Charlotte Tilbury’s My London: park strolls and partying at Loulou’s

Renowned make-up artist and entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury talks The Standard through her version of London, from where she would recommend for a first date, to her first jobs working the fashion shows on the capital’s scene.

West London, but they say home is where the heart is and I spend a lot of time in Ibiza. The island holds such a special place in my heart — growing up there, I was surrounded by so many inspiring creatives. Its culture of freedom and creativity has had a huge influence on me and my brand.

I live in London, but my favourite hotel to visit for a drink is Claridge’s — it’s just beautiful.

I started out as a make-up artist in the 1990s, working at fashion shows with Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. It was such an exciting time.

Dorian in Notting Hill. It’s very vibey, fun and has delicious food.

Notting Hill has always been one of my favourite neighbourhoods for sourcing incredible vintage pieces. Portobello Road has some of the best vintage in the world. My favourite shops in town are Saint Laurent, Chloé, Gianvito Rossi and Dover Street Market, where you always find something special. Annie’s Ibiza is also a must.

As much as I love going out, I also love hosting dinner at home, dancing around the kitchen table with my gorgeous friends and family.

I would focus on championing the next generation of talent. As an ambassador for enterprise for The King’s Trust, I am so proud to support its enterprise programme, which helps young people launch their own businesses. London is such a creative hub of young entrepreneurs and I know how important it is for them to have the mentorship and confidence they need to achieve their dreams.

It would have to be Queen Elizabeth II, who was such an incredible, inspiring woman. It was an honour receiving my MBE from her. Stepping through the doors of Buckingham Palace and seeing her eyes sparkle when she learned I had named a lipstick after her was one of my proudest moments.

Anyone who knows me well knows I love to go dancing. Some of my favourite spots are Chiltern Firehouse, 5 Hertford Street, Loulou’s, the Roof Gardens, the Fat Badger, the Hart and the newly opened At Sloane.

Once a cabbie asked me: “What perfume are you wearing?” You should have seen his face when I answered, “More Sex”, which is one of my fragrances.

I like to exercise at home and go for walks around one of London’s many incredible green spaces and parks.

High heels — I love Gianvito Rossi, Prada, Aquazzura and Saint Laurent. Just like my signature make-up look, heels make me feel confident and empowered. The higher the heel, the closer to heaven.

It would have to be my secret Pillow Talk Parlour. Located downstairs in my Covent Garden Beauty Wonderland, it brings my beautifying world of Pillow Talk to life.

Steve Jobs has always been a huge inspiration to me. I keep a copy of his biography on my bedside table. He understood what the consumer needed before they even knew they needed it. I have always admired his drive and ability to think limitlessly.

Crystals and gemstones. I have always been fascinated by them and the mystical, mood-reviving properties they are believed to hold.

Botticelli’s Venus and Mars at the National Gallery. It’s so incredibly beautiful and embodies love conquering all.

I have just launched my new Airbrush Flawless Blur concealer (£39, charlottetilbury.co.uk). I have never been satisfied with the full-coverage concealers out there, so I am thrilled that science has finally caught up with my vision.