is such an iconic inspiration, and I've always adored the shape of his lips, so I knew I had to create the best, most moisturising formula," explained Tilbury. "This timeless, comforting lip conditioner is as clear as Edward Enninful's vision. Everyone needs this beautiful, cocooning lipstick in their lives."
Next up, this is the exact foundation that Rosie HW uses for glowing skin.
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