Hollywood’s make-up maestro

Celebrated runway make-up artist, face-painter to the stars and founder of a global beauty brand, Charlotte Tilbury shares her A-list secrets

WITH MORE THAN 26 years in the business, Charlotte Tilbury’s talent for creating flawless make-up has made her one of the most revered make-up artist in the world. Known by her A-list clients as the ‘Queen of Glow’, what this woman can’t do with powders and pigments frankly isn’t worth bothering with. But it’s not only her magic touch that makes her a force to be reckoned with. She is a savvy entrepreneur who taps in to what women really want – which is why her make-up brand, launched in 2013, is a sell-out success. Here, she shares her beautiful world.

IN THE BEGINNING

‘My love of beauty and ambition to become a make-up artist started when I was growing up surrounded by creatives in Ibiza – such a magical, bohemian place. I was 13 when I first realised the power of make-up. I started wearing mascara and, overnight, everyone aged from seven to 70 reacted to me in a different way. I was instantly more empowered, magnetic and mesmerising.

Ever since then, I knew I wanted to create my own make-up brand.’

CALM UNDER PRESSURE ‘I’ve worked in many high-pressure environments, from fashion shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris, to all-dayand-night editorial shoots in the craziest locations, and on red carpets, creating magical make-up literally in minutes. Remaining focused and professional is key. I’ve learned to adapt to the situation, move quickly and be nimble. Every experience is so different, but I wouldn’t change any of it. I love it a little hectic!’

THE GLOSSY POSSE ‘It’s essential to have mentors, role models and industry peers you can learn from but who also challenge and inspire you. A turning point for me was meeting [makeup artist] Mary Greenwell when I was 13. Years later, I trained at the Glauca Rossi Make Up School, then assisted Mary. She was, and still is, an incredible mentor to me. I’m also lucky to have been surrounded by a matrix of powerful, remarkable women since I was young. Whether it’s my glamorous mother Patsy, who always has great advice, my creative sister Leah, my trailblazing friend Kate Moss or my brilliant CEO Demetra Pinsent.’

COULD I IT BE MAGIC? ‘Preparing for any red-carpet make-up is a team effort and we’ll envision a look based on the colour, style, fabric and cut of the dress, as well as the character the celebrity wants to portray. Are we going with an ethereal golden goddess, a chic sophisticate or classic Hollywood glamour? And the celebrity obviously has an input. Make-up is very intimate and my A-list clients always trust me to make them the best, most beautiful versions of themselves.’

PARTYING PARTY TYINGWITH WITH THE A- LIST

‘ The Oscars is the one red carpet event everyone gets excited for. The dresses, the make-up, the hair, the winners… it’s my favourite time of year! I usually do the make-up looks for one or two celebrities for the big night. Once all make-up looks have been created and seen on the red carpet, I’ll amp up my own daytime Dolce Vita eye, add lashings of mascara, then head to one of the Oscar after-parties to catch up with friends and dance all night.’

BUILDING A BRAND ‘During my career as a make-up artist, I have always wanted to share the power of make-up and show everyone of all ages how to look and feel like the most beautiful versions of themselves every day. I was lucky enough to work for some incredible brands – from Tom Ford to Helena Rubinstein – but ultimately, I wanted to create my own limitless make-up revolution with make-up that was easy to use, choose and understand. I wanted to create a brand where no one is daunted by make-up, but excited and empowered by it.’

SEE THE POSITIVE SIDE ‘Building a brand, there have, of course, been difficult times, but I really believe it depends on how you choose to perceive them. Rather than see these times as lows, I see them as learnings and opportunities. When someone has told me no, I always tell myself it will be a YES! Self-belief is so important, it’s just our insecurities that block us. Listen to your intuition.’

DREAM BIG ‘One mantra I live by is “Dare to dream it, dare to believe it, dare to do it!” It’s vital to have a single-minded focus, dream big and dare to make your dreams your reality. I remember when I was starting out, I received a note from a beauty editor saying, “Knock it to them, Charlotte. I know you’ll be a star.” It encouraged me to keep following my dream during tough times and really gave me motivation when I was cold-calling for jobs and struggling. Because of this you’ll find a hand-drawn star all over my brand packaging.’

THE MAIN TREND FOR 2019

‘I am loving the ethereal glow and skingilding on cheekbones and complexions on the red carpet. My Hollywood Flawless Filter is ideal for this – it gives you what the Korean’s call ‘glass skin’. It’s this glossy, hyper-real filter for the face and body.’

Turn the pag page for Charlotte’s guide to recreating the looks of two Hollywood H screen goddesses.