Beauty fans, mark 25 August in your diaries because Charlotte Tilbury is launching a new loose powder that promises to blur, set and shine-proof make-up without the dryness that you’d typically expect from a setting powder.

Titled the airbrush flawless blur loose powder, it’s the latest addition to the brand’s best-selling airbrush flawless range and joins the cult foundation, setting spray, pressed powder and concealer. As someone with 42-year-old skin that’s becoming less forgiving of anything too dry or heavy, I was interested to see whether this new formula could deliver the smoothing, airbrushed effect the range is known for without settling into fine lines or emphasising drier patches.

For those not well versed in all things Tilbury, you might be surprised to learn that this isn’t the brand’s first foray with loose powder. The Charlotte Tilbury genius magic powder – discontinued somewhere between 2019 and 2020 – was once a fixture in the MUA’s collection. So what’s different about this new launch?

You can expect the same ultra-fine, loose-powder format, but with a “hydrating skincare” twist, according to the brand. So, does it really offer the best of both worlds: a flawless, set base without the tell-tale signs of wearing powder? I set about finding out, more than two weeks ahead of its public launch.

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  • Why we love it- Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Adds luminosity

  • Sets make-up

  • Take note- Settles in pores a bit on drier skin

Charlotte Tilbury’s airbrush flawless blur loose powder is a lightweight formula that creates a veil-like layer, mattifying the skin without feeling drying. With hydration-promoting ingredients like glycerin and lysine included, the brand says it won’t make skin look dry. As someone with dry skin, I don’t often use powder for that reason and was keen to try this one.

Presented in a signature CT boujee-looking pot, there’s an internal lid that holds a small heart-shaped applicator and keeps the loose powder secure underneath, usefully preventing the risk of spillage when you open it. You then release the powder by gently pressing down on this compartment’s base, and I was pleased to see that an adequate amount is released, without tons of excess powder flying about.

I used the translucent blur filter and translucent fair/medium shades (two out of a total seven), and tried applying the product with a brush and the powder puff included (a chic touch). Both created natural coverage that blotted shine and left a subtle, smoothing finish.

I used the powder sparingly because of my skin type, but as the particles are so fine, it’s buildable – and you can add as little or as much as you want at a time. I found the powder clung to pores on the drier bits of my skin, but it wasn’t overtly obvious and there was no cakiness. Plus, it didn’t settle in my fine lines, which I was pleased to note as this can put me off using powder.

I saw added luminosity after application and the powder definitely set my make-up in place, layering over foundation and underneath blush seamlessly. Six hours later, the base looked a bit more uneven as its finish had faded, but some product remained in place. And with top-ups, I think it would last longer.

After testing it for 24 hours so far, I’d say the powder does work for drier types and it’s a good option for setting make-up without creating dreaded the dustiness or flatness some powders can bring. But I’d always use hydrating skincare underneath and build it up as needed.

The powder is available from 25 August exclusively via the Charlotte Tilbury app, or from 27 August at the Charlotte Tilbury website.

Key specifications

  • Shades:Seven – five for setting, two for brightening shadows
  • Cruelty-free:Yes