The Real Deal: Is the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Contour Duo in 'Deep' Actually Worth It?

 

The Real Deal: Is the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Contour Duo in 'Deep' Actually Worth It?

Okay, let's be honest. I'm not a professional makeup artist. I'm a regular person who loves makeup but also questions if all the hype and the high price tags are really worth it. The Charlotte Tilbury brand is everywhere, and I've heard so much about their Lip Cheat liners and the famous "Pillow Talk" color. So when I saw they came out with a dual-ended contour pencil, I was intrigued. I got my hands on the 'Deep' shade because, let's face it, finding a good nude for my skin tone is a constant struggle. I wanted to see if this pencil could really deliver on its promise of a "supermodel" lip without all the fuss.  

The Product: A Smart Idea, But Does It Work?

The concept of a two-in-one pencil is brilliant. You've got a darker shade on one end for "Sculpt" and a lighter shade on the other for "Fill." The 'Sculpt' shade is a deep cool brown, and the 'Fill' shade is a rich cocoa brown. The idea is you use the darker one to define your lip line and create a shadow, and then you use the lighter one to fill in your lips and make them look fuller. It’s supposed to simplify the whole contouring process. I've tried a similar look with two separate products before, so having it all in one pencil was a nice touch. It's a clever idea that shows the brand really thinks about how people use their products.  

My Experience: It’s Not as Smooth as They Say

Here's where I have to be totally honest. The brand says the formula is "rich and velvety" and glides on easily. I found that to be true, but only if you use a very light hand. If I went back over a spot more than once, it would start to "tug" and look a little "patchy." It’s not a super forgiving formula. I had to learn to apply it in short, light strokes and then use my finger to blend it out. It's not the effortless, flawless application I was expecting for the price. I even read some others say they had to warm up the pencil first or that it gets dry and crumbly after a while. That's definitely something to be aware of.  

However, once I got the hang of it, the result was great. The matte finish is beautiful , and the shades blended together so well that my lips really did look more defined and fuller without looking fake. The formula also contains Jojoba Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid, so it didn't feel overly dry on my lips, which is a big plus.  

The Longevity: Expect a Touch-Up

The brand claims this pencil is "long-lasting" and waterproof for "at least 6 hours". I put that to the test. In my personal experience, it didn't quite last that long. It held up well for about four hours of just talking and drinking, but after I ate, it was definitely gone in the middle and needed a touch-up. This isn’t a huge deal, but when you’re paying a premium price, you expect the product to live up to its claims. It's a "long-wearing" product, for sure, but it's not an all-day, "set it and forget it" kind of deal.  

The 'Deep' Shade: The Star of the Show

The best part of this product, for me, is the color. Finding a nude liner that doesn't look ashy or pale on my deep skin tone is a challenge. The two shades in the 'Deep' pencil are perfectly matched to work with my natural lip color, creating a beautiful shadow and fill that looks so natural and enhances my lips without any weird undertones. It really is a custom-feeling shade, and it's clear the brand put thought into making nude shades for all complexions, not just one. This is a huge win, and it’s probably a big reason why Charlotte Tilbury is the "#1 Lip Liner in the UK Prestige Makeup Market".  

My Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?

So, would I recommend it? It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but I lean towards yes. The dual-ended design is fantastic, and the color is absolutely perfect for a deep-toned nude lip. It truly gives you that sculpted, fuller look.

What I love:

• The brilliant dual-ended design that simplifies the contouring process.

• The 'Deep' shade is a home run. It's a gorgeous nude that actually works for me.

• It really does make my lips look fuller and more defined.

What to watch out for:

• The application takes practice. It's not a super creamy formula and can tug if you're not careful.

• The longevity is good, but not perfect. Be prepared to reapply after eating.

• It's a luxury price point. There are cheaper options out there, but you might not get this specific dual-shade contouring effect.  

Ultimately, if you're willing to pay for a high-quality, perfectly color-matched product and don't mind a little practice to get the application right, this is a great product. It's become a staple in my makeup bag because the final result is just so beautiful and polished.

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