Joanna Lumley is one of the most fabulous 70-something year-olds there is. From her role as Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous to uber-glam gran Felicity in BBC's Motherland and Amandaland, including the Christmas special, she has the sort of skin one can only dream of.
And you might be surprised to hear that her routine is a little more down to earth than you'd expect.
- Joanna Lumley is a fan of an £8 face cream.
- The actress stated she uses the iconic Astral Moisturiser on a daily basis.
- "I don't usually buy expensive products because I'm mean," she said.
Dame Joanna, 79, has previously said she only uses one moisturiser on her face - Astral original moisturiser, which is discounted to £7.39 a pot. (On Amazon US you can shop it for $30.)
Joanna's favourite: Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser
So what is this budget-friendly secret youth elixir? It's Astral, a classic face and body moisturiser that you've probably overlooked - but this is your alert to stop sleeping on it, and start trying it.
© Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty IIn an old interview with the Sunday Times Style magazine, Joanna credited a pot of Astral as her favourite bargain buy. "It comes in a little blue pot, cheap as chips – adore. It has never been tested on animals and is about the only thing I’ve never developed an allergy to," she explained.
She also revealed that she just doesn't buy pricey skincare at all. "I don't usually buy expensive products because I'm mean."
Fellow fans: Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale - and my grandmother
The formula hasn't changed in 70 years, and is a perennial favourite, proudly still the same as it was when it was first released. The little blue pot in question is such a classic buy that I myself have used it, along with my mum and my grandmother.
When it comes to famous fans, Joanna is in good company with her love of the little blue pot. Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale and Patsy Kensit are all said to be fans.
© BBC/Merman/Natalie SeeryThe brand states that the ingredients are "carefully selected" to put the health of your skin first. Key ingredients include:
What are verified shoppers saying about Astral Cream?
Like Joanna, many customers rate it. Over 4,000 Amazon shoppers have rated it 5/5 so it must be worth the spend right?
The Pros:
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Wearable under makeup
- Value for money
"Leaves skin glowing, moisturised and helps maintain youthful skin. I’m allergic to most skincare but this one is unscented and gentle," reads one review.
One was inspired by Joanna's own use of the product. "I read an interview with Joanna Lumley who swear by this product, so I ordered this cream out of curiosity. After few weeks of use I have to admit this is my best discovery this year! Great fragrance, easy application, non-greasy and fantastic under makeup. On top of it all, it's great value for money. Highly recommended!"
One reviewer has been using it for years. "Used Astral for approx 40 years. Lovely moisturiser and it can be used all over the body. I am 77 and people often comment on the fact that l have no facial wrinkles."
The cons:
- A "greasy", "quite thick" feel
The negative reviews seemed to focus on the heavy texture of the cream. "I use this at night .it's a very rich consistency.quite thick.l personality find it hard to blend into my dry skin," said one shopper.
Another said the cream was "a lot greasier than I remember. But ok for dry skin."
Joanna's other inexpensive beauty buy: Elnett hairspray
Another of the Netflix Fool Me Once star's beauty essentials is yet again a wonderfully affordable hair product.
© NetflixThe actress also loves a spritz of Elnett hairspray. "Almost everybody I know has a long-standing love affair with Elnett. The strong version is like having an iron bedstead on your head."
