Charlotte Tilbury: On Passion, Palomas & The Power Of Positive Thinking

Charlotte Tilbury launched her eponymous beauty brand in 2013 with a single product, Magic Cream, and has since built it into the country’s biggest makeup empire, stocked in department stores from London to Los Angeles, and beloved by everyone from A-list Hollywood stars to drugstore shoppers. We sat down with her to talk Ibiza sunsets, palomas and the tiny star that started it all.

The Rurbanist: Charlotte Tilbury OBE

What’s bringing you joy at the moment?

Nothing brings me joy like sunshine.

Advice you’d give your 15-year-old self?

Dare to dream it, dare to believe it, dare to do it. It’s the advice I give everyone. When you believe in yourself, you have the power to think limitlessly.

What is your greatest treasure?

My two sons and my family. My beauty treasure is my Magic Cream, which was the very first product I launched in 2013 and it changed my life. I’ve since spent ten years developing its new formula with world-first Recoverstem™ peptide. Now that Magic Cream glow is clinically proven to target the appearance of ten visible signs of skin ageing.

What keeps you awake at night?

My brain. It’s like I work right through the night.

What book inspires you most?

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, about creative visualisation, manifesting and positive thinking. I’ve read many books on these subjects, but hers explains the life-changing concept of manifestation in a very understandable way.

Your greatest triumph?

Building Britain’s biggest beauty brand.

Your greatest failure?

There have been setbacks, but the biggest difference between success and failure is giving up or not trying in the first place. There’s a lot more headwind for female entrepreneurs – there are prejudices and preconceptions. When I launched my brand, I was told it was a saturated market and not to bother, but I had unwavering belief in my vision and used being underestimated to my advantage. Challenge is opportunity: it sharpens your thinking, clarifies your standpoint and forces you to think differently.

You wouldn’t know it but…

I speak fluent Spanish.

What do you love best about Britain?

Our sense of humour.

A conversation that changed everything?

At the start of my career, a beauty editor once gave me a note saying: ‘Knock it to them, Charlotte, I know you’ll be a star.’ The tiny hand-drawn star on all my packaging is a reminder of the power of self-belief. When you look and feel like the most confident, beautiful version of yourself, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Investing in the next generation. I’m incredibly proud to be global ambassador for The King’s Trust and co-chair of its Global Gala, championing young people and helping give them the tools, belief and opportunity to transform their lives.

What do you keep by your bed?

A notebook and pen to capture ideas when inspiration strikes, and Calm Bliss from my fragrance collection. We all need a bit of calm in our lives.

Where do you go to escape?

Ibiza, which has a special place in my heart. Growing up there, I was surrounded by inspiring creatives, a melting pot of ideas, and ways of thinking that nurtured my entrepreneurial mindset. I love the atmosphere, beautiful beaches and magical sunsets – and it’s also a place where you can dial up the glamour and dance all night long.

What drink do you order repeatedly?

I start every day with a green juice, one of my secrets to glowing skin from within. If I have a night off, my go-to is a margarita or a paloma made with Casamigos tequila – fun, crowd-pleasing cocktails I’ll order for everyone when there’s something to celebrate.

Comfort dish?

I love a classic Sunday roast, but sometimes there’s nothing more soothing than a cup of tea and marmalade on toast.

If you could change one thing?

I’d stop women from toning themselves down or feeling afraid of being ‘too much’. I’ve never been anything other than myself – what you see is what you get – and I encourage everyone else to do the same. As Steve Jobs once said: ‘The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’

Best life hack?

Find what you love and pursue it with passion. That passion becomes your superpower.