Tuesday 1 April 2014

She Had Me At 'Dolce Vita'




You may have come across one of her tutorials for net-a-porter... or perhaps you've spied the beautiful burgundy and rose-gold packaging in Selfridges.

Either way, here's why you need to know CHARLOTTE TILBURY.

SOME KEY FACTS:
- she assisted makeup matriarch Mary Greenwell (we're not worthy *bows head*)
- she is one of Kate Moss's close friends/'go-to' artists(!)
- Selfridges gave Charlotte her own 'pop-up' last year which was filled with her favourite products from other brands (genius)
- She has red hair (always a winner in my book)

I am not Charlotte

The Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Range:
Back in Feb I was invited to attend a pro artist event at Charlotte Tilbury's show studio in Queen's Park. It was a chance to get to know the products outside of the shopping centre environment (always appreciated) and I have to say, I was mesmerised!

Why Charlotte's range is a WINNER:
- Charlotte Tilbury is the makeup artist behind the Tom Ford beauty campaigns of recent years. Not only are her makeup designs luxuriously femme fatale (see above), but if you lust after Tom Ford makeup but weep at his prices, Charlotte's helps you edge just that little bit closer to decadence.
- She makes it easy for everyday women to be inspired and 'copy' a look based on our mood
- I have a 'thing' about rose gold. So does my sister Kelli. Whilst it's not about the packaging, it is SO about the packaging... (and the makeup ain't bad either).


I am Charlotte

Here's a closer look at what I chose to invest in from Charlotte Tilbury's glorious range...





FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
- Powder & Sculpt Brush (£35)
- 'Dolce Vita' Luxury Eye Palette (£38)
- Brow Lift in 'Grace Kelly' (£22.50)
- Colour Morphing Eye Shadow pencil in 'Champagne Diamonds' (£18)




EASY TO FOLLOW
Charlotte's eye shadow quads make application easy by explaining what each shade does:

E.g. working clockwise:
- Top left is PRIME (all over)
- Top right is ENHANCE (i.e. socket)
- Bottom right is SMOKE (i.e. lash line/more socket)
- Bottom left is POP (overlay)



CHECK YOU
I've worn the 'Dolce Vita' palette several times now (it's my new go-to smokey eye!) and on more than one occasion someone has told me how beautiful my eye makeup looks. "Wha' thaaaaank you!"

WANT TO TRY?
Here are some fantastic investments, whatever your budget...

Dip your toe:
Full Fat Lashes Mascara (£22.00) - There's a reason she's only got one.

Birthday Blowout:
Wonderglow Primer (£38.50) - I used this on a client the other day and was visibly taken aback by how literally radiant her skin looked. Wear on its own and with a touch of concealer at the weekends to feel glowy and carefree.

Investment Piece:
Eye Shadow Palette (any, £38) - Even though this is a similar price to the Wonderglow I would describe this as an investment piece because ANY eye shadow palette you buy you simply MUST get a lot of wear out of (otherwise, what's the point?).

Be sure the shades you choose are RIGHT for you and that you'll have the balls to wear them...a feeling that's all too present amidst the euphoria of purchasing in the beauty hall but which quickly fades the moment you're back at home. My personal faves: Dolce Vita and The Uptown Girl for wearability.



Do you have a favourite Charlotte Tilbury product? I'd love to know...

All images Charlotte Tilbury.com plus some iPad snaps