A firm believer in the transformative and positive powers of make up, (she says she discovered mascara aged 13 and never looked back,) Charlotte Tilbury, herself a bonafide bombshell with her tumbling red hair and wonderfully feminine style, has been urging women to make the best of themselves – for themselves – for decades. Never seen out of her trademark dresses and heels no matter what the occasion, the powerhouse and mother of two is a wonderful example of the authority we can channel by harnessing our own femininity.  Throw in a childhood growing up in the free spirited, barefoot chic enclave of Ibiza and you have a potent mix of the glamorous, the bohemian and the wonderfully womanly that is pretty much impossible to ignore.

In 2014 Charlotte branched out, launching her own brand of skincare and make up to international fanfare. Now stocked all over the world and adored by women in their hundreds of thousands for it’s easy to follow instructions, wonderfully succinct looks and incredible efficacy, it has made made big waves – fast. From her secret ‘Magic Cream,’ formulated back in the day for exhausted models who needed to look good quickly to her failsafe ‘rock chick’ make up kits, she has set about giving us all the tools and know how to look our very best.  Her mantra? “Give a woman the right make-up and she can conquer the world!” With her infectious self-belief – and her incredible products – it’s hard not to agree with her. Here, she answers our questions:

How old is too old for jeans?
Darling, I am all about high heels and the little black dress! But I am a big believer in 18-80, my mantra is age doesn’t define you, and so if you feel like wearing jeans and a Red Carpet Red Matte Revolution bombshell lip – go for it!

If you could live in any other time for its fashion, when would you choose?
That’s so difficult! But probably the era of Studio 54. The 1970s bohemian glamour was amazing.

What is your most recent purchase?
I recently bought some incredible Alice Temperley floor length 1970s inspired dresses. I liked them SO much, I bought them in 4 different colours: Night Crimson, Emerald, Black, and Cream. I think they are the perfect desk-to-disco dress.

Can you judge a book by its cover?
Never.

What are your bad habits?
It is not a bad habit, but I am a perfectionist. When I am creating a new product, the labs MUST hate me. I am so careful about the perfect, most finely milled formulas, the deepest, rarest colours and the most beautiful packaging. That’s why some of my products are 5 years in the making – I will never put something out there without being 100% behind it!

What’s your greatest extravagance?
I am constantly travelling, which I love!

 What are your guilty pleasures?
I love ice cream, truffle chips from the Bowery  – and Champagne.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Sock it to them Charlotte, I know you’ll be a star.

What’s your favourite smell?
I have a favourite scent but I keep it a secret! Scent is SO important!

What’s your idea of a great holiday?
Being with my husband George, and my two boys Valentine & Flynn. I love Ibiza, it’s the most magical island and I grew up there. It’s a home away from home, full of gorgeous, creative people.

What are you most proud of?
My sons.

What is your pure bliss?
Goddess Skin Clay Mask in the bath. Spending time with my family!

 Who or what would you like to be reincarnated as in your next life?
Ha! Cleopatra?

What would you eat for your last supper?
I love FOOD. Truffle fries or Essenza’s bolognese.

If you could meet someone from history who would it be?
Marilyn Monroe, she was infinitely glamorous.

Yes or no to a nip and tuck?
I don’t believe in surgery, but I do believe in nose contouring if you don’t adore your nose, and carving in some FIlmstar Killer Cheekbones if you are feeling self-conscious about your weight…