As part of our My Life In Beauty series, Tess Daly talks to GH about her on-screen evolution, fast makeup favourites, tweakments she’s tried and the affordable skin regime she swears by.
Growing up, I’d never describe myself as the beautiful, confident girl. I was a very shy kid, actually. Being cast in the school play was a pivotal moment for me; I tortured myself about how dreadful I’d be, but come the first night, I was transformed by the buzz of a live audience. I was still that shy kid, but it flicked a switch. I worked as a model from the age of 17. I learned about resilience and pushing myself – feeling the fear and doing it anyway.
I’ve looked after my skin for as long as I can remember, because my mum taught me how important it was. I was working with makeup artists every day, and at home I would religiously cleanse everything off. I’m still the same now; I wouldn’t ever sleep in my makeup. I like Simple Smoothing Gel Cleanser, £7.99 – it’s an exfoliating one, great for getting rid of all the dead skin.
I never put my face in the sun. It’s not worth the lifelong damage for the sake of a tan that’s going to fade after three days. Instead, I use SOSU Cosmetics Drops Of Gold Hydrating Self-Tanning Drops, £18, which are the best – and I’ve tried everything. For my body, I’m obsessed with the Tanologist 360 Spray Tan Mister, £10.99. I hose myself down in the bathroom and in two minutes, I’m done.
Of course I’ve made beauty mistakes over the years! It’s Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th anniversary this year and they were showing us old clips. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, look at what I’m wearing and look at my hair.’ It was just a bit limp. Eek.
I wear less makeup now – even on screen – than I did 20 years ago. For me, too much makeup and too-thick foundation highlights the lines. As I’ve got older, I’ve found less is more. I love NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30, £38, because it looks really natural and glowy but hides what you want to hide.
I’m all for speed and convenience; I can’t be bothered reapplying my makeup. I like Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick, £11.99, which stays on all day like a tattoo. I also love Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes, £46, because it’s so hard to find a shimmering eyeshadow that stays the course. And Sculpted by Aimee MyMascara, £18, is the best for dark, thick lashes.
I’m really into Diptyque fragrances. My go-to is Philosykos, £153. It’s gorgeous and smells different on everyone, so you can make it your own.
I’m usually sleep deprived, so I look for products that cheat sleep and make my skin look a little bit more radiant. I’m obsessed with Simple Booster Serum 10% Vitamin C+E+F, £8, because I’m always seeking the glow. I use it under moisturiser as an extra plumping and hydrating layer. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, £38, is another must, because it makes skin look so fresh. When my skin is really tired, I use it overnight like a moisturising mask.
Sculpted by Aimee MyMascara
I’m wary of invasive treatments. When you’re in my position, you appear in people’s living rooms on a regular basis, and you don’t want to pop up looking like a different version of yourself. Never say never, but I don’t know – come back and ask me in a couple of years! I did have Morpheus8 [radiofrequency microneedling] about five months ago, because I liked the idea that it’s helping your body to renew itself. A friend of mine had it and looked great, so I thought I’d give it a go. It feels quite hot, but I’ve given birth, so let’s put it into perspective – compared with that, Morpheus8 is a walk in the park!
I’m 55 now and really enjoying this stage of life. I feel so comfortable in my own skin. I wouldn’t revisit those years of teenage angst for anything. I do believe that age brings wisdom and a sense of contentment. I’m grateful for every year that life brings me. Getting older is a luxury not afforded to all, so it feels obnoxious to criticise that journey.
I’m inspired by women my age who make it look easy. People like Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow are knockouts. I have gorgeous friends like Claudia [Winkleman], Gabby Logan, Kylie… they all look incredible. I find myself just gazing adoringly at them! Claudia is one of my inspirations, full stop. She’s a wonderful mum, she’s fantastic at what she does, she’s hysterical fun. And nobody knows eyeliner like Claud!
My daughters are 19 and 15 now and it’s sweet to see them discovering beauty. My tweezers are always going walkies! They’ve never done my makeup, but my eldest introduced me to got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges 2 in 1 Gel, £5.50. I always have bits of hair sticking up at my parting and this glues them down. It’s genius.
I’m so grateful that I have my health; it’s everything. That’s why wellness is a very important part of my life. I’ll do a workout four times a week. We have a gym, which is more of a shed at the bottom of the garden, and I use videos that a trainer has put together for me.
I eat well, I love cooking with wholefoods, but I also eat naughty snacks because I have a very sweet tooth. Life’s too short to go without Turkish Delight of an evening.
I like to end my day with stretching. By the evening, my shoulders are usually up around my ears, so I need that time to unwind. Otherwise, I get into bed and my mind just carries on.
• Tess Daly is Simple Skincare’s UK advocate
