Charlotte Tilbury

British beauty brand founded by make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury

Summary

Charlotte Tilbury is a British beauty brand celebrated for its innovative makeup and skincare products. Founded in 2013 by makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, the brand has rapidly gained global recognition with a presence in over 76 countries, and is recognised for its commitment to quality, creativity, and empowering women to feel confident and beautiful.

Origins and History

Charlotte Tilbury, born in London and raised in Ibiza, developed a passion for makeup at an early age as she grew up surrounded by inspiring artists, musicians, actors and writers. With her father, Lance, a painter, and mother, Patsy, a fashion producer, she always knew she would pursue a creative career.

There were two key moments that had a huge impact on Charlotte. The first was meeting renowned makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, on Formentera beach when Charlotte was 11 years old, which opened her eyes to the world of makeup. The second was discovering the transformative power of makeup when, aged 13, Charlotte started wearing mascara and people suddenly reacted to her in a different and more positive way.

She began her career assisting renowned make-up artist Mary Greenwell and honed her skills at the Glauca Rossi School of Makeup. Charlotte believes that everyone deserves to look and feel like the most beautiful, confident version of themselves every day, through the power of make-up. As a make-up artist turned entrepreneur, Charlotte is one of the UK’s most famous beauty industry exports and continues to push boundaries with her award-winning, record-breaking, universally-loved makeup, skincare and fragrance brand.

Throughout her illustrious career, Tilbury has worked on over 180 magazine covers and more than 600 editorial and advertising campaigns, collaborating with fashion icons and celebrities worldwide. Before starting Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, Charlotte worked with industry leaders to create best-selling products and to launch entire beauty lines, leading creative product development for brands including Helena Rubenstein, MAC, Armani, Burberry and Tom Ford. Having worked up to 40 fashion shows a season, Charlotte has started trends on the runways of New York, Milan, Paris and London, acting as show makeup director for brands such as Prada, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin and Chloé among many others.

In 2013, leveraging her extensive industry experience, she launched Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Ltd with an initial collection of 200 products. The beauty brand debuted at Selfridges in London, achieving record-breaking sales and critical acclaim. By 2015, the flagship store opened in Covent Garden, and the products became available internationally, including in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

In 2020, Spanish fashion and fragrance company Puig acquired a majority stake in Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, valuing the company at approximately £1.3 billion. This partnership has been instrumental in expanding the brand’s global reach and product innovation. Under Puig’s ownership, the brand’s net revenue has more than tripled, solidifying its position as a leader in the beauty industry.

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty is committed to sustainability, focusing on responsible sourcing of plant-based materials and ingredients. The brand has also pledged significant contributions to charitable organisations, including a £1 million donation to Women for Women International, reflecting its dedication to empowering women worldwide.

In 2023, Charlotte Tilbury was honored with a Special Recognition Award at The Fashion Awards, acknowledging her visionary approach to beauty and significant contributions to the beauty industry. The brand continues to innovate, recently launching its app designed to democratise and simplify beauty for all, providing users with personalised beauty experiences and exclusive content.

Vision

Charlotte Tilbury’s vision for her eponymous beauty brand centers on making beauty accessible and empowering for everyone. She believes that makeup is a powerful tool that can transform not only one’s appearance but also one’s confidence and outlook on life. Tilbury aims to demystify beauty routines by creating products that are easy to use, ensuring that individuals of all ages and backgrounds can achieve professional-quality results.

Her approach is rooted in the philosophy that beauty should be inclusive, innovative, and inspiring. Tilbury’s vision extends beyond products; she strives to build a community where individuals feel confident and empowered to express themselves. Through educational content, tutorials, and personalized experiences, the brand fosters a supportive environment that encourages self-expression and celebrates individuality. Tilbury’s commitment to innovation ensures that the brand continually evolves, setting new trends and standards in the beauty industry.

Mission Statement

The mission of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty is to empower everyone, everywhere, to feel and look like the most confident, beautiful versions of themselves. This is achieved by providing innovative, high-quality makeup and skincare products that are easy to use and accessible to all. The brand is dedicated to demystifying beauty, offering expert advice, and creating a community where individuals can learn, experiment, and express themselves freely. Central to this mission is a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, ensuring that beauty is a source of joy and empowerment for all.

Key Team

  • Charlotte Tilbury MBE: Founder, President, Chairman, and Chief Creative Officer
  • Demetra Pinsent: Chief Executive Officer

Products and Services

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty offers a comprehensive range of makeup and skincare products designed to enhance natural beauty and provide transformative results. The product portfolio includes foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras, and skincare essentials, each formulated with high-quality ingredients and innovative technologies. One of the brand’s most iconic products is the “Magic Cream,” a moisturiser developed by Tilbury to prep and transform models’ skin before fashion shows. This award-winning cream has gained a cult following for its hydrating and radiance-boosting properties.

Another standout product is the “Pillow Talk” collection, featuring universally flattering nude-pink shades available in lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes. This collection has become a bestseller, celebrated for its versatility and suitability for all skin tones. In addition to individual products, the brand offers curated makeup kits and personalised beauty consultations, both in-store and online. These services aim to provide customers with tailored beauty solutions, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to achieve their desired looks with confidence.

Awards and Recognition

Since its inception, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has received numerous accolades, reflecting its impact and excellence in the beauty industry. In 2014, the brand was honored with the Walpole Award for Emerging British Luxury Brand, recognising its rapid growth and influence. Founder Charlotte Tilbury was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2018 for her services to the beauty and cosmetics industry. The brand’s products have also won multiple awards for innovation and quality. Several products have been recognised at the Vogue Beauty Awards, underscoring their popularity and effectiveness.