Product test

I found a «dupe» for Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury

12.1.2022

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Hyped beauty products don’t always fit the budget. That’s why I’m shining a spotlight on cheaper alternatives, or dupes, that do the job just as well. Up today: «Pillow Talk» by Charlotte Tilbury.

Every two minutes, one tube is sold of the revolutionary matt lipstick in the shade «Pillow Talk». The powder pink colour by the British brand Charlotte Tilbury is a top seller. It’s loved, worn and praised by top models, Hollywood stars and beauty gurus alike. What makes this particular shade so successful?
According to the manufacturer, Pillow Talk adapts to the natural colour of your lips and to your skin tone. Sounds magical. The eponymous make-up artist behind the brand frankly got lucky when creating the shade and happened on a tone that suits many people.

If you want to get yourself a tube of the luxury lipstick, you’ll have to fork out about 42 francs. A handsome sum. No wonder people are constantly looking for more affordable alternatives. Regardless, I decided to treat myself to the original, hoping I’d understand the hype. Lo and behold, I actually came across a dupe for it in my make-up collection the other day. I’m talking about the Color Riche Nude Intense lipstick by L’Oréal. Shade: «173 Nu Impertinent». Price tag: just under 15 francs.

On the left: «Pillow Talk» by Charlotte Tilbury. On the right: the alternative by L’Oréal.

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche (173 Impertine)

Lipstick

Quantity discount

CHF10.60 per piece for 2 units

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche

173 Impertine

Comparison

In terms of colour, telling the two lipsticks apart is no easy feat. L’Oréal’s shade is just a teeny bit cooler; a difference you can’t see when applied. Both feel nice and light, and neither dries out my lips.

Swatches. Bottom: «Pillow Talk» by Charlotte Tilbury. Top: the alternative by L’Oréal.

Pillow Talk has a silky matt finish, while Nu Impertinent gives the lips a touch more shine. Price aside, the two products differ most obviously in their packaging: Charlotte’s rose gold tube is classy, playful and conveys luxury. Next to it, the L’Oréal tube – though also rose gold – immediately screams plastic packaging. Not to mention it’s quite the fingerprint magnet. Fortunately, packaging is secondary in the search for dupes*. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. And what’s inside the L’Oréal is in no way inferior to Pillow Talk.

*In the world of beauty, «dupes» refer to cheaper products that are as similar as possible in terms of colour, texture and finish to expensive, high-end or luxury products.

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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