13 Life Rules Dame Joan Collins Swears By

joan collins, beauty, make-up

by Grazia |
Published on

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.'

joan collins, timeless beauty, make-up
Dame Joan Collins with her Timeless Beauty product range

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

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