Atop a table painted a precise shade of pink lies all the necessary tools for transformation. An arsenal of eyeshadows, mascaras and lipsticks, encased within rose gold vessels that emit blinding bursts of light under the sun’s attention. A frisson of excitement descends as the music starts up, heralding the arrival of Charlotte Tilbury herself wielding a compact that is set to shake up the beauty sphere as we know it; an amalgamation of two of the brand’s cult classics, condensed into a single palette.
“Meet the Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Palette, which unites two of my bestselling franchises: Pillow Talk and Airbrush,” Tilbury beams, her voice resonant in the cavernous space before her.
It is a Thursday afternoon in Shanghai and Tilbury is a captivating presence amid a bevy of esteemed guests. The occasion? The opening of a dedicated pop-up space in Xintiandi in honour of the brand’s latest launch: the Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Collection. “Everyone loves this range of products, so I knew I had to bring these beauty icons together,” she continues. “And so, a revolutionary on-the-go powder and blush is born. Double the magic and in an easy-to-use palette.”
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All things considered, magic is perhaps the best way to describe Tilbury’s offerings. Her brand is a certified force of nature within the industry, boasting an impressive array of celebrity clients as well as a multitude of products that have earned cult-classic status. This, naturally, begs the question: why reformulate or expand upon a range beloved by so many? We sit down with Charlotte Tilbury herself to explore the inspiration, technology and artistry behind the Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Collection.
Tell us about your first brush with make-up.
I discovered the transformative power of make-up as a teenager. I loved how it instantly made me feel more confident. Once I realised that make-up could unlock the magic of confidence in everyone, I started making over all my friends at school and knew that a career in beauty was written in the stars for me. Starting my career as a make-up artist in the ’90s, I had an unforgettable time working backstage on countless fashion shows with iconic supermodels including Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford.
What made you want to revamp the iconic Pillow Talk lipsticks and create a whole new range from it?
I wanted to innovate a new filter effect that mimics the way the lips look fuller and rosebud-like from kissing.
A core part of the Charlotte Tilbury philosophy is about creating shades, textures and formulas that work for everyone.
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What are some of the key challenges of ensuring inclusivity across all your formulas?
My purpose and passion have always been to create products that flatter everyone, everywhere. With my 30+ years of industry expertise, I work with my magic innovation labs, expert in-house scientists and product development team to trial formulas, testing on hundreds of models of different skin types, tones and ages. Of course there are challenges along the way, but a product does not launch until it is perfect—which can sometimes take years. A perfect example of this is my Pillow Talk universe. As a make-up artist to the stars, I noticed that there was a gap in the market for a universally flattering nude-pink lipstick. For years, I studied countless pigments and shades to identify the dominant pink undertones in everyone’s lips, building in nude and yellow undertones to create a nuanced shade that has a beautifying effect on everyone.
The Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Palette is a new addition to the family. What inspired you to come up with a blush-and-powder palette rather than one of each?
I wanted to combine the blurring effect of my Airbrush Flawless Finish powder with the universally flattering, beautifying effect of my Pillow Talk pigments. I also wanted to incorporate my new Colour Correcting Pigment Technology into the Airbrush Flawless Finish formula, so it smooths, brightens and lifts the look of your complexion. Together, it creates the soft-focus radiance and natural blush that rushes to your cheeks when you fall in love.
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This story appears in Vogue Singapore’s June ‘Gold’ issue, available online.
