I bought and tested three Pillow Talk shades to bring you this charlotte tilbury pillow talk lipstick review based on real wear, not hype.
You’ll find out if Original, Medium, or Fair matches your skin tone and which formula lasts longest.
I’m covering texture, comfort, wear time through meals, and honest comparisons between all three versions.
Charlotte Tilbury claims these are universally flattering, but I’ll tell you the truth about who each shade actually works for.
My goal is helping you spend your money wisely with feedback from actual daily use, not marketing promises.
Pillow Talk Lipstick Line Overview
Charlotte Tilbury expanded the Pillow Talk range to suit different skin tones, each with unique undertones and formulas.
Original Pillow Talk launched first in the Matte Revolution formula as a warm, rosy nude pink for light to medium skin tones. It quickly became a cult favorite.
Pillow Talk Medium offers a deeper warm berry-pink shade, also in Matte Revolution, designed for medium to deeper skin tones with richer pigment.
Pillow Talk Fair uses the creamier K.I.S.S.I.N.G formula with cool-toned, softer pink shades made specifically for fair skin without washing out lighter complexions.
The collection now includes matching lip liners, glosses, blushes, and Multi-Glow compacts for coordinated looks.
Formula and Texture
The two formulas feel completely different on your lips. Understanding these differences helps you pick the right version for your needs.
Matte Revolution vs K.I.S.S.I.N.G
Matte Revolution gives a smooth matte finish that feels slightly powdery. It stays on longer than most lipsticks and doesn’t slip around. The texture sets down after application and won’t transfer as much.
K.I.S.S.I.N.G feels creamy and lightweight on your lips. This formula has a satin finish that looks more moisturized. It glides on easily and feels comfortable for hours.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Both formulas contain orchid extract for hydration throughout the day. Lipstick Tree extract adds antioxidant protection to your lips.
The 3D glow pigments reflect light to make lips appear fuller. These ingredients separate Charlotte Tilbury from basic drugstore options.
Comfort and Hydration
I wore each formula for full days to test comfort levels. Matte Revolution feels drier after a few hours, especially if you skip lip balm beforehand. It doesn’t crack or flake, but you’ll notice the matte texture more as time passes.
K.I.S.S.I.N.G keeps lips feeling softer longer. The creamy formula doesn’t emphasize dry patches or lip lines. Neither formula gave me any plumping effect, despite the claims about 3D pigments.
Shade Comparisons and Swatches
Picking the right Pillow Talk shade depends heavily on your skin tone and undertone preferences.
Original vs Medium vs Fair:
Original Pillow Talk shows up as a rosy nude on fair to medium skin. On deeper skin tones, it can look too light or chalky. The warm undertones complement yellow-based skin well.
Pillow Talk Medium works better on medium to deep skin tones. The berry-pink shade has enough pigment to show up beautifully. On fair skin, it might look too dark or dramatic for everyday wear.
Pillow Talk Fair suits cool-toned fair skin perfectly. The softer pink doesn’t compete with lighter complexions. On medium or deeper skin, this shade tends to disappear or look washed out.
Comparison with Other CT Lipsticks:
If you own other Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, you might find overlap. Rose Kiss sits close to Original Pillow Talk but has more mauve tones.
Very Victoria runs deeper and more brown-toned than Medium. Red Carpet Pink shares similar undertones to Fair but has more intensity.
Collection enthusiasts should swatch these in person. The differences are subtle enough that you might not need multiple shades.
Wear Test and Longevity
I tested each formula through meals, drinks, and full workdays.
Matte Revolution (Original and Medium) lasted about 6 to 7 hours before needing touch-ups. The color faded evenly rather than patching.
After eating, the center of my lips lost pigment but the edges held on. Drinking coffee caused minimal transfer to cups.
K.I.S.S.I.N.G (Fair) wore for about 4 to 5 hours before disappearing. This formula transfers more easily and needs reapplication after meals. The creamy texture means less staying power but more comfort.
For longer wear, line your lips with the matching Pillow Talk liner first. This creates a base that holds the color better. Blotting once after application also helps the color set without looking cakey.
Value for Money
Each Pillow Talk lipstick costs around $35 to $38, placing it firmly in luxury territory.
Drugstore alternatives like Maybelline’s Touch of Spice or Revlon’s Pink Truffle offer similar nude pink shades for under $10. However, the formulas don’t match Charlotte Tilbury’s texture or wear time.
Mid-range options like MAC’s Velvet Teddy compete more closely in formula quality at $22. You’re paying extra for the Charlotte Tilbury packaging and brand experience.
For someone building a small, high-quality lipstick collection, one Pillow Talk shade makes sense. If you wear lipstick daily and go through tubes quickly, the price adds up. The formula quality justifies the cost better than the shade range does.
Final Verdict
Original Pillow Talk works beautifully for light to medium skin with warm undertones, offering great wear time in the Matte Revolution formula.
Pillow Talk Medium fills a real gap for medium to deep skin tones with its berry-pink shade that actually shows up on deeper complexions.
Pillow Talk Fair serves cool-toned fair skin well with the comfortable K.I.S.S.I.N.G formula. I prefer Matte Revolution for longevity and smooth application, while K.I.S.S.I.N.G wins for all-day comfort despite needing reapplication. Buy based on your skin tone first, formula preference second.
Conclusion
After testing these shades thoroughly, I can confidently say this Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick review reflects real wear, not just hype. Original is my daily staple, but I’m thrilled the range now includes more options.
Undertones make a huge difference, so swatch in-store if you can. These formulas last through coffee runs and meetings without constant reapplication.
If you love flattering nude lips with staying power, Pillow Talk delivers. Have you tried any of these shades? Drop a comment and tell me which one suits your skin tone best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pillow Talk lipstick dry out your lips?
Matte Revolution feels drier than K.I.S.S.I.N.G but doesn’t crack or flake. Apply lip balm first if you have dry lips for comfortable wear.
Which Pillow Talk shade is best for olive skin?
Original Pillow Talk flatters olive skin tones well with its warm undertones. Medium also works if you prefer deeper, more pigmented color.
How long does Pillow Talk lipstick last?
Matte Revolution lasts 6 to 7 hours before fading. K.I.S.S.I.N.G wears for 4 to 5 hours and needs reapplication after eating.
Is Pillow Talk lipstick worth the price?
The formula quality justifies the cost for long-wearing comfort. Drugstore options offer similar shades for less if the formula doesn’t matter as much.
Can I wear Pillow Talk Medium if I have fair skin?
Medium looks too dark on most fair skin for everyday wear. Original or Fair provides better color matches for lighter complexions.
