Charlotte Tilbury vs. Makeup by Mario: Ultimate Face-Off
Discover the pros, cons, and performance of Charlotte Tilbury and Makeup by Mario—two top beauty brands battling for makeup supremacy.
Charlotte Tilbury vs. Makeup by Mario: The Ultimate Beauty Showdown
When it comes to modern makeup icons, few names stand as tall as Charlotte Tilbury and Mario Dedivanovic—the creative genius behind Makeup by Mario. Both brands have become cult favorites and staples in the kits of beauty lovers, influencers, and professionals alike. But when it comes to performance, price, shade range, and results, which brand truly delivers? This extensive, SEO-optimized guide breaks down each category—bronzer, concealer, eyeshadow, and more—so you can decide which superstar lineup best suits your needs.
Brand Overview
- Charlotte Tilbury: Founded by legendary British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, the brand is renowned for its old-Hollywood glamour inspiration, luxury packaging, and luminous, high-performance products that promise a “soft-focus” finish.
- Makeup by Mario: Created by Mario Dedivanovic, celebrity makeup artist known for his work with Kim Kardashian, the brand takes a more minimal, artistry-driven approach, focusing on skin realism and modern color curation.
Both brands have signature looks: Tilbury is all about glow, while Mario leans toward understated, editorial finishes. Their collections are packed with hero products that regularly sell out and generate viral buzz across social media.
Key Product Categories Compared
- Cream Bronzers
- Concealers
- Powder Bronzers
- Eyeshadow Palettes
- Shade Range & Inclusivity
- Price & Value for Money
- Finish, Texture & Performance
- Wear Test & Longevity
Cream Bronzers: Charlotte Tilbury vs. Makeup by Mario
| Feature | Charlotte Tilbury | Makeup by Mario |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Beautiful Skin Sunkissed Glow Bronzer | SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer |
| Price | $56 | $30 |
| Finish | Natural, softly matte | Dewy, radiant |
| Creaminess | Thicker, creamy texture | Thin, balm-like texture |
| Pigment | Medium to strong | Sheer, buildable |
| Shades | 4 | 6 |
| Coverage | Medium | Light, sheer |
Charlotte Tilbury’s bronzer delivers a medium coverage with a naturally sun-kissed finish. It’s denser and easy to build from a soft wash to a dramatic contoured look. The creamy texture blends effortlessly, leaving skin looking softly airbrushed with subtle warmth.
Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Enhancer has a lighter, balm-like consistency, imparting a radiant glow. While the pigment is more sheer initially, it can be layered for deeper impact. The texture is perfect for creating a bronzy, dewy look without feeling heavy or cakey, and it’s suitable for dry and normal skin types.
- Charlotte Tilbury: More pigmented on application, delivers a powder-cream finish that adapts for soft or bold looks.
- Makeup by Mario: Sheerer, more radiant effect, easier to blend for makeup beginners.
- Mario’s formula offers more shades (6 vs. 4), accommodating a broader spectrum of undertones.
Concealers: Coverage Showdown
- Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer: Known for medium-high coverage, luminous satin finish, and longevity. It remains crease-resistant throughout the day and creates a natural, “second skin” appearance.
- Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Concealer: Offers natural to medium coverage, a lightweight feel, and a subtle, skin-like finish. It’s hydrating and works well for dry to normal skin types but is slightly less pigmented.
What others are reading
In side-by-side use, Tilbury often wins for those seeking a flawless, undetectable finish with a bit more “airbrushed” polish. Mario’s option is subtle, blending seamlessly for those who prefer less coverage and more luminosity—great for no-makeup makeup looks.
Powder Bronzers: Classic vs. Modern
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer: Beloved for its smooth, fine-milled powder, airbrushed matte finish, and soft, blendable texture. Hits pan quickly for many users due to its versatility and velvety touch.
- Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzer: Slightly less pigmented, with a warmer undertone and softer application. The final result is natural and buildable, but typically needs more layering compared to Tilbury.
Tilbury’s formula tends to be chosen by users seeking instantly noticeable definition and a long-wearing, non-patchy matte finish, while Mario is preferable for those preferring a gentle warm-up rather than sculpted contour.
Eyeshadow Palettes: Pigment and Performance
- Charlotte Tilbury: Rich, highly pigmented formulas offer both blendability and impact. Signature color stories often evoke soft glam looks and are ideal for one-and-done applications as well as layering.
- Makeup by Mario: Palettes are curated for versatility but shades (especially mattes) lean warmer and may require additional layering for true opacity. The finish is softer, making Mario’s palettes especially suitable for understated daytime glam.
Charlotte Tilbury shades tend to show up more vibrantly and require fewer layers, while Mario’s approach offers softer payoff that can be more forgiving for makeup beginners or quick looks.
Shade Selection & Inclusivity
- Makeup by Mario is slightly ahead here, with a broader range of shades for both bronzers and concealers (generally offering more undertones and inclusivity).
