Janet Ellis - Our Seventh Ambassador

September 29, 2017

By Tricia Cusden

We are delighted to have Janet Ellis, as our latest Ambassador for Look Fabulous Forever. I have wanted to meet and talk to Janet ever since I saw her on a programme called Your Face Says It All which was about how faces age, in which she was featured with her daughter Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

On this programme a couple of plastic surgeons talked about improvements that could be made to older faces to affect the impact of ageing. In contrast to this message, Janet said she was perfectly happy with her 60-something face and then said we have to stop valuing older women only if they are ageing youthfully. I was loudly cheering her at that point and immediately thought she would make a great ambassador for LFF! So, I was very pleased when Janet agreed to meet me in Hammersmith, where she lives, and even more happy when it became clear that we were both singing from the same hymn sheet about ageing.

I first remember watching her on the iconic programme Blue Peter with my two young daughters who loved it. Alongside her career on TV she has raised three children, including Sophie who achieved great fame and success in the early 2000s as a pop singer. Janet is still broadcasting and is a regular contributor to 'The Wright Stuff' on Channel 5. I have often watched Janet on this opinion-based talk show and have found myself agreeing with everything she says (which is another reason I wanted to meet her!). In 2014 she realised a long held ambition when she started writing her first novel, 'The Butcher's Hook'. It was decided to submit this to publishers under the pseudonym Jo Winter - the name of one of Janets grandmothers. The result was a two-book deal and her first novel, The Butchers Hook was published in 2016.

Do leave your comments on my interview here. Janet raised some really interesting points - so do tell us your thoughts about:

Janet mentions disliking ageist remarks like 'you look great' (in brackets - 'considering your age'). What bugbears do you have about ageist language?
Do you agree with Janet that the ubiquitous Helen Mirren needs to be joined by many other older female role models - who would you nominate as your own role model for ageing fabulously?
Janet talks of her fear of ageing being about any limitations or restrictions it might impose on her life. What are your own fears?
Janet loves LFF because 'it's absolutely brilliant that there is something 'just for us'. What do you love about LFF?

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Gillian Wheeler - Our Eighth Ambassador

Putting on My Summer Face

28 Comment(s)

Suzanne Ward

Dec 07, 2017 16:24

I enjoyed your interview with Janet Ellis and like her hate anyone who adds "for your age" when supposedly giving you a complement.
I also thin there are many beautiful women apart from Helen Mirren, I would mention Susan Hampshire, for instance.
I think most people fear dementure and lack of agility.
I have only just started to watch your vidios and have put in my first order for eye makeup, so I am excited to experiment. I have always worn makup but needed to modenise my look

Vivienne Tanna

Oct 02, 2017 14:31

My role model would be Felicity Kendall. She looks fabulous, acts like she has just as much zest for life as she did when she was 20 and she is always bouncy and smiling.

My biggest bugbear - people seem to think your emotions atrophy just as much as your body. We all feel vital on the inside and we continue to experience all the emotions we have felt throughout life. That doesn't change but so often we are ignored, insulted or excluded, disrespected or not taken seriously. This feels just as hurtful when you are seventy as when you are seventeen. When will people realise you never become less human or less emotional with age! With the wisdom of our years we may choose to show less of our emotions but we don't feel them any less. I think we should stand up for ourselves more and make our opinions count more than we do. Perhaps we all need to get the message out there a bit more that we want more from life not less.

Susan

Oct 02, 2017 09:45

Mary Berry has to be a great role model- such elegance and graciousness

Marilyn

Oct 02, 2017 09:36

What a lovely woman, so articulate and incisive about what makes us older women tick. I agree with her comments on Helen Mirren, there are so many terrific role models out there, Judi Dench, Catherine Deneuve, Jane Birkin, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins... to name but a few, lets hear a bit more from them. Janet has led such an interesting life, knows who she is and her place in the world. She is absolutely right, makeup makes you feel great and certainly more confident about yourself. I've always encouraged my daughter to put her makeup on every day (don't want to pass all those mirrors looking less than great!). Thanks Tricia, great interview as always.

Lynn Roots

Oct 01, 2017 18:00

Hello Trish ,
Well it won't be Jane Fonda. ( since being gracious is paramount to me ) That's for sure !!

That's my instinctive heartfelt answer. I'll come up with a more constructive suggestion and send it along

You're doing a great job Trish ! Congratulations
And much ?
Lynn Roots

Laura

Oct 01, 2017 17:42

Bravo. That was excellent.
I really liked her comment about having to compete for everything when you're younger. I notice this when I'm at the gym. All the beautiful young women and men are doing their work outs, checking each other other, rushing off to their jobs or school. Meanwhile, I and my other 50 something friend are there and invisible (in a good way). You can see people notice us then 'categorize us' as 'those older women working out, nothing to pay attention to'. I like the fact that I can relax and pursue my health goals but I'm not in any kind of competition. I really liked Janet's spin on this!

