The Charlotte Tilbury team at John Lewis Cheadle deserve every one of these five stars.
When I first walked up to the counter, I was getting married in July 2026 and was completely out of my comfort zone. I hardly wore makeup beyond mascara and was terrified of having my wedding makeup done professionally because I didn’t want to look like someone else. I wanted to look like me, just the best version of me, but I had no idea where to start.
I happened to be walking through John Lewis looking for wedding shoes when I wandered over to the Charlotte Tilbury counter. Ceri approached me to ask if I needed any help and, looking back, I couldn’t have met a better person that day.
She sat down with me, talked through exactly what I was hoping to achieve and gave me the confidence to believe that I could actually learn to do my own makeup. The best piece of advice she gave me was not to try and master a full face all at once. Instead, she encouraged me to perfect one step at a time, starting with skin prep and foundation, then moving on to concealer, powder and everything else. She also encouraged me to try different eye palettes and lipstick shades before committing, rather than feeling pressured to buy anything straight away.
Over the following months I attended one-to-one appointments and group masterclasses, and every single member of the team I met was incredible. Thank you to Ceri, Alex, Ellie, Jolene and Josie. Every appointment was relaxed, fun and informative, and I always came away having learnt something new.
Fast forward to today and I have a Charlotte Tilbury makeup collection that has grown far more than I ever imagined! I genuinely enjoy getting ready now. Before a night out, my hen party or any special occasion, I actually look forward to sitting down and doing my makeup. I’m nowhere near as talented as the team, but they’ve given me the confidence to give it a go.
One particular moment I’ll always remember was during one of Ellie’s group sessions, where I ended up being the model in the chair. She made me feel so comfortable and so special that I booked my wedding makeup with her.
It was one of the best decisions I made.
On my wedding day I felt beautiful, but most importantly, I still felt like me. My makeup lasted all day and when I look back at our wedding photographs, I don’t think, “Who is that?” I simply see myself, smiling from ear to ear on the happiest day of my life.
I’ve been back since the wedding and I’m still keeping an eye on the upcoming classes because I genuinely love learning more, whether it’s everyday makeup, smoky eyes, date night looks, skin prep or new product launches.
What really sets this team apart isn’t just their expertise, it’s their customer service. At no point have I ever felt pressured into buying anything. I’ve often asked to try products or shades, worn them for the day and then come back later to make my decision, and they’ve always been so supportive. Alex even remembers me whenever I visit and greets me like an old friend. It’s those little personal touches that make such a difference.
I’ve recommended the team to so many friends, who are now attending classes and booking makeovers themselves. The products are fantastic and speak for themselves, but this review is really about the wonderful people behind the counter.
Thank you all for taking someone who was genuinely frightened of makeup and turning her into someone who now happily plans extra time (if mum life allows 😂) just so she can enjoy getting ready. You’ve given me confidence, taught me a new skill and played a small but very special part in one of the biggest moments of my life. I honestly can’t thank you enough ✨💫
Sam x
