Andrea McLean

Andrea McLean is not only a successful tv presenter, writer & business woman, she is also a very good friend of mine.  We go back for many years and have been through a lot together both good and bad.

 It is no secret that I played ‘Cilla Black’ and set her up on a blind date with Nick –  who is now her husband!! I do love a bit of match making !

Andrea has always been a staunch supporter of Donna May London and we regularly chat over business strategies when I make her up for Loose Women (not a difficult job to make her look gorgeous!).  

As with all my wonderful work colleagues, we don’t get enough fun downtime together and I cannot wait, once we are finally allowed to travel again, to plan another one of our retreat holidays as we have a shared love of fitness and wellbeing.

Was life in the media easier before Instagram?

Life in the media was easier in one way without mobile phones in general because no one expected to have a running commentary on what your life entailed, and no one thought to video or photograph you! On the plus side, I love the creativity of it, and the chance to really connect with fans and our TGIOF community.

Who is the most inspirational person you have ever worked with or interviewed?

Oprah Winfrey. I didn’t sleep the night before I interviewed her, I so desperately wanted it to go well. Her life, career and attitude is awe inspiring. One day I hope to be interviewed by her…

If you could invite 3 people to dinner who would it be and why?

Oprah, Tony Robbins and Ryan Reynolds. Oprah and Tony are fascinating and inspiring, and Ryan Reynolds is hilarious. And not ugly.

Let’s talk Makeup – What is your most recent makeup purchase?

I’m a sucker for a lip gloss with any kind of lip salve in it. So my most recent was Studio 10 Lip Perfecting Balm Gloss. It’s my go-to.

Which product within your makeup bag could you not live without?

I carry a few must-haves! The Studio 10 lip balm as above, Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum (a light, dewy Foundation), Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk eye palette and Film Star Bronze & Glow (medium to dark), Studio 10 eyeliner – all just in case I need to look fresh for work all day.

What is your favourite lip colour – brand and name?

The Studio 10 Lip Perfecting Balm Gloss

How often do you wash your brushes – be honest!!

Ooh… not often enough! Once every 6 weeks?

What is your biggest makeup disaster?

Thinking blue eyeshadow suited me!

Who’s look/style do you really admire?

J-Lo. I think her make up is flawless, really beautiful.

How are you coping with Lockdown? What are the best and worst aspects for you?

I am naturally quite an introverted person who likes being at home, it’s where I feel my most creative and comfortable, so I am ok with it. I’m enjoying having time with my family and I’m using the time well. The worst part is the worry about the unknown and fear of catching the virus, so we are being ultra careful. I am meditating and exercising most days to help me feel calm, focusing on what I can control rather than what I can’t.

Who is the first person you will cuddle once you get set free??

My parents. It’s strange having them so close (they live five minutes from me) but not being able to go round to see them! Although I have seen a lot of them, we have been dropping food parcels at the end of their path and talking to them from the street. Plus FaceTime with them and my sister so we are all in constant touch.