Pure Magic with Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury is pushing the boundaries of skincare innovation with her first ever serum that brightens, tightens and hydrates
Chances are you’re not entirely new to the world of Charlotte Tilbury. The celebrated makeup artist has waved her magic wand on a number of A-list clients including Amal Clooney and Celine Dion, while simultaneously transforming our makeup bags one fabulous product at a time. The British creative champions the transformative power of makeup, but she’s also well aware that you need a flawless canvas to achieve the best results. Hence why she’s spent years working with scientists and experts to develop ground-breaking skincare products that visibly work. From the award-winning Goddess Cleaning Ritual, to the brand’s Magic Cream – a product that sells every two minutes around the world – it was only a matter of time before she unveiled another must-have skincare gem.
Introducing Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, packed with supercharged ingredients including patented replexium, polyglutamine acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, as well as a host of other skin-loving goodies. The serum promises to transform your complexion in just eight weeks, while research revealed 97 per cent of people noticed “intensely hydrated” skin and 93 per cent agreed that their skin looked younger. Intrigued? We chatted to the famed makeup and skincare mogul to learn more about her latest launches (including Magic Cream Light and Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir) and to get an insight into her own skincare routine.
What prompted you to create the new Magic Serum Crystal Elixir?
Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir is the perfect addition to my supercharged skincare regime for magic skin! I wanted to bottle my 27 years of expertise working with all skin types as a makeup artist, to address the most universal skin concerns and deliver the best clinically proven visible results. I wanted to create a serum that was ground-breaking innovation with breakthrough ingredients for advanced skin results.
My approach to skincare has always been holistic and scientific – the power of beauty comes from the magic within. When I came to develop my supercharged serum with scientists, I wanted to ensure that my expert, science-powered formula captured not only the latest innovations in technology and the best of modern biocosmetic science, but also the spiritual and mythical power of crystals. I believe that crystals are like natural beauty filters – they are proven to help balance the skin. We live in a crystal age and I wanted to bring holistic wellbeing, energy and light frequency into your life and into your skincare regime by infusing my new serum with a magic, crystal complex. The new Magic Serum is your crystal conduit to the best skin of your life.
I created my Magic Serum Crystal Elixir to enhance the hydrating and plumping effects of my award-winning magic cream moisturiser. Every morning and evening, after cleansing with my Goddess Cleansing Ritual, I apply my Magic Serum by warming a few drops on my fingertips and then massaging into my skin. The dreamy, lightweight texture sinks into the skin effortlessly and layers so beautifully with my Charlotte’s Magic Cream. I apply my iconic, award-winning moisturiser on top of my serum to seal in all the magical goodness. In recent times, I’ve been applying both to my face, neck and even hands.
How challenging is it to blend potent ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?
It is incredibly challenging, but I wanted to bring to the market the most potent, powerful formula possible. Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir has a magic matrix of supercharged, concentrated 20 per cent skincare ingredients including golden vitamin C and polyglutamic acid – known to be over four times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. It’s skincare science in a bottle. I have worked so closely with the world’s leading skincare laboratories to develop this serum and I know that men and women of all ages are going to love it.Pure vitamin C is notoriously difficult to formulate as it is highly unstable and oxidises when it comes into contact with air and light – it also doesn't penetrate into the skin well. To overcome these issues, we included the most effective form of vitamin C, conjugated to sub-microparticles of gold, which helps the ascorbic acid stay stable under all conditions and allow for 100 per cent to be absorbed into the skin. What this means is, vitamin C is bound with gold, making it more stable – it acts like a missile into the skin straight down to the dermis! This next-generation gold-powered vitamin C works more effectively than traditional vitamin C for brighter, even-looking skin. I worked my magic so that all of the ingredients in my Magic Serum have been expertly blended into one powerhouse of potent ingredients.
What instant results can we expect?
Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir is science powered skincare for clinically proven results. Your skin will be flooded with moisture and will have a wonderful soft, velvety feel to it and the skin barrier function will be instantly improved. I love how my skin looks and feels instantly after applying my Magic Serum. The results are incredible – seeing really is believing. I’ve always believed that skincare is self-care. And now more than ever, I’ve found myself relying on my skincare routine.
And what about the long-term?
There are so many incredible results – wrinkles and fine lines will appear reduced, the skin will feel more elastic and firmer, skin will look younger, pores will look refined, facial contours will appear lifted, skin will look full of energy and vitality.
Working with scientists and dermatologists, what surprised you about the development process?
