If you’ve been around the beauty world in the past few years, you’ve probably heard of Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lipstick . This matte nude pink has become a cult favorite, with one sold every two minutes around the world. But does it deserve a place in your makeup bag, or is it just hype? After extensive testing, we’ve given you everything you need to know about this cult-favorite lipstick.
What is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick?
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is a universally flattering nude pink shade designed to enhance your lips’ natural color. Initially launched as a lip liner in 2013, this shade quickly became the brand’s best-selling product and led to the launch of the entire Pillow Talk collection, including blush, highlighter, and eyeshadow.
Main Product Details
- Product Name: Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Original
- Price: $35 / £29
- Size: 3.5g / 0.12oz
- Finish: Soft matte (not flat matte)
- Shade Family: Nude Pink
- Formula: Matte Revolution
- Where to buy: Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Charlotte Tilbury, website
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick comes in the brand’s signature rose gold packaging, exuding unparalleled luxury. The metal tube features a signature quilted design and the CT logo. It’s a lipstick you’ll be proud to own.
Packaging highlights:
- rose gold metal case
- Magnetic closure
- Elegant and luxurious design
- Distinctive quilted pattern
- Travel-friendly size
The lipstick also has a wonderful vanilla scent that is noticeable but not overpowering – a distinct touch that adds to the luxurious experience.
Formula: What makes it special?
Texture and application
The Matte Revolution formula is what sets this lipstick apart from other matte lipsticks. Despite being classified as matte, it has an amazingly creamy, velvety texture that glides on smoothly without any tugging or pulling. It gives you a soft matte finish , not the dry, flat matte you fear.
The formula contains:
- Orchid Extract: Provides hydration and comfort
- Lipstick Tree Extract: Provides antioxidant protection
- 3D Glow Pigments: Create the appearance of fuller, plumper lips.
- Vitamin E: moisturizes and protects lips
How does it feel on your lips?
Unlike many matte lipsticks, which can feel dry and cakey, Pillow Talk offers all-day comfort. While it’s not as moisturizing as lip balm or glossy lipsticks, it doesn’t dry out your lips. Its lightweight formula glides on comfortably without drying them out or caking your lips.
Color: Is it really universal?
What does pillow talk look like?
Pillow Talk Original Lipstick is described as a light pink, but its appearance will vary depending on your natural lip color and skin tone. On most people, it appears a soft, muted pink with peachy brown undertones—the perfect color for your lips, but better.
Color properties:
- Soft pink base – nude
- peach shades
- slightly muted (not bright or bold)
- Natural and sophisticated finish
- One-touch dyeing
Does it suit all skin tones?
Here’s the truth: While 
Charlotte Tilbury markets Pillow Talk as “suitable for all skin types,” it’s only suitable for light to medium skin with warm or neutral undertones. If you have darker skin, this product is more likely to leave you looking washed out, so Charlotte Tilbury has expanded its line to include Pillow Talk Medium and Pillow Talk Intense for darker skin.
Best for:
- Fair to medium skin tones
- warm and neutral tones
- Those looking for a natural pink color
May not work with:
- Dark or deep skin tones (try Pillow Talk Medium or Intense instead)
- cool olive shades
- Those who want bold lips
Performance: How to wear it?
Longevity and wear time
Pillow Talk long-lasting lipstick with a comfortable matte formula. On average, you can expect:
- 4-6 hours of wear with light food and drink.
- Fade evenly without any spots.
- Requires some touch-ups after meals.
- It moves slightly but not excessively.
The soft, matte finish means it’ll transfer more than liquid lipsticks, but it doesn’t leave heavy marks on cups or leave your lips bare after one sip of coffee.
All day
The lipstick maintains a comfortable feel throughout its wear. It doesn’t dry out your lips or cause any discomfort after a few hours. The color fades gradually and evenly, so there’s no unattractive ring around the edges.
How to Apply Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick
For best results, follow these application tips:
Step by step application
- Prep your lips: Start with smooth, exfoliated lips. Apply a thin layer of lip balm and let it absorb into your skin.
- Use a lip liner: For longer-lasting, perfectly defined lips, line your lips with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Pillow Talk. You can also fill in your lips with the liner for long-lasting wear.
- Apply lipstick: Apply directly from the pencil or use a lip brush to precisely define it. One stroke gives a gorgeous color, but you can build up the stroke for a more intense color.
- Dab and reapply: For maximum hold, pat with a tissue and then apply a second coat.
Pro Tips:
- Lightly define your lips to enhance the plumping effect of the 3D glow pigments.
- Apply a layer of Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre for a glossy finish.
- Use it alone for a natural daytime look or with bold eyes for a glamorous evening look.
Pillow talk vs. other colors in the collection
Charlotte Tilbury has expanded her Pillow Talk line to include several shades:
Pillow Talk Exhibition
- lighter and cooler pink
- Best for very fair skin
- KISSING Formula (More Satin Finish)
Original Pillow Talk
- Classic pink
- Best for fair to medium skin
- Matte Revolution Formula
Medium pillow talk
- deeper pink brown
- Best for medium to dark skin
- Matte Revolution Formula
Intense pillow talk
- rich purple brown
- Best for medium to deep skin
- kissing formula
Pillow Talk Full Lip Look
To get the full Pillow Talk experience, Charlotte Tilbury recommends using the lipstick with:
- Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk defines and prolongs lips
- Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk Cheekbone Highlighter
- Pillow Talk Lipstick is the star of the show.
