LIP CHEAT CONTOUR DUO

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Contour Duo is one pencil carrying two pigmented formulas: a deeper sculpt end that draws the shadow, and a lighter fill end that colours the rest of the lip. It comes in four nineties-nude shades matched to fair, medium, tan and deep skin tones.

What it actually does

• Two ends, two jobs. The darker tip is for precision contouring around the lip edge; the softer, creamier tip fills the body of the lip in a lighter tone.
• Creates the illusion of fullness. Charlotte Tilbury's premise is contrast — shadow at the perimeter, lighter colour inside, so lips read as bigger without anything plumping them.
• Hydrating, long-wearing, plumping. These are the three benefits the brand lists for the formula.
• Four shades, tone-matched. Each of the four nineties nudes is formulated for a specific depth of skin tone rather than being one universal shade.
• Brand user trial. In a one-week trial of 220 people, Charlotte Tilbury reports 95% agreed it sculpts and defines lips and blends easily, 97% agreed it reshapes the look of the lips, and 98% agreed application is precise. Brand-reported figures; results vary.
• Exclusion list. Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, coal tar, retinyl palmitate, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, triclosan and triclocarban, with less than one percent synthetic fragrance.

How to use

1. Sculpt end first. Trace the outer edge of your own lip line to lay down the contour. Go slightly beyond the line if you want more emphasis.
2. Diffuse it. Soften the line with a fingertip or a lip brush so there is no visible border.
3. Fill end next. Work from the middle of the lip outward, letting the lighter shade fade into the darker one.
4. Charlotte's tip. Concentrate the outer edge of the Cupid's bow and the point below the centre of your lower lip for the most sculpted effect.

Is it right for you?

Questions

Which shade should I pick?

There are four, developed respectively for fair, medium, tan and deep skin tones. Match to your own depth rather than to your lipstick, since the point is a natural-looking shadow. Message us if you want help narrowing it down.

Can I wear it without lipstick?

Yes. The fill end covers the whole lip, so the two ends together make a complete nude lip on their own.

Does it actually make lips bigger?

It works visually, not physically — a darker edge against a lighter centre reads as more volume. The brand lists plumping among the formula's benefits, but the fuller-looking result comes mainly from the contouring technique.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. Shades we hold ship at the shorter end; shades brought in for you take longer. Working days exclude weekends and official holidays.

Payment and returns?

We accept credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets; there is no cash on delivery. Returns apply to defective, damaged or expired items only, reported within 1 day of delivery, and approved refunds go to the original payment method within 15–30 days.