Harry Says: What we can learn from Timeless Joan Collins!
FADIL BERISHA
Joan Collins uses less products than you would think.
Right now, there are more makeup videos on Youtube than one person could watch in a lifetime, but I think one of the all-time greats was recorded in 1980.
It's of Joan Collins being interviewed by Michael Parkinson while she puts on her makeup for the day, and much like the tutorials you see these days, she explains what's she using, how she's applying it, and includes a few tricks for young players.
She's clearly great at it - I've read elsewhere that right from the beginning of her film career, Collins insisted on doing her own face - but what stands out to me is that she uses so few products.
After foundation, under-eye concealer, cream blush and powder, Collins uses a couple of brown pencils all over her eyes and brows. She even uses the same one on her lips, which seems insane, but she ends up looking great.
Collins was probably just being pragmatic. Makeup has improved dramatically in the last 40 years and if she was making the same video now, she wouldn't need to use lash mascara in her brows. But her multi-tasking does make the point that when it comes down to it, makeup is just colour and texture. Liquids spread, creams melt, powders stay put, pencils are precise. Within that (and while noting that some products aren't eye-safe) you can kind of do what you want.
Supplied
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Ginger ($55); NARS Liquid Blush ($47); MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Global Glow ($64), and Estee Lauder Brow Defining Pencil ($56).
There's nothing to stop you dabbing NARS Liquid Blush ($47) onto your lips, or using MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Global Glow ($64) as eyeshadow. For one thing, using one shade on two parts of your face will draw your look together, and for another, there's the convenience factor. The less time spent rattling around in your makeup bag the better.
Another Collins signature move? She blends almost everything with her fingertips. So long as your hands are clean, I don't see a problem with this. I'd recommend it, in fact, when using lipstick as blush. Try Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Ginger ($55). It's more moisturising than most.
Just the thing… While I'm not going to tell you to use it on your lips (times have changed), Estee Lauder Brow Defining Pencil ($56) is a worthy purchase. Pencils that need sharpening always seem to last longer than twist-up ones, and this one wears well, too. Nice texture, and we always appreciate a built-in spoolie.
- Sunday Magazine
