Pillow Talk Lipstick Review: Is It Really Worth the Hype?
If you’ve ever searched for a universally flattering nude-pink lipstick, chances are you’ve heard of Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.
It’s been called a must-have, a holy grail, and one of the most iconic lipstick shades of all time. But does it actually live up to the hype?
I’ve had this lipstick in my collection for a while now, and I’ve tested it in just about every situation—daily errands, date nights, long workdays, and even after one too many coffee refills.
If you’re considering adding it to your makeup bag, I’ll walk you through everything: the shade, formula, longevity, and whether it’s actually worth the price. Here’s everything you need to know about Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.
First Impressions: Packaging & Aesthetic
Before we even talk about the formula, let’s acknowledge one thing—Charlotte Tilbury knows how to do packaging.
Pillow Talk comes in a vintage-inspired rose gold tube that feels like a little luxury every time I pull it out of my bag. It’s lightweight but still has a high-end feel, and I love the ridged detailing on the case.
It has a magnetic closure, which makes it feel even more expensive. If you’re someone who appreciates a bit of old-Hollywood glamour in your beauty products, this is the kind of lipstick that just looks good on your vanity.
But, of course, pretty packaging doesn’t mean much if the product itself doesn’t deliver. So let’s talk about the actual lipstick.
The Shade: A Universally Flattering Pink?
Charlotte Tilbury describes Pillow Talk as a “nude pink” designed to flatter all skin tones. That’s a bold claim, considering how different pinks can look on various undertones.
On me, Pillow Talk pulls a soft pink with a slightly warm undertone. It’s not too brown, not too peachy, and not too cool—it’s that perfect in-between shade that looks effortlessly natural.
If you’re someone who loves the “your lips but better” look, this is exactly that.
However, I have noticed that on deeper skin tones, the original Pillow Talk can lean a little too light. That’s why Charlotte Tilbury released Pillow Talk Medium and Pillow Talk Intense, which are warmer and deeper variations.
If you have medium to deep skin and feel like this shade washes you out, those might be better options.
Overall, I’d say the original Pillow Talk is best suited for fair to light-medium skin tones, while those with deeper skin may prefer the richer versions.
Formula & Comfort: Is It Drying?
One of my biggest concerns with matte lipsticks is how they feel on the lips. I can’t stand formulas that are so dry they settle into lines or feel like they’re sucking the moisture out of my lips.
Thankfully, Pillow is nothing like that. It has a soft-matte finish that feels lightweight and comfortable. It doesn’t tug when applying and it has a slightly creamy feel that makes it easy to build up.
That being said, if your lips are already dry, this formula can emphasize dryness a bit. If I don’t prep my lips beforehand with a balm, I notice that after a few hours, my lips start to feel a little parched. It’s not the worst, but it’s something to be aware of if you have dry lips.
Pro tip: For the most comfortable wear, I usually apply a light layer of lip balm about 10 minutes before putting on Pillow Talk. That way, I get a smooth application without compromising the matte look.
Pigmentation & Buildability
One of the things I love most about this lipstick is how buildable it is. It’s not super opaque in one swipe, which might be a downside if you prefer an intense color payoff.
I like the softer pigment because it lets me control how much I apply.
If I want just a hint of color, I dab it on lightly and blend it out with my fingers. For a more defined look, I can layer it up, and it never looks cakey or thick. It just melds into the lips in a really natural way.
So if you love lipsticks that give a diffused, blurred effect, you’ll probably love how this one applies.
How Long Does It Last?
Let’s be real: no lipstick is truly “all-day” unless it’s a liquid matte or a stain. But for a traditional lipstick, Pillow Talk actually holds up pretty well.
On me, it lasts around 4–5 hours before I start noticing fading. If I’m drinking coffee or snacking, it does wear down faster, but the fade is super even. There’s no weird patchiness or ring-around-the-lips effect, which is a huge plus.
That said, it’s not transfer-proof. If I touch my lips to a napkin or my coffee cup, there’s definitely some product left behind. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you need something that won’t budge all day, this probably isn’t it.
Pro tip: To extend the wear time, I sometimes use the Pillow Talk Lip Cheat liner underneath, which adds some grip and keeps the edges looking sharp longer.
How Versatile Is It?
Pillow Talk is the kind of lipstick that works for almost any occasion. I’ve worn it:
- To work, with minimal makeup.
- On a date night, with a slightly deeper liner for extra definition.
- With a smoky eye, where it acts as the perfect neutral balance.
It’s one of those shades that just works. It doesn’t compete with bold eye looks, but it also doesn’t look too plain when worn alone.
I also love pairing it with a gloss for a softer, more hydrated look. The Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath gives it a plump, juicy finish that I reach for when I want a little extra shine.
Price vs. Value: Is It Worth the Money?
Pillow Talk isn’t cheap. You can definitely find similar pinky-nude shades at the drugstore for less. But here’s why I think it’s still worth it:
- The formula feels high-end. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and fades evenly.
- The shade is unique. While there are dupes, none quite capture the exact mix of pink, nude, and warmth that makes this shade so flattering.
- It’s a true everyday staple. If you’re the kind of person who wears nude-pink lipsticks often, you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
That said, if you’re someone who only wears lipstick occasionally or prefers bolder colors, you might not need to splurge on this one.
Pro tip: You can do what I did: Buy a mini bundle pack where you get a mini version of both the lipstick and the lip liner, and try these iconic products at an affordable price.
Or, if you’re looking for an affordable Pillow Talk lipstick dupe, make sure to check out Kiko Milano lipsticks.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
Pillow Talk lipstick is versatile, easy to wear, and feels luxurious. If you love soft, natural-looking lipsticks, I think Pillow Talk is absolutely worth trying.
However, if you have dry lips, prefer full-coverage color, or need something totally transfer-proof, you might want to look at other options.
Would I repurchase it? Yes! It’s become one of my go-to everyday shades, and I reach for it more than most other lipsticks I own.
If you’ve been on the fence, I’d say give it a shot—there’s a reason this lipstick has such a huge fan base!
Have you tried Pillow Talk? Let me know what you think!
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