Enid Calladine

Oct 01, 2017 17:41

What a wonderful lady she is,so good at expressing herself with words.
Very youthful in her outlook on life,and has achieved so much.
Will definitely look out for her books as am an avid reader.
Agree with comments about Helen Merryn, although she's a great role model for our generation of over fifteys, always think Twiggy is so elegant and stylish without being frumpy in any way,good ambassador for M&S.
Love all the Videos on application of your make up,find it so helpful,and shall become one of your customers real soon.

Georgia Brown

Oct 01, 2017 16:22

Thank you so much for giving value to the "aging woman". I don't see myself in many places in the US. For example, Spanx is now the word and accessory for improving our figure when muscles and skin are "relaxing". But no woman over 50 appears in any of their advertising. And I don't want to look like Jane Fonda with her eternal youth of figure and face. I prefer to look like Judi Dench. Thank goodness for your videos that acknowledge who we are and how we can still have fun with brightening our faces with your make-up. Since I live in sunny Florida I especially love your Bronzer.

Tanya Waterhouse

Oct 01, 2017 16:08

I feel embarrassed to say that I had never heard of Janet Ellis. I would have passed her in the street without recognition and have certainly never viewed her on television nor been aware of her book. I would like to apologise to Janet but more importantly this lady is now very much my nomination for ageing fabulously. Like Janet, my overriding concern of ageing as another year trundles rapidly to my 71st, is of my world shrinking to a chair so I refuse to acknowledge my aches and pains and every day go off to give my horse affection and care as well as keeping up my riding. Because of my outdoor lifestyle, other than applying skin care products, I rarely apply makeup on a day to day basis. I admit to a feeling of invisibility and therefore, a view that it doesn't much matter what I look like but this interview between these two beautiful ladies has motivated me into making more of an effort - not to make myself more visible, but just for me. I recognise Janet's remark about catching sight of this "old woman" in a mirror, indeed whilst popping into M&S recently I caught sight of one such old lady and realising it was me looking back, I had the devil's own job getting back to my car fearing I may scare young children!! The point is that Janet looks fabulous because she is happy with who she is and her happiness radiates from her unlike the rather stage managed appearance of certain film stars and personalities who have obviously had an army of hairdressers, make-up artists and in some cases, surgeons, to create their look.. I love dressing up and applying my makeup for a special evening, which makes one feel so much better and happy to face the world so what's wrong with getting that feeling every day.. I love the LFF lipsticks with their bright colours which light up our face and frame a smile so come on ladies, put on the lippy and let us all be proud of what we have achieved even if we are not on the business end of a camera lens. In my case, I have ben lucky to have had a great profession in my adult life, I have had the most glorious gift of having horses in my life and I have outlived my mother by nearly thirty years. We have all achieved - perhaps giving life to another person or working to help those less fortunate, so those of us well past our salad days, should be proud to show our face to the world and what's wrong with a little help from LFF.

Adele Bantle

Oct 01, 2017 15:52

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Paula Lewis Martin

Oct 01, 2017 14:50

I love the celebration of being the age you are.
I just returned from a motorcycle rally for women. Hundreds of women on their own motorcycles rode in from all over the country. Every shape, size and age, celebrating being able to be ourselves.
Your presentation emphasizes this thing we are all privileged to be experiencing, getting older.

Tracey

Oct 01, 2017 14:40

What a great ambassador for older women. I agree Helen Miren is attractive but not totally natural, very suttally done but not without some work.
Dame Judie Dench is more my idea of natural. She always looks like she is enjoying life and to me that is the key to old age. You must enjoy life, embrace all it throws at you. The package you come in really shouldn't matter. If makeup means you can face world then great but if it dosen't bother you then it shouldn't both others. Also "you look great for your age" ? why can't you just look great? Adding for your age makes it sound like an insult

annette wass

Oct 01, 2017 13:56

really enjoyed your interview with Janet -she really is inspirational in her approach to ageing and life in general. Its funny what she said about Helen Mirren as I had just had a similar thought a couple of days ago -thinking that there are so many more women who could be role models.for older women. I personally dont find her particularly inspiring as she invariably is styled and made up to an inch of her life . I do get quite tired actually of how she is held up to be what we should all be " aiming " for

Gill Marsden

Oct 01, 2017 13:04

What a marvellous person Janet is - so bright, upbeat and very attractive. I agree with her fear of your life having boundaries because of physical illness or disablement as you get older. I have some problems but am determined to look my best and as Janet said, a smile is so transforming. I love Look Fab Forever makeup because the colours and textures are just right for older skin - very pretty and uplifting. My favourite summer lippy is Pink Pop and for winter Soft Plum (have mentioned it before but would love matching nail polish!).

