THE COST OF LOOKING GOOD
(London 'Evening Standard' - March 2004)
Actress Gillian Taylforth said recently she spent £2,500 a year on beauty treatments and products to keep in shape for her TV roles. So do all female celebrities need that much pampering? Peter Robertson investigates...
Singer Barbara Dickson, 55, whose new CD, The Platinum Collection, is now available, lives in Lincolnshire with her husband Oliver Cookson, 45, and their three teenage sons. She spends £3,500 a year on products and treatments.
"Despite working in the entertainment business for 30 years, I don't think I'm as self-obsessed as some people are. I've always believed that what you look like comes from within.
At least six times a year, I go to the Michaeljohn salon in London to get my hair coloured and blow-dried. It costs £300, but it's worth it because the confidence boost is amazing. The rest of the time I do my own hair.
I cleanse and moisturise my face morning and night using Neal's Yard products from my local health store that cost me about £150 a year, and Clarins day and night moisturiser that costs me £35 every six months. But if I'm running low, I'll use good old-fashioned olive oil - which can be just as effective as some of the expensive creams.
I don't spend a lot of money on skincare, but I do like to invest in quality make-up. I think that's particularly important as you get older. I'm using a selection of MAC, Benefit, Clarins and Chanel products at the moment.
I also like to take good care of my body, so three times a week I go to the gym at a physiotherapy practice in Lincoln, which costs me £3.50 a session. I spend 40 minutes on a running-machine and lift weights to tone my arms.
The worst aspect of my body is my stomach - I've always had a fat stomach.
But I think there's too much emphasis on what people look like. If you look sexy and you're funny and you're good at your job, that should be enough. "
