I’m 82 & I had my second child at 47

AT 82, Arlene’s career has taken her from the bold and outrageous days of hot gossip to the high-glamour spotlights of Strictly. 

Yet, her most enduring beauty advice is remarkably simple and budget-friendly.

Having famously welcomed her second daughter, Abigail, at the age of 47 – at a time when she says doctors told her she “should be a grandmother not a mother” – Arlene has spent decades defying expectations. 

Today, she is as busy as ever, choreographing for musical theatre and keeping pace with her grandchildren. 

Her secret to staying at the top of her game is a mix of rigorous discipline, and a surprisingly affordable skincare ritual.

“One beauty tip I swear by… is to never skip removing your makeup at night,” Arlene says. 

“If you want to preserve your skin, it’s non-negotiable. I use a Nivea makeup remover – it’s simple and effective.” 

Nivea makeup remover currently costs £1.94 from Boots. 

While she counts the luxurious La Prairie as the “goddess of skincare,” she insists on the power of the high street.

Arlene says: “I believe in mixing cheap and cheerful with glamour and gorgeous – it’s all about finding what works for you.”

Arlene is refreshingly honest about the help she’s had along the way, but she reveals she has recently hit the brakes. 

“I’ve always been honest about my tweakments, and I don’t regret a thing,” she says. 

“I have paused having face touch ups and haven’t had any ‘tweakments’ in over 6 months as I am trying other things to help. I’ll probably come crawling back at some point but not yet.”

When it comes to more permanent changes, Arlene admits she nearly went under the knife. “I did consider a facelift at one point but the idea of going under anaesthetic really put me off,” she confesses. 

“Of course, there are moments when I’d love a smoother chin or neck, especially after a lot of laughing, but looking back, not having surgery has never felt like a missed opportunity – if anything, it’s a relief.

“One thing I’m very glad I never did was lift my eyes. I’ve always wanted to age gracefully, to look like myself, maybe a little younger, but still me.”

Arlene admits she has learned to adapt her physical routine. 

“Until my seventies, exercise dominated my life – running, weights, strength training,” she notes. 

“Now, I’ve learned to ease up. Movement is still essential, but it no longer has to be extreme to be valuable.”

She also relies on tiny rituals that cost nothing.

Caring for my mother at fifteen taught me to take things one step at a time

Arlene Phillips

“I stand with my feet about a foot apart and rise up and down on the balls of my feet, tuning in to my body and noticing how every part feels – from my heels to my fingertips,” she says.

“Give me a set of stairs and I’ll run up them – on the Tube, anywhere I am. It’s a small, zero-cost habit, but it keeps me moving and feeling strong.

“Between rehearsals and performances, I’m often running around after [my grandchildren] and trying to keep up with the kids. I call it my ‘exercise with joy’.”

To support her achy joints and a “dodgy knee” from years of dance, she incorporates GOPO® Joint Health, a rose-hip supplement, alongside Vitamin D in the winter.

A good old MAC powder… works as both foundation and powder and gives a flawless finish

Arlene Phillips

Arlene believes the single most effective investment in one’s appearance is how you carry yourself. 

“Lifting your body, opening your chest, holding your head and neck strong – if you don’t, everything can drop,” she explains. 

“Posture, movement and physical awareness make a far bigger difference than any product ever could.”

She continues: “Caring for my mother at fifteen taught me to take things one step at a time, especially when life is hard, and that attitude has stayed with me ever since.

“I put on my brightest lipstick and smile. It takes a second but it instantly lifts your face. I love a browny-pink shade – natural but with a pop of colour.

“A daily espresso is my go-to if I need a quick wake-up… but for a non-caffeine energy boost, nothing beats a ten-minute nap. I could sleep standing against a wall if I had to!

“A good old MAC powder… works as both foundation and powder and gives a flawless finish.” 

As the dance world reels from the news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are departing Strictly Come Dancing, Arlene is looking to the future.

“I was both shocked and not shocked to see Tess and Claudia leaving,” she admits. 

“I completely respect that it’s their time. As for who I’d like to see presenting next, Layton Williams has a fun and dynamic energy, and Hannah Waddingham would be mind-blowing.”