PRESS UPDATE : DAILY EXPRESS ... SATURDAY AUGUST 2ND 2014 ..

Joan Collins: 'I refuse to fit into a stereotype'

JOAN COLLINS opens up about Marilyn Monroe, ageing and retirement...

By: Kirsty Nutkins

Sat, August 2, 2014

Joan Collins opens up about Marilyn Monroe, ageing and retirement[PH]

Screen legend Joan Collins OBE won a legion of fans playing Alexis Carrington Colby in 1980s soap Dynasty and has also appeared in more than 55 feature films alongside screen legends such as Richard Burton and Gene Kelly and has written a number of books. She’ll return for her second stint in ITV’s Benidorm next year. Joan has two daughters and a son and is married to theatre executive Percy Gibson. They divide their time between homes in London, St Tropez and LA.
You always look fantastic. What’s your secret?
Thank you. I was once told by Marilyn Monroe’s make-up artist, Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder, that beauty starts with the skin, so I try to eat a balanced diet, with lots of salmon, broccoli and avocados. And you’re never too old to dress up and feel fabulous.
You launched your own beauty range this year. Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?
Joan Collins Timeless Beauty launched in March, and yes it is something I have wanted to do for many years. I believe that beauty is not just about make-up but great skin, which is why I include beneficial skincare ingredients in my cosmetics.
What are your favourite products?
This summer I have some gorgeous new make-up shades, including a Divine Lips lipstick named Marilyn, a lovely dusky pink Glorious Gloss lipgloss called Piper and a Summer Kiss Compact Duo.
You’ve written many best-selling books. Which appeals more – acting or writing?
Acting, without a doubt. 

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I believe that beauty is not just about make-up but great skin' [PH]

In the past, you’ve said that there are few good acting roles for older women. Is it getting easier? 
No. It’s a sad fact, but it’s true. The movie-going public wants to see young people on their screens. I think it’s important to be choosy and I refuse to fit into a stereotype.
When you put your feet up, what do you watch on TV? 
I’m enjoying the series Breaking Bad and my favourite film is the classic Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. I’ve watched it countless times.

I was once told by Marilyn Monroe’s make-up artist, Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder, that beauty starts with the skin, so I try to eat a balanced diet

Joan Collins

What’s the best showbiz party you’ve ever been to?
There have been way too many to remember!
Tell us something that not many people know about you…
I enjoy supermarket shopping.
What’s the biggest misconception about you?
That I’m like my scheming, devious Dynasty character, Alexis. While I was starring in Dynasty, I was falsely accused by the media of some extraordinarily bad behaviour and having relationships with a string of men, many of whom I’d never met! None of this was true, but the public long to think that is who I am.
Do you ever see yourself retiring?
What’s that?
Joan Collins Timeless Beauty products are available from qvcuk.com, joancollinsbeauty.com and at Urban Retreat, Harrods