Lauraine Jacobs (65) is food editor at The Listener and author of memoir and cookbook Everlasting Feast (Random House).
My beauty philosophy is… smile. Wrinkles formed by laughter are kind and soft. Also I’m not averse to a little touch of sunshine to give me a glow and Estée Lauder’s Cinnabar perfume. I’ve been wearing it for years and love the way chefs come up to me and ask, “What is that perfume?” The spicy notes appeal to men. If you find a scent that really suits you, don’t ever change it. You’ll become synonymous with a great fragrance.
The skincare products I can’t live without are… Lancôme Bi-Facil to remove those mascara smudges under my eyes so easily, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and Lancôme Rénergie Lift Volumetry. For looking after my arms, legs, feet and hands, I love Clarins Extra Firming Body Cream and Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. I also keep Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve in the kitchen as my cook’s hands are always in and out of the sink.
My haircare secret is… believe it or not, I never colour my hair as I have about a dozen grey hairs, unlike my 91-year-old mother who has none. I use kérastase Densifique Bain Densité and Masque Densité to wash and condition daily. It makes my locks shine and look lovely and thick.
The must-have products in my make-up bag are… my Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Burnt Red is the first thing I put on each day – I keep about three or four on the go at a time. I use Lancôme Teint Miracle Foundation and Lancôme Blush Subtil for my face. I have a collection of eyeshadow and mascara in a variety of colours from both Lancôme and Revlon.
My favourite beauty treat is… a pedicure every four weeks. I love Mavala Nail Polish in the colour Paris. Perfect for brightening up toes and fingers, and it lasts for several days.
My biggest beauty sin is… not drinking enough water. I know, I know!
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… to smile like her.
Take a look at Alana Riley’s beauty secrets here.
