The Midas Touch

Whether she’s creating behind-the-runway looks for Alice Temperley, glamming up the Victoria’s Secret Angels, beautifying A-listers such as Amal Clooney on their big day, or getting the likes of Olivia Palermo ready for Fashion Week, there’s not a day when Charlotte Tilbury isn’t working her makeup magic. She is an A-lister in her own right. Amid India enjoying a luxury beauty renaissance, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, which is worth around £1.2 billion, finally made a home in the country through e-commerce platform Nykaa last November. One of the most in-demand makeup artists in the world, known for creating glowing complexions and natural-looking faces – all with her best-selling products, of course. In an exclusive interview with us, she tells us about her journey into beauty industry, her ultimate makeup tips and beauty secrets – including how she keeps her own skin looking so flawless and how you can use makeup to cheat your way to fuller lips, bigger eyes, and supermodel definition.

- Puneet Kapani

My career as a makeup artist began in the early ’90s, working backstage at fashion shows with all of the biggest supermodels, from there I went on to work with the most genius creatives and luxury fashion houses on global campaigns, with celebrities for red carpets and editorial shoots” - Charlotte Tilbury, founder, president and chief creative officer, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Ltd

When did you realise you wanted to pursue beauty professionally?

“From a young age I was always walking a path towards artistry. I grew up in Ibiza, surrounded by a melting pot of creatives and visionaries who sparked my own creativity – it was so bohemian and magical! The first time I knew I wanted to pursue beauty professionally came when I was 13-years-old. I discovered a tube of mascara and when I applied it, I instantly felt more confident and more empowered. I have very fair eyelashes and wearing mascara completely transformed my eyes! People reacted to me in a very different, positive way! It was mascara that showed me the power of makeup and from that moment I knew I needed to share it with the world and that one day, I would create my own beauty company. Mascara changed my life at 13, and I still get that same feeling of empowerment today when I’m wearing my Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara! My career as a makeup artist began in the early ’90s, working backstage at fashion shows with all of the biggest supermodels, from there I went on to work with the most genius creatives and luxury fashion houses on global campaigns, with celebrities for red carpets and editorial shoots – I feel incredibly lucky to have the most magical career!

How do you manage your jam-packed calendar?