When launching my serum, I consulted two of the world’s renowned skincare experts, medically-trained dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto and Georgia Louise Vassanelli – aesthetician and founder of Georgia Louise skincare and skincare technology. I am obsessed with skincare, so I really enjoy the development process. I’ve learnt that it is so important to create the perfect balance of ingredients so you can get a super effective product that is still gentle to the skin and suitable for all skin types. I am so thrilled that my new serum is suitable for sensitive skin types too – I want everyone, everywhere to have their best-looking skin. I always say, you can’t have the perfect painting without the perfect canvas. From day one my company has always been focused on skincare and makeup. My Magic Cream Moisturiser was my first ever product and it remains a global best-seller – one pot of my award-winning Magic Cream is sold every two minutes. I knew that I wanted my skincare products to have a potent blend of powerful ingredients that nourish the skin while addressing universal skin concerns – from dryness, to redness to naughty imperfections. My skin has changed over time and I’ve learnt to really take care of my skin. I always say, skincare is self-care. Recently, I’ve been taking more time to massage my skincare into my skin rather than just apply it. I’ve learnt that it’s so important to double cleanse – a gorgeous, glowing complexion is the first step in every routine and I love that fresh, clean, magic skin feeling. I take time for me, every morning and evening, to use my Goddess Cleaning Rituals to refresh and reset. My skin feels so refreshed and rejuvenated – ready for my supercharged Magic Serum and Magic Cream application. Magic Cream is Magic Skin.
How would you define beauty today?
There are so many different types of beauty and the beauty industry is always changing. From social media where you can see new beauty trends emerging all around the world, to new innovations in ingredients born in the laboratories. I believe everyone is beautiful – you can enhance your own unique beauty with the right tools. My mantra is: “Give everyone the right skincare and makeup and they can conquer the world.”
What advice would you give to anyone hoping to step into the beauty industry?
My philosophy is “give everyone the right makeup and they can conquer the world” because I truly believe that beauty is magic and power. When I launched my company, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, I saw a gap in the market for makeup magic and supercharged skincare that was easy-to-choose, easy-to-use and easy-to-understand. I wanted to decodify the world of shopping for beauty, making women and men feel beautiful, safe and empowered by makeup and skincare, so that everyone can feel like the most beautiful versions of themselves every day. As British female entrepreneur I know at times it can be challenging. The one piece of advice I always share with those who are pursuing a career in beauty is one of the positive mantras I live by, dare to dream it, dare to believe it, dare to do it. It is so important in this industry to never give up and always have self-belief. Keep a single-minded focus, dream big and dare to make your dreams your reality. I talk a lot about the power of visualization too. Visualize what you want and don’t give up until you get it. You need to be professional, dedicated and hardworking to make it in the industry, but most of all you need to have fun. Take us through your morning routine. My beautiful boys Flynn and Valentine are my alarm. After a hot tea with lemon, I begin my skincare routine with my Goddess Cleansing Ritual, which contains lemon, rose and bergamot oils to uplift and energise. It’s the perfect way to start every day. I notice my skin looks more radiant in seconds – and ready for ritual two, my purifying charcoal cleanse. This skin purifier draws out impurities, helping to unblock pores and eliminating excess oiliness. For multi-masking magic, I use my Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask while I check my emails ready for the day ahead. The genius ingredients – including vitamin B3, crocus bulb extract, peptides, oils and butters – penetrate deep into the skin using a unique biomimetic vector delivery system, feeding the complexion where it needs it most for a more youthful, brighter, hydrated looking finish. I cannot live without my award-winning Charlotte’s Magic Cream moisturiser. It has a unique blend of oils and active which I call the Magic 8, including bionymph peptide, hyaluronic acid, camelia oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, frangipani flower extract and vitamins C and E. I am never without it; it gives me the perfect, plump-looking, glowing base. I then gently tap in my Magic Eye Rescue underneath the eyes, hydrating and visibly smoothing the skin. It’s clinically proven to brighten the appearance of dark circles. I am a mascara obsessive, so I always like to apply lashings and lashings of Legendary Lashes Volume 2 mascara! It gives 507 per cent more volume and is long-wear, smudge-proof and humidity resistant so the Hollywood flutter lasts all day.
I love to wear my Pillow Talk Matte Revolution lipstick. I’ve used this shade on so many supermodels and stars – it’s an iconic, sumptuous, perfect, nude-pink hue that looks flattering on everyone.
For my hair, lately I have been loving the Dyson Airwrap. I can create the most gorgeous, tousled waves in just 15 minutes. I also love Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl texturizing spray. I’ve worked with Sam on many shoots and runways over the years. This spray is perfect for running through slept-in curls for an instant volume boost.
What business goals are you setting for the rest of the year?
The path to where I am now has been the most incredible, magical, wild, crazy and fun journey! I always say, it takes a team to build a dream and I have the dream team. I am looking forward to working with my dream team on new exciting ways to launch products – for Magic Serum we had our first ever virtual launch via video call with 300 journalists which was just incredible. I cannot wait to share my new Airbrush icon with the world – I know all you gorgeous Middle Eastern beauties are going to love it.
And how about personal goals?
My personal goal for this year is to spend more time with my family and friends, taking care of my loved ones and myself.
How do you see the beauty industry developing and growing in the future?
There are so many incredible innovations to come in the industry. I work closely with the world’s best laboratories and every day I am dreaming up magical new products that the world needs. Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, Magic Cream Light and Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir are available now