I am in make-up bliss right now. Genuinely! The Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Collection is inspired by Charlotte’s love of the photographer’s work. Some of the most memorable and icon pictures we ever see in fashion and beauty are those captured by him. They’re enduring and relevant still today although Parkinson died in 1990. It’s the perfect match – Charlotte’s passion lies with glamour – Hollywood style – nothing less; her Instagram is buzzing with beauty icons from the true glamour days. One of Norman Parkinson’s most famous quotes is “For fifty years I have been using a camera to make a small section of people who live in this world just a little more attractive.” Personally, I think that’s like a Karl Lagerfeld blooper – there’s an insult in there somewhere, or it’s just not quite PC enough for today’s ears! But, I know what he means – we’re all about the ‘real girl’ now – whereas back then, artifice in beauty was absolutely desirable, and the norm. So, the Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Collection cleverly bridges then and now – it’s a modern glamour range with references to the past but products that are distinctly now.
Kicking off with the Filmstar Bronze & Glow – both creme products that melt onto the skin. If it’s a gently sunkissed, uplit glow you’re after, it’s right here! Filmstar Bronze & Glow is all about the contour and tricks of the light. Charlotte Tilbury highlighters are some of the best in the business… they’re from someone who understands light on skin, exactly as a photographer would.
Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson CollectionNext up is the beautiful Colour of Youth Lip & Cheek Glow; the cover of this features Wenda Parkinson, Norman’s wife and muse. Personally, I prefer this lively pop of coral as a cheek product, rather than a lip, but it does the coveted bonne mine thing by instantly bringing life to pale faces.
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The Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Collection Dreamy Glow Highlighter is a soft diffusion of sheen in a powder format. When I tested it against the highlighter in the Filmstar Bronze & Glow, it’s entirely different. Bronze & Glow is more golden; Dreamy Glow Highlighter is lighter with mother of pearl tones and more refractive. There’s definitely some sparkle in there, so personally I’d be using on cheekbones rather than all over, but if you love a softened, light struck look.. here it is!
Speaking of iconic images.. here we have one of the most enduring Norman Parkinson photographs – it’s Jerry Hall on the front cover of Vogue in May, 1975, and the final part of the Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Collection (aside from two new matte lipsticks; one red (1975 Red) and one light, nude pink (top picture, Miss Kensington) – the On Call Make Up Bag.
The Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Collection is a luxury range so prices definitely reflect it – Filmstar Bronze & Glow is £55. Dreamy Glow Highlighter is £45, Colour of Youth Lip & Cheek Glow is £40 and the On Call Makeup Bag is £32. I find everything about this range exciting – the presentation is innovative, immaculate and, dare I say it, collectable. I know mine are going straight into my collectable stash and not seeing the light of day for quite some time! It hits CharlotteTilbury.com in July and Selfridges in August (that’s interesting in itself.. you know it’s a power brand when Selfridges doesn’t get to go first!).
I’ve got the new Charlotte Tilbury Long-Wear Easy Colour eye shades coming up in a later post.. literally swatching them now!
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