Lorraine exclusive book extract part two: My beauty secrets

I’m honestly having the best time of my life. Our culture prizes youth above all else but people don’t take enough time to think of the benefits of growing older. I feel happier in my own skin and more willing to cut myself a bit of slack and be kinder to myself. I don’t understand why we find it so easy to show kindness towards others but not towards ourselves.

Ageing shouldn’t be scary. Forget a Chanel handbag: the best accessory a woman can have is inner confidence, which shines above all else. I’ve known girls who can walk into a room and every pair of eyes is on them. They may not be the most traditionally beautiful women there, but they will have a unique quality – such as the ability to make people laugh – and that’s what makes them so attractive.

Women are having surgery younger and younger. A 19-year-old does not need Botox. So many women have ruined their faces with filler. I think I look fine as I am and I will never go under the knife. I like my laughter lines (a much nicer way of saying wrinkles). I hate that women make themselves miserable every time they look in the mirror. Your wrinkles tell your story. It’s an individual choice whether or not to have work done but I wish we could all be a little more accepting of ourselves and the ageing process. Because it’s going to happen whether we like it or not.

My beauty secrets  

Treatments that offer results beyond the capabilities of skincare are becoming more and more popular. I’m not a fan of Botox or fillers because I find them much more ageing. Look after your skin well and it will pay off in the long run. I exfoliate and do a mini-facial at home every week, and once a month I have a professional facial, which I’ve done since I was 16. 

Treatments that offer results beyond the capabilities of skincare are becoming more and more popular

My current favourite noninvasive treatments:

• Collagen wave is one of the most sought-after nonsurgical facial treatments. It speeds up collagen production at its deepest level using radio frequency and ultrasound waves in order to plump, contour and tighten the skin.
• Caci (computer-aided cosmetology instrument, pictured above) is another nonsurgical facelift and has been used for over 20 years. It regenerates skin tissues and helps to repair collagen, which boosts the appearance of skin texture. It tones by using a micro-current machine that transmits electrical signals through the skin at a deeper level than you get with a hands-on product-based facial.
• Nu Skin age LOC Galvanic Spa can be used at home. It uses self-adjusting currents and conductors to reduce dullness and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves elasticity, detoxifies skin and boosts blood circulation and oxygen levels in the skin and body.     

My at-home skincare 

Whatever moisturiser you use, make sure it has an SPF – I use one every single day no matter what time of year it is. Here are my skincare ingredients that can really make a difference:

Lorraine writes: ‘Whatever moisturiser you use, make sure it has an SPF – I use one every single day no matter what time of year it is’

• Almond and plant-based oils. These are soothing and prevent dehydration. Almond oil is packed with vitamin E.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can reverse ageing effects and improve the skin surface by exfoliating. Shedding dead skin cells on a daily basis removes dull, lifeless-looking skin.

• Antioxidants work to protect skin cells from damage caused by the environment, and help to prevent wrinkles and age spots.
• Beeswax is anti-inflammatory and its antibacterial properties are essential for fighting chapped skin during the winter and hot summer months. It also forms a protective wall by sealing in moisture without clogging pores.
• Cocoa butter hydrates and nourishes, improves elasticity and helps to heal scar tissue, marks and deep wrinkles. It also forms a protective barrier over the skin to hold in moisture.
• Hyaluronic acid is a nutrient that improves the appearance of skin texture and helps with tissue repair. It keeps skin hydrated and balanced without adding oil.
• Magnesium helps to reduce acne, and is also effective for joint and muscle pain.

Cosmetics don’t have to cost a fortune 

One thing that I did recently which was a game-changer was to clear out my make-up bag. I’d had it for years and when I went to visit Rosie in Singapore she was so horrified at the state of it that she took me to the cosmetics shop Sephora and made me get some new stuff. I didn’t buy any expensive brands because you don’t have to spend a fortune for quality.

I bought things that I liked and that worked well on me – and nothing was over £30. Now every time I open my make-up bag it makes me happy. It’s so shiny and glamorous.

Off screen I tend to follow the same routine I have for years. I wear a tinted moisturiser as a base and I always choose one that has sunscreen. I’ll wear some light concealer under my eyes and I have brown shades on my eyelids. I also use brown mascara and eyeliner these days because it’s much softer than black.

I don’t tend to wear strong lipsticks because I think that they can be ageing, but I do love a tinted lip balm.

My make-up artist Helen’s advice  

Helen has a never-ending wealth of beauty knowledge and has been an expert at hiding grey shadows if I have an early start.

Skincare

Achieving the perfect base is the most important part of a skincare routine. Before you go near foundation make sure your skin is even and clean and prepped. Always use a separate cleanser for your eyes and an oil-based product for waterproof make-up.

‘Helen has a never-ending wealth of beauty knowledge and has been an expert at hiding grey shadows if I have an early start’

Be gentle around the eyes. Skin in this area is about 40 per cent finer than the rest of your face. Eye cream is essential because the aging process starts when you are as young as 16. Eye cream or balm should last you a long time as you only need to use an amount the size of a rice grain each day.

Finding the perfect foundation

Skin is the first thing people notice so it’s vital to get a good base for your make-up. Always check foundation in a natural light before buying it. Use the tester to put a bit on your jawline and smooth it down into your neck. Then go outside and check the colour in a mirror. I know you might look a bit weird but it’s worth it. (I recommend a daylight check for lipstick too.) The magic of foundation is all in the blending. 

This is an edited extract from Shine by Lorraine Kelly, to be published by Century on 31 October, price £20. To pre-order a copy for £16 with free P&P until 3 November call 01603 648155 or go to mailshop.co.uk