- Charlotte Tilbury’s most popular products are sometimes critiqued for fewer deep shades or a larger skew toward warmer undertones.
Price & Value for Money
| Brand | Typical Pricing | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Tilbury | $$$ ($40–$60 per product) | Luxury experience, premium ingredients, sophisticated packaging |
| Makeup by Mario | $$ ($20–$38 per product) | Pro-grade formulas, more affordable for daily use |
While Charlotte Tilbury costs more, the brand positions itself as “luxury beauty” with glamorous componentry and a Hollywood backstory. Mario is more accessibly priced, making it an attractive gateway for those seeking artist-inspired quality without the luxury markup.
Finish, Texture & Performance
- Charlotte Tilbury: Generally delivers a more pigmented, luminous, and smoothing effect. Ideal for those seeking visible enhancement and photo-friendly finishes.
- Makeup by Mario: Prioritizes wearable, skin-real finishes. Less likely to settle or accentuate texture or pores but offers a subtler “no-makeup makeup” effect.
Wear Test & Longevity
- Charlotte Tilbury: Consistently receives praise for long wear, especially under varied conditions (heat, humidity). Its concealer is especially noted for not creasing or breaking down even after all-day wear.
- Makeup by Mario: Good staying power, particularly in cream and powder bronzers, though may fade a bit faster on oiler skin types or without setting.
The overall verdict depends on which wear features matter most to you: If lasting power and camera-ready polish are top priorities, Tilbury may be your winner. If you prefer flexible, “lived-in” makeup that looks just as good up-close as in photos, Mario is a solid bet.
Who Should Choose Each Brand?
- Choose Charlotte Tilbury if you:
- Love classic Hollywood-inspired makeup and elegant packaging
- Want luminous, pigmented, photo-ready results
- Are seeking prestige beauty and don’t mind a higher price
- Prefer instantly visible payoff
- Choose Makeup by Mario if you:
- Appreciate a minimalist, artistry-driven approach
- Want easy-to-blend, subtle, skin-like finishes
- Are buying on a moderate budget
- Prioritize shade inclusivity and everyday wearability
Comparison Snapshot
| Category | Charlotte Tilbury | Makeup by Mario |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Polished, luminous, more pigment | Natural, radiant, buildable |
| Coverage | Medium to full | Sheer to medium |
| Shade Range | Moderate | Broad (especially undertones) |
| Packaging | Luxurious, high-end | Modern, sleek |
| Price | Luxury ($40-60+) | Affordable Premium ($20-38) |
| Longevity | Very long-wearing | Good, might require touch-up |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which brand is better for beginners?
A: Makeup by Mario’s formula is often easier for beginners, with buildable coverage and more forgiving textures that blend seamlessly, reducing the risk of harsh lines.
Q: Which bronzer is better for oily skin?
A: Charlotte Tilbury’s powder and cream bronzers tend to stay in place and reduce shine, making them an excellent choice for those with oilier skin types.
Q: Who has a better shade range?
A: Makeup by Mario generally offers more shades and undertones for both complexion and contouring products, catering to broader needs.
Q: Are these brands cruelty-free?
A: Both Charlotte Tilbury and Makeup by Mario are cruelty-free, though Charlotte Tilbury is more explicit in its cruelty-free certification. Always check the latest ingredient and manufacturing updates if this is important for you.
Q: Which concealer lasts longer?
A: Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Concealer is widely praised for its crease resistance and all-day staying power, even in humid or sweaty conditions.
Editor’s Tips for Making Your Choice
- For a bold, red-carpet-ready look, reach for Charlotte Tilbury—especially for events or photoshoots.
- For natural, “your skin but better” looks, everyday makeup, and an accessible price: opt for Makeup by Mario.
- Pair Mario’s SoftSculpt Enhancer with a setting powder if you lean toward oily or combo skin for increased longevity.
- Always swatch complexion products, if possible, as undertones can vary more than seen online swatches.
Related Products to Try
- Charlotte Tilbury: Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder, Hollywood Contour Wand, Luxury Eye Palette in Pillow Talk.
- Makeup by Mario: Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, SoftSculpt Shaping Stick, MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum.
Final Thoughts
Both Charlotte Tilbury and Makeup by Mario deliver on their brand promises—each excelling in different scenarios and for different users. Whether you’re building a professional kit, refreshing your everyday staples, or seeking a singular glam moment, either brand has a product ready to impress. Evaluate your preferences on finish, coverage, price, and inclusivity to discover your perfect match in this modern makeup rivalry.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZljlV5090sM
- https://www.temptalia.com/dupe-comparison/makeup-by-mario-light-medium-vs-charlotte-tilbury-fair/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdXfhlZVD4E
- https://www.temptalia.com/dupe-comparison/makeup-by-mario-light-vs-charlotte-tilbury-bronze-and-contour/
- https://skinsort.com/compare/charlotte-tilbury-airbrush-flawless-longwear-foundation-vs-makeup-by-mario-surrealskin-liquid-foundation
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