‘As long as I’ve got my flip-flops on, I can DANCE ALL NIGHT’

CAROL KIRKWOOD

Despite the early morning starts (BBC One’s BBC

Breakfast is on from 6am every day), weather presenter Carol Kirkwood looks forward to letting her hair down

When it comes to party clothes, I’m a complete magpie. I love anything brightly coloured with lots of sparkle. If I know I’m going to be dancing at a party, I pop a pair of fold-away flip-flops in my handbag, so I can take my Louboutins off and have a good boogie. I’m usually the last one on the dancefloor. My pre-party beauty ritual can take up to two hours. I always start with a long bath and a glass of Champagne. I’ll put some upbeat music on while I’m getting ready to get me in the mood, then it’s on with the rollers and make-up. Before I walk out the door, I’ll spray Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir, £47, or Agent Provocateur Signature Parfum, £69, from head to toe. When I was younger, I would wear glitter eyeliner in every colour of the rainbow. But now I prefer a more elegant, sophisticated look. For a party, I might use a super-dark eyeliner, such as Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Eyeliner, £19.50, and then pop some shimmer in the inner corners of my eyes. I also love the gold and silver glittery eyeliners from Urban Decay, £16, which add a grown-up sparkle. I’m very particular about my nails, and treat myself to fortnightly manicures. I have gel nail polish on all year round and always get an American manicure, which is pale pink with very soft white tips. For a festive look, I’ll swap it for a deep red or burgundy colour, which goes with everything.

The last time I counted, I had about 40 lipsticks. My partner thinks I’ve got too much make-up, but then I think he has too many pairs of black boots! My favourites are Dior and Chanel, because their packaging feels so smart and chic – but the colours are just gorgeous, too. I’ll often wear Chanel’s nude-toned Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in L’amoureuse, £31, to offset sparkly eye make-up. I’m still wearing the same brands that I used when I first started my career in television. I’m very loyal to my MAC Blot Powder/ Loose, £22.50, and Chanel Le Teint Ultra Tenue Flawless Foundation, £40, which are both really long-lasting and don’t make my skin look shiny – perfect for being on camera or if I’m dancing away at a party. Thanks to my pale Celtic skin, I’ve become an expert at using fake tan. If I’m going out, I’ll book a professional St Tropez spray tan. But for in between top-ups, I don’t think you can beat Dove Visible Glow Gradual Self Tan, £7.69. Or if I’m running late, I turn to Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, £9.99, which doesn’t budge at all. As I’m in the public eye, I do have to take care of myself. But, equally, my looks don’t define me as a person, and I like to eat chocolate and drink wine and stay out late. I exercise for myself, and not because I want to look a certain way, but I think the key is to enjoy everything in moderation.

THANKS TO MY PALE SKIN, I’M EXPERT AT USING FAKE TAN