Published: March 30, 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online—Providing trusted news and professional analysis for the UK.
Dame Joanna Lumley has once again delighted fans with her refreshingly low-maintenance approach to glamour, revealing that her secret to “absolutely fabulous” skin at 79 is remarkably simple. In a candid discussion about aging and the pressures of the beauty industry, the national treasure admitted that she eschews the multi-step routines favored by younger generations in favor of whatever happens to be within arm’s reach. “I’m not one for those rows of expensive little bottles,” she remarked with her signature twinkle. “I usually just wash my face with whatever soap’s lying on the side of the bath. If it’s good enough for my hands, it’s generally good enough for my face.“
The actress, who is currently preparing for the highly anticipated Absolutely Fabulous spin-off Amandaland, has long been an advocate for budget-friendly beauty. Her latest admission follows years of public loyalty to her “magic” blue pot of Astral moisturizer—a staple she has used for over four decades. Describing her routine as “cheap as chips,” Dame Joanna noted that her refusal to buy into high-end luxury products stems from a mixture of pragmatism and what she humorously terms being “mean.” “I simply can’t bring myself to spend eighty pounds on a cream that smells like a flower garden when a four-pound tub does the job perfectly well,” she added.
While the beauty industry continues to push complex “active” ingredients and ten-step nighttime rituals, Lumley’s “soap and water” philosophy serves as a defiant counter-narrative. She attributes her glowing complexion more to “good genes, a lot of laughter, and staying busy” than to any specific cosmetic intervention. Despite being a veteran of the screen and a frequent guest at high-profile events like London Fashion Week, she maintains that she has never developed an allergy to her basic routine—a feat she finds increasingly rare in an era of over-processed skincare. “Do what you can and be grateful for it,” she advised. “And try to look nice, but don’t obsess over it. Life is far too short to spend it all in front of a magnifying mirror.”
For those looking to emulate her timeless look, the message is clear: simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. As she approaches her ninth decade, Dame Joanna’s blend of vegetarianism, “vigorous” movement, and a “growth mindset” appears to be far more effective than any lab-synthesized serum. Her refreshingly honest take on the “side of the bath” soap has resonated with millions of women who feel overwhelmed by the modern skincare market. In a world of filtered perfection, Lumley remains a beacon of authentic, unpretentious elegance, proving that sometimes, the best beauty secret is the one that costs the least and allows you to get on with the business of living.




























































































