‘I am the queen of HEATED ROLLERS!’
KATIE DERHAM
TV and radio presenter Katie Derham has perfected a speedy party beauty routine that takes her from casual to black-tie formal in minutes
I’ve been known to get ready in five minutes. It helps if I’ve been filming, as the lovely make-up and hair team have done all the hard work for me. My colleagues know that I can go from wearing jeans to black tie super-quickly. I’ve also perfected the skill of applying make-up in the back of a taxi. When it comes to party outfits, I feel most comfortable in trousers. I love sparkles but now I’m nearly 50, I’m trying to embrace the chic, less-is-more approach. I get more confidence from my Serge Lutens Fleurs D’oranger, £83, perfume than I do from my clothes. I feel sophisticated and ready for a night of fun the minute I smell it. The older I get, the less I care about what other people think. Of course, I still want to feel good about myself, but I’m less bothered now. Being on TV means that I have to look presentable. However, if I do the school run in my scruffy gardening clothes, I’m not fussed who might see me. Last year, our children joined us on New Year’s Eve. I don’t like the countdown to midnight, but we had a party at home with friends and the kids organised the games and food. We had a fantastic night, but it was hard to match their energy levels. If I could have a permanent make-up artist, I would. I’m fascinated by what they do every single time. But whenever I have my make-up done, I go into a daze. However, I have managed to pick up some tips over the years, such as applying my eyeshadow in a certain way so that it opens my eyes up. I’ve also
noticed that they concentrate more on the condition of my skin, so it’s really plump and hydrated before anything goes on top. My trusted Babyliss heated rollers have been with me for ever. I’m hopeless at blow-drying, but these give me salon-style hair speedily. I’m such a fan that most of my neighbours have seen me wearing them while I’m pottering about doing chores. I wouldn’t describe myself as girlie. But if I have the luxury of having some time before going out, I love playing with the products that are sitting on my dressing table. I’ve recently started experimenting with mermaid crimpers that I bought for my daughter, although they create a look that I’ll only wear on special occasions. Red lipstick is made for parties. It’s such a glamorous colour and Dior Addict Lacquer Stick in Hollywood Red, £29, never fails to put me in the party mood. Depending on where I’m going, I’ll pair it with shimmering rose gold eyeshadow or really amp up the wow factor and go for a statement bright green or glitter. As I have dry skin that’s prone to psoriasis, I avoid fragranced body creams. Coconut, argan or olive oil-based products keep my skin moisturised and free from irritation. Luckily, I can use anything on my face and, even though it’s a treat to splurge on an expensive moisturiser – such as Elemis Pro-collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, £99 – I do think it makes a huge difference.
I’M TRYING TO EMBRACE THE LESS-IS-MORE APPROACH