11-08-2025
After hearing it's the 'holy grail' of skincare I tried the viral serum that has THOUSANDS of five-star reviews - and I can't believe the difference
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A youth-boosting skincare serum is going viral all over again thanks to its ultra-hydrating, skin-smoothing finish – so I put it to the test to see if it was worth the hype.
The Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir has been coined a 'skincare holy grail' by users, with over 2300 five-star reviews accumulating from shoppers who can't get enough of the smoothing, glow-giving finish it gives.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, 30ml
Created in collaboration with expert scientists and globally renowned facialists, the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir serum has been designed to address the most universal skin concerns, delivering clinically proven results for hydrated, youthful-looking skin.
From visible pores to stubborn wrinkles, this formula is proven to smooth imperfections fast, leaving your complexion perfected in as little as a week.
£65 Shop
In clinical trials on 31 people using the serum over eight weeks, skin looked 49 per cent firmer, while in trials on 209 people over four weeks 93 per cent agreed their skin looked younger
When it comes to results-driven skincare, Charlotte Tilbury has been leading the charge for years.
From the original Magic Cream to the newer Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum, each and every product from the brand's transformative selection is set to leave you with gorgeous skin fast. Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir is certainly no exception.
Created in collaboration with expert scientists and globally renowned facialists, this gorgeous silky, milky serum has been designed to address the most universal skin concerns, delivering clinically proven results for hydrated, youthful-looking skin.
From visible pores to stubborn wrinkles, this award-winning formula is proven to smooth imperfections fast, acting as a boost in a bottle and leaving your complexion perfected in as little as a week.
This is all thanks to the Crystal Elixir serum's potent cocktail of skincare ingredients, including REPLEXIUM™ for younger-looking skin, Golden Vitamin C for a brighter-looking complexion, and hydration powerhouse Polyglutamic Acid – an ingredient that's over four times more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid.
The result is a truly super-charged, 'magic' serum that makes your skin look younger, brighter, smoother and more even, while also helping your skin retain moisture.
In fact, in clinical trials on 31 people over eight weeks, skin appeared 49 per cent firmer after using the serum, while in trials on 209 people over four weeks 93 per cent agreed their skin looked younger and 97 per cent agreed their skin felt intensely hydrated.
But what did I think?
I thought I'd tried every glow-giving serum on the market - until I finally got my hands on Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir. It's not new, but after just a few uses, I'm wondering why I didn't try it sooner.
Like all Charlotte Tilbury offerings, the packaging is luxe. Coming in a sleek glass pipette bottle, this serum is totally easy to apply to the face - and looks gorgeous on the bathroom counter.
Instantly after applying the serum, my skin looked brighter, positively glowing and incredibly plump. If you've been looking to achieve the coveted smooth and even glass skin look, then this is it, bottled.
The serum doesn't leave me looking or feeling greasy, either, like many other 'glow-giving' serums often do. Instead, my skin looked lit from within and even juicy – and felt truly quenched and hydrated.
Silky, smooth and a joy to apply, it's easy to see why this bestselling serum is so cult.
But it didn't stop there. I followed the serum with the Magic Skin Moisturiser and then applied my makeup - opting for the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation, which gave me one of the best makeup looks I've had for a while.
I kept the foundation application light and applied all my other products as usual. I was left with the most stunning, hydrated and dewy finish. It was as if the serum was shining through from underneath the makeup, keeping my skin plump and perfect.
And it stayed looking plump and perfect all day. Thus, I'm not at all surprised that over 2300 five-star reviews have accumulated for the top-selling serum.
'I love this product, makes my skin feel so soft & smells gorgeous,' raved one five-star reviewer. 'My skin is glowing and only used for a week.'
Another added: 'This purchase was a repeat one. I was getting low and I can't live without it. It nourishes my skin and keeps my rosacea at bay.'
'Love this serum. Skin instantly feels moisturised and supple. Only a few drops needed and wrinkles are much less pronounced. I use miracle cream after application and skin feels hydrated and supple all day long.' Wrote a third.
This is certainly a new favourite for me, so why not see what all the fuss is about for yourself?
