After cutting her teeth as a make-up artist in the 1990s by working with Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and an array of other supermodels, Ibiza-raised Tilbury became sought after by Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz. Unimpressed for years with the quality of mainstream cosmetics, she decided to launch her own eponymous company in 2013, debuting her first collection at Selfridges in London.

Tilbury’s vision was to bridge celebrity/fashion artistry and consumer beauty, making professional-look products accessible via department stores and online. Within a few years, her brand expanded internationally, sold through key retailers like Sephora and Bloomingdale’s, while still retaining its luxury DNA. In June 2020, the Spanish beauty group Puig acquired a majority stake in her company, with Tilbury retaining a minority stake and continuing as chair, president and chief creative officer.