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10 Oct
The most inspiring thing on telly this year was Channel 4’s documentary ‘Fabulous Fashionistas’. We loved 76 year old Jean Woods’ amazing look, sharp haircut and lust for life, and wanted to hear more. Here, she tells us exclusively just how she developed her style and what her daily routine looks like.
I’ve always been interested in style. Recently an old acquaintance said to me that I’d “always been that little bit different” and I think that’s true. To keep up to date I read magazines, and visit stores and try everything on. I do know what the trends are and I try to follow them – I’d describe my style as streetwise. Within reason I think that anyone can wear anything. I go to Topshop and Urban Outfitters and it doesn’t bother me. It’s all there for older people – you just need extra courage to change your style, and it’s too big a step for some. I’d encourage anyone to go and try everything on in Topshop and buy a pair of Doc Martens – I wear them all the time. Recently a lady came into the store where I work (Bloomsbury & Co) and said that I had changed her life by encouraging her to wear shorter things.
My face has changed as I’ve got older (I’m 76), and for the better. My cheekbones seem more pronounced. My skincare routine is very simple: I use wipes to take my make-up off and very occasionally I use a cream from Lidl. I don’t think anything keeps the lines and enlarged pores at bay, but I’m happy with my cream and reckon it’s equal to an expensive brand.
I use MAC Studio Moisture Tint as a foundation. I’ve tried others but I always come back to this.
For my eyes I use MAC eyeshadows in a dark brown or dark grey, never a colour, and I don’t use liners or mascaras, I’m not good with them.
For lips I use Topshop’s Lip Crayon in Suspect, which you can only get online. It stays on forever. I don’t use blusher – I find the MAC tint works for me. My style icon is Vivienne Westwood and I tried buying an orange pencil and putting it by my brows as she does, but it takes true courage to go out like that.
I always had long hair, but then I found that having it down by my face aged me. Ten years ago I saw this shorter style and asked my stylist to copy it. He said it wouldn’t suit me, so I found another stylist and got it cut this way. I manage the fringe myself, it needs regular trimming to keep it this short. I just use whatever products my stylist gives me, he refills my bottles for me.
I run three times a week, sometimes more. It’s very important to my well-being and I think all the stimulation keeps everything working as it should. I have a wonderful new knee, and post operation I went back to power walking and built back up. I’m not a vegetarian, but I only eat meat when I’m out. I eat lots of nuts and seeds, take a probiotic, Vitamin B12 and folic acid and have two squares of chocolate every night.
I do care what other people think of my style, but it’s secondary to me. You should leave the house feeling happy in yourself and be better for it. Cosmetic surgery is not for me – I’m happy with my face – but if it makes another person as happy as I am, then good luck to them. They can go out and feel as invigorated as me.
You can watch Fabulous Fashionistas on 4OD, here.
The post My Face: Jean Woods appeared first on Sali Hughes Beauty.
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