Charlotte Tilbury, born in London in 1973 and raised in Ibiza, has become one of the most influential figures in the beauty industry. Her early exposure to the arts through her painter father and fashion producer mother fostered a deep appreciation for aesthetics. At 11, she met renowned makeup artist Mary Greenwell, who would later become her mentor. Tilbury honed her skills at the Glauca Rossi School of Makeup in London and began her career assisting Greenwell, eventually working with top photographers and designers, including Mario Testino, Tom Ford, and Alexander McQueen.
In 2013, Tilbury launched her eponymous beauty brand, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Ltd., debuting at Selfridges in London. The brand quickly gained a following for its luxurious packaging and high-performance products, such as the Magic Cream moisturizer and the Pillow Talk lipstick, which became a global bestseller. Tilbury’s philosophy centers on empowering individuals through makeup, making beauty accessible and transformative. Her brand’s success led to a majority stake acquisition by Puig in 2020, valuing the company at approximately £1 billion.
Tilbury’s impact extends beyond product development; she has been instrumental in shaping beauty trends and standards. Her work has graced the covers of leading fashion magazines and red carpets worldwide. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018. Tilbury continues to innovate, recently launching an AI-powered beauty app to personalize makeup recommendations, further solidifying her role as a pioneer in the beauty industry.
