It’s not every day you’re invited to a lunch at Claridges with Dame Joan Collins, but that’s exactly where our Associate Beauty Editor, Sam Freedman, was casually summoned last week.
After a drink or two at the Fumoir Bar, the very glamourous 82 year-old Collins strutted in wearing a graphic self-designed tight-fitting dress, a wide-brimmed hat and killer heels.
After a short introduction to one another, Dame Joan exclaimed, 'Oh I love Grazia, I get that one delivered', we then sat down to commence the Q&A, followed by a three course lunch. Don’t mind us!
But what does Dame Joan talk about during meal-time, you ask? We found out...
1. M&S food and lingerie are the best…
'I get my food there, and their lingerie department is just the best. The stockings I’m wearing right now are from M&S.'
2. 'Everything in my make-up range…
Was inspired by what I’ve been using since I was 17 years-old. It’s been four years in the making, so I’ve really got it right.'
3. Soap and water is a no, no…
'Never use the two on your face… ever, it’s okay to use mineral soap on your body, but never on your face.'
4. Never be a sun bunny…
'I used to fry myself in the sun - ever since I was 18 in the South of France, I’d turn a mahogany colour using a combination of baby oil and iodine. But the second I went to Hollywood I met my mentor who told me I’d be a crocodile if I carried on sitting in the sun.'
5. Always wear make-up, wherever you go…
I don’t leave the house without it!
6. Big hats are essential…
'I don’t ever use my hair dryer, I do own one but it’s extremely dusty I have to admit. I never do my own hair, instead I wear hats. They also double up and protect my face from the sun.'
7. 'I never go out without…
My powder and lipstick compact (£34), it’s always in my handbag. I use the powder to combat shine, especially when the paparazzi are about, and the lipstick is a must. I can get ready in four-minutes with this with me.' (Dame Joan's favourite shade is 'Helene.')
8. 'My travelling wardrobe includes…
Espadrilles, layers- I always wear lots of layers so a tank top, sweater and a scarf, M&S cashmere is my favourite and always cosy on the plane.'
9. 'The woman I find most attractive…
Are Liz Taylor and Dita Von Teese, mainly because they wear a lot of make-up, I love their individualism and style.'
10. 'My best beauty tip…
Is to blot under your eyes using the side of your finger, it’s ideal for blotting off too much make-up that can creep into any lines around your eyes.'
11. 'My beauty hates are…
Woman that wear blue eyeshadow, lip liner that’s a lot darker than the lipstick, too much contouring and over-plucked eye brows. There is just nothing worse.'
12. 'If I have a late night…
I’ll sit with ice packs over my eyes, I did that the other night when I got in at 12am. Also if I wake up in the night I reapply my night cream.'
13. 'My late night watch is…
The Night Manager, I loved that, and now I’m really into Billions.'
Joan Collins Timeless Beauty is available at select Marks & Spencer stores nationwide and from joancollinsbeauty.com