- Pillow Talk Glossy Lipstick Optional lip gloss for extra shine
Pros and Cons
What we like
- Soft, matte, comfortable formula that doesn’t dry out lips
- Luxury packaging looks expensive and high quality.
- A beautiful pink shade perfect for everyday wear.
- Enhances natural lip color for a “my lips but better” effect.
- gentle vanilla scent
- Does not highlight dry spots or lip lines.
- One-touch dyeing
- 3D glow pigments create fuller lips.
What could be better?
- The price point is high at $35.
- Not really universal (works best on fair to medium skin)
- It moves to cups and during kissing.
- Requires some touch-ups after meals.
- It can be very pink or very peachy depending on the base color.
- Limited wear time compared to liquid lipstick
- Not suitable for very dry lips without preparation
Is it worth talking about the Charlotte Tilbury pillow?
Our verdict: Yes, but with some reservations.
If you have fair to medium skin with a warm or neutral undertone and are looking for an everyday lipstick in a light pink shade, Pillow Talk is definitely worth the investment . Its comfortable formula, beautiful color, and luxurious experience justify the price.
However, if you’re on a budget, have dark skin, or prefer long-lasting liquid lipstick, you may want to explore alternatives.
Worth it if:
- You appreciate luxury packaging and expertise.
- Wear the same nude color every day (used a lot)
- Your skin tone is light to medium.
- You prefer comfortable formulations over long-lasting formulations.
- Want a versatile lipstick for everyday use?
Skip it if:
- You’re on a strict beauty budget.
- You have deep or dark skin (try medium or intense)
- You need transfer-resistant, long-lasting fixtures.
- Your lips are very dry
- You prefer bold and striking lip colors.
Best Alternatives to Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk
If Pillow Talk isn’t quite right for you, consider the following alternatives:
cheap products
1. Maybelline Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick in Nude for All
- Comfortable satin formula
- Part of the price
2. NYX London Soft Matte Lip Cream
- soft matte finish
- nude pink color
- Great pigmentation
3. e.l.f. Satin Lipstick in Touch of Pink
- Budget-friendly option
- soft pink color
- decent lasting power
Similar luxury options
1. MAC Cream Lipstick
- Enhanced cream formula
- natural pink color
- Classic cult status
2. Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna
- Luxurious formula
- soft pink
- Comfortable to wear
3. Tom Ford First Time Lipstick
- A very luxurious option
- Creamy satin finish
- beautiful pink color
How to get a Charlotte Tilbury pillow for less
Money-saving tips
- Shop during Sephora’s sale: Beauty Insider offers with 10-20% off
- Check out Nordstrom’s sales: occasional beauty events with discounts.
- Try the mini: Pillow Talk is available in mini lip kits (about $25).
- Gift Sets: Look for holiday sets that include multiple Pillow Talk products.
- Rewards Programs: Use Sephora Points or Ulta Rewards
- Space NK Sales: UK shoppers can take advantage of regular discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk good for pale skin?
Yes! Pillow Talk Original is great for fair to light skin. For very fair skin, you can also use Pillow Talk Fair, which is slightly lighter and cooler.
Does Pillow Talk lipstick dry out your lips?
No, the Matte Revolution formula is surprisingly comfortable and doesn’t dry out lips like traditional matte lipsticks. However, we recommend using a lip balm before application if your lips are naturally dry.
How long is the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk show?
The “pillow talk” effect lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours with small amounts of food and drink. It wears off gradually and evenly, requiring some light touch-ups after meals.
Is Pillow Talk suitable for dark skin?
Pillow Talk Original is typically too light for dark skin tones. Charlotte Tilbury offers Pillow Talk Medium and Pillow Talk Intense, specifically designed for medium to dark skin tones.
Can you wear Pillow Talk with any makeup look?
Absolutely! Pillow Talk is incredibly versatile. It works with minimal makeup looks, pairs perfectly with bold eye makeup, and transitions seamlessly from day to night.
Are Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipsticks vegan?
No, Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks are cruelty-free, but they are not vegan. They may contain animal-derived ingredients.
What is the difference between Pillow Talk lipstick and lip liner?
Lip liner was introduced first and is used to define and reshape lips. Lipstick provides the base color. When used together, they give lips a more defined and firmer appearance.
Final Thoughts
Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Lipstick has earned its cult status for good reason. It’s a comfortable matte lipstick with a gorgeous formula, in a versatile light pink shade that enhances your natural beauty. While it’s not entirely universal and comes with a hefty price tag, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for the perfect light lipstick for everyday wear.
The combination of comfort, flattering color, and a luxurious experience makes Pillow Talk a modern classic. If it suits your skin tone and you appreciate high-quality formulas, it deserves a place in your makeup collection.
Our rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Bottom Line: A stunning nude-pink lipstick with a comfortable formula and luxurious feel, but it’s only truly “universal” for fair to medium skin.
Where can I buy Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick?
- Charlotte Tilbury Official Website: charlottetilbury.com
- Sephora: Available in-store and online
- Ulta Beauty: Online and in select stores
- Nordstrom: Department Stores and Online Shopping
- Space NK: UK and Europe
Have you tried a Charlotte Tilbury pillow? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Are you a member of Team Pillow or looking for the perfect alternative? Share your thoughts with us!
