Having been in the public eye for 60 years, Joan Collins knows the world of showbiz inside out. The former Dynasty star is familiar with royalty, too, having met the Queen on more than one occasion. "Whenever I have met the Queen she has been utterly charming and totally involved," she told HELLO! Online in an exclusive interview.
Joan Collins pictured with the Queen earlier this year
She's also a fan of the monarch's granddaughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton. "I think the Duchess is extremely glamorous and dresses herself brilliantly," she said. "She is a great role model." Joan has met countless celebrities. "At 20, I was whisked off to Hollywood and suddenly I was meeting people like Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe," she said. "One of my favourites was Gene Kelly. He was so wonderful to me. He took me under his wing and used to invite me to his house where I would hang out with him, Marlon Brando and Paul Newman. Looking back it seems incredible, but at the time it felt perfectly natural."
Joan Collins poses with products from her beauty range, Timeless Beauty
Her all-time best celebrity story actually involves movie star Marlon. "When Marlon came to dinner in my tiny Hollywood flat, he said he was on a diet and ate absolutely nothing. We all went into the sitting room after dinner and Marlon suddenly left the room. "After about half an hour we went in search of him and found him in the kitchen, sitting on the counter, polishing off a carton of chocolate ice cream and surrounded by empty cartons of other assorted flavors. His expression was that of a naughty little boy caught stealing the jam. “I thought you we’re dieting?” I said. “I got hungry,” he replied with a sheepish grin.
Joan is as glamorous as ever. She even has her very own make-up range, entitled Joan Collins Timeless Beauty. Explaining her decision to launch her own line, Joan said it has been "a dream of mine for many, many years. I have a passion for beauty, and I believe that, with the right products, and helpful tips and techniques, every woman can look good, whatever her age." She was taught her make-up by the best. "When I started in Hollywood, I was given expert tips by Marilyn Monroe's make-up artist Allan 'Whitey' Snyder. I wanted to share that knowledge with women today as it's just as applicable." When it comes to make-up essentials, Joan cannot live without a lipstick and a foundation. "I wouldn't dream of going out without either!" she said. Asked about her top make-up tip, Joan advises investing in a good foundation. "A good base can really help disguise any tell-tale signs of ageing. It's about base, not Botox! I always wear foundation as I believe it helps act as another barrier between skin and harmful elements that can aggravate skin. "My Timeless Beauty First Base Foundation contains hydrating skincare benefits as well as a natural cover." Joan Collins Timeless Beauty is available from joancollinsbeauty.com. Prices range from £12 - £50.