Charlotte Tilbury’s cult beauty products rarely stay discounted for long, but shoppers have spotted one of the brand’s popular foundations reduced to under £30, a price that has caught the attention of makeup fans looking for a smoothing, natural-looking base. Now, the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick is available for £29.60, down from £37, on the website.

The formula was created with mature skin in mind, addressing concerns many people have about foundation settling into fine lines or making skin look drier. In an interview with The Independent, Charlotte Tilbury explained the inspiration behind the product: “As we age, our skin begins to show signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration, which can change how makeup looks and applies. I have seen so many people with mature skin shy away from foundation as they worry it will make them look older. I wanted something that worked for those with mature skin who want that lifting, smoothing, blurring effect.”

With its skincare-inspired ingredients and glow-enhancing formula, the Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick is designed to deliver a natural finish while helping skin appear smoother, brighter and more hydrated. The foundation, which comes in 20 different shades, is designed to blur, smooth and enhance the complexion while delivering sheer-to-light buildable coverage.

The lightweight stick formula is said to glide onto the skin and blend easily, creating a soft-focus finish that gives the appearance of smoother, more radiant skin. Its formula combines skincare ingredients with makeup technology, the brand says.

Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin plump and moisturised, while vitamin E provides antioxidant nourishment. Daikon radish seed oil adds lightweight hydration and helps soften the appearance of fine lines, while plant-powered Collageneer works to improve the look and feel of firmness and elasticity.

The foundation also features Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Mapping Mesh Tech, which blends soft-focus blurring ingredients with micro-fine pearlescent filters, designed to reflect light across the face. This creates a subtle glow and smoothing effect that can help minimise the look of texture and uneven tone.

For those who want a cheaper option, LookFantastic has the L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation for £11.99. This is described as a ‘lightweight, buildable foundation’ that is enriched with a moisturising complex and SPF17.

Then M&S has the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20 for £39. Available in a range of shades, this one comes with ingredients that are also helpful for skincare, including three types of vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid.

The Charlotte Tilbury foundation has garnered a high 4.2 out of five star-rating on the brand’s website, however, as one person said: “I like the convenience of this product. Also blends well.”

Another added: “Gorgeous to wear, moisturising and not sticky.” A third person wrote: “I love this makeup. It is ideal for the days when my skin is tired and I just want to brighten up without anything too heavy. Suits fair skin, just gives a natural glow.”

Some people disagreed slightly, as one said: “I really liked this foundation as it felt really light on the skin. The smell was pleasant and the packaging was very nice, you can tell it’s a higher-end product. The shade range is very wide but maybe a few more in between shades would be better.”

Another added: “I decided to take the plunge to buy this product. I’m very conscious about any new product. I applied to start with on my cheeks to see how it goes. Then progressed to (my) face. I do like it but am conscious of small breakouts that have occurred around the chin. I’ll progress on and see how it goes!”