High-functioning fragrances

Celebrity make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury (above) has been working with a team of master perfumers and neuroscientists on her new fragrance collection. Each of the six perfumes contains “emotion-boosting molecules” to promote feelings of love, happiness, seduction, calm, energy or empowerment. “They’re like a portal to another world, transporting you to however you want to feel,” says Charlotte, speaking to hello! ahead of this week’s launch.

Charlotte, has it always been one of your ambitions to launch a range of perfumes?

“I’ve always been obsessed with fragrance. I grew up in Ibiza, where the markets used to sell frankincense, sandalwood and amber incense, and what I understood very quickly was how scent can transport you back in time.

“I thought: ‘If scent helps you time-travel backwards, surely you can travel forwards, too?’”

How did you identify your perfumes’ special emotion-boosting molecules?

“[My team and I] went back to the Pyramids and the beginning of fragrance. We looked at how people used scent in different ways: a sacred way, a medicinal way, and for mythical reasons, too. We created moodboards and looked at ancient gods, numerology and colour theory.

“I was very specific about which notes had to be included. For instance, Cosmic Power had to have frankincense, because it’s been used as a portal for thousands of years from this world to the next.”

Do your celebrity clients like the fragrances? “Amal Clooney and Salma Hayek love them. They’re obsessed with the whole collection. Amal’s mother stole my Joyphoria the other night and said how much she loved it.”

Do you have a favourite?

“It depends on how I want to feel. Magic Energy is great when I’m on the go or it’s the morning and I need a boost. Calm Bliss is fantastic for relaxing in the evening.”

Charlotte TilburyMagic Energy eau de parfum, £130 for 100ml. Visit charlottetilbury.com.