Entrepreneur recognised for her services to the beauty and cosmetics industry

British beauty entrepreneur and celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), as fellow fashion industry leaders are honoured for their contributions to dressing the nation.

The businesswoman features on the King’s Birthday Honours list in recognition of her services to the beauty and cosmetics sector.

The honour comes eight years after she was made an MBE, acknowledging her continued impact on the UK industry.

As founder, president, chairwoman and chief creative officer, Ms Tilbury is the driving force behind her eponymous makeup brand, established in 2013, which has since grown into a global beauty powerhouse.

Products including foundation, powder and setting spray have made significant inroads into the premium market, while the popular “Unreal” range has proved a hit with consumers seeking an Instagram filter-worthy complexion.

The company sits within Spanish premium beauty group Puig, which acquired it in 2020 for a reported sum of one billion US dollars (£750 million).

Ms Tilbury is widely regarded as one of Britain’s wealthiest beauty entrepreneurs, with an estimated fortune of £350 million, according to last year’s Sunday Times Beauty Rich List.

The 53 year old launched her brand following more than 20 years working as a celebrity makeup artist, having collaborated with some of the world’s most prominent supermodels, including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bundchen and Kendall Jenner.

Joining Ms Tilbury on this year’s birthday honours is Neil Clifford, chief executive of luxury footwear and accessories label Kurt Geiger, who has been made an OBE.

Mr Clifford has been vocal about his journey from shop floor employee with few qualifications to heading the British fashion brand, having worked his way up through the retail sector.

He took the helm at Kurt Geiger — renowned for its distinctive loafers and heels in bold designs — more than two decades ago, and is being recognised for services to fashion.

Also awarded an OBE for services to fashion is Sandra Choi, creative director and designer at Jimmy Choo.

Ms Choi is the niece of Jimmy Choo and has dedicated her more than 30-year career to the eponymous luxury brand, celebrated for its glamorous footwear and iconic stilettos.

Jimmy Choo was acquired by American fashion house Michael Kors for nearly £900 million in 2017, subsequently becoming part of the Capri Holdings group.