Lynn

Oct 01, 2017 13:04

What a lovely lady, I too used to watch her on 'Blue Peter' with my children, she is very inspirational, and a great role model. I love that she is like minded regarding LFF make-up and 'playing around' with different lipsticks/makeup etc. I think about limitations due to age in the future, and hope that is a long way off. At the moment I feel ok, and try to keep active, and I am thankful for that, but I am also aware I am not as agile as I used to be. We don't know what the future holds for us, but I try to make the most of life and precious time with my family.

Soos Eades

Oct 01, 2017 12:50

This is such a natural interview I wanted to be there with you ; enjoying a chat.What came across for me was the overwhelming feeling of “stay true to yourself” regardless of society pressures. Janet embodies what real women, in any walk of life,are about.Thank you for a truly lovely conversation.

Anna Crabtree

Oct 01, 2017 12:42

I would recommend the historian Mary Beard as a role model - she pursues her wonderful career with huge skill and enthusiasm and tries hard to ignore what some people think of the way she looks. She is her own woman, and doesn't need to try and look like anyone else.

Suzanne Thorne

Oct 01, 2017 12:25

I strongly dislike remarks that refer to how I dress but its the attitude that goes along with it that bothers me the most. Many women are very judgemental on how someone looks. Wearing make up, dressing in what makes me happy is my choice but being judged or shunned because of that is so unacceptable. When I sold make up a few years ago it seemed to me that there was a barrier still on making that effort, the effort I might add was for myself. I can do 'bag lady' look no problem but feel happier and more refreshed when I have my make up on and sadly that sometimes sets you apart from the majority. One of my many role models is Vivienne Westwood and of course Julie Waters and Judi Dench but also all the wonderful fashionista's out there of which there are many in the older age bracket, looking fabulous and obviously feeling it.
My fear for getting older is much as Janet stated. We all want to continue being 'able' in the same way as we always have and restrictions on our abilities can be a huge reminder that our bodies are ageing.
I love LFF because it does what it says on the tin and its run by REAL people. The joy behind the products shines through to us which makes them a joy to use.

triciacusden

Oct 01, 2017 12:01

Hi Margo
Amanda put the Taupe and Cocoa Eye Shades on the lid and socket area with Forrest as the lash line for definition. She also used Brow Shape on the brows and Fablash Mascara. Triciax

Bren

Oct 01, 2017 11:55

What a truly inspirational lady.
Always liked Janet Ellis,but after your interview with her,I think she's wonderful..
Great interview Tricia.

Jackie Offer

Oct 01, 2017 11:49

I loved this interview discussing and embracing being real, honest, lovely ladies. You and Janet look fantastic and comfortable in your own skin, oozing radiance..
Accepting and understanding yourself is being a real woman
I love LFF make up and what it stands for, it shines through in Trisha. Get you two on the TV ads more please! X

Monica

Oct 01, 2017 11:25

Have always liked Janet and even more so these days. And yes, more older women in addition to Helen Mirren are great role models. Janet Street Porter is one of them. I don't necessarily agree with all she says but boy she has never been invisible and great that she remains such an inspiring force of nature and fabulous x

Margo

Oct 01, 2017 11:14

Hi Tricia Another great interview with an inspirational lady. Could you tell me as a warm where you put the different colours of eyeshadow? Janet looks fantastic and it is so encouraging for us to see someone of our age embracing life to the full. Like us all I am sure she has had ups and downs at times. Margo

Valerie Elms

Oct 01, 2017 10:51

Brilliant interview. I concur with Janet about Helen Mirren. As mush as I love Helen I don't feel she has had the same life experiences as many other women - juggling work with a family etc which is probably why she doesn't have as many lines on her face as I do!! Thank you Janet and a you are 11 days younger than I am, you are my new role model.

Mary Devereux

Oct 01, 2017 09:54

Inspirational. Acceptance is so important. Acceptance of who we are. We are constantly learning about our selves & our environment. ,physical , spiritual emotional & intellectual.& how we interact. Janet's playful attitude to her life & her enthusiasm to try new adventures was great.

Clarissa Farr

Oct 01, 2017 09:38

Absolutely loved Janet : vibrant , warm and playful (her word.)
As for new role models - Janet herself would be brilliant. I loved what she said about the beauty of a smile - it's the inner grace, radiance and warmth of a person that really makes them beautiful and those things are not age related .

Gareth

Sep 30, 2017 19:20

Congratulations - what a wonderful interview. What a pleasure to listen to Janet. Beautifully natural.
Pleasure to listen to such strength and positivity.

Sarah wild

Sep 30, 2017 00:05

Janet is so correct when she says to 'accept who you are'. Accept that with age comes a different challenge to those we faced in our 20s, Declining physical and mental abilities do mean, as many people have pointed out in your blogs of a few weeks ago, that sorting your 'living arrangements' while still able to do so can be the most rewarding thing for you and your family. Also I would encourage everyone to take note of their diet and exercise regime. Our muscles are less 'strong' as we age, so we need to 'use them or lose them'.

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Janet Ellis - Our Seventh Ambassador

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