She’s been a prominent figure on British television since she was in her early twenties, and incredibly, some three decades later, 53-year-old Claudia Winkleman has barely aged.
And while many women in their 50s – especially those in the public eye – feel the need to radically update their signature make-up, not so for the beloved Traitors host.
Ms Winkleman, who doesn’t have any mirrors in her house and has joked about using ‘Bisto gravy and mud’ as fake tan, admits she never takes her make-up off before bed, doesn’t drink water and has even ‘got ready in the car on the way to a red carpet’.
Her secret? A low maintenance signature look with three rules: – super-tanned face, nude lips, and heavily smudged black eyeliner.
‘When I was 21 and a virgin, I got my fringe and everything started happening,’ she once said on stage.
In the 30 years since she’s stuck to it cementing herself as, by her own admission, ‘a tiny orange lady with a fringe that’s too long’.
The presenter has of course, experimented, however, her make-up routine has, for the most part, remained the same.
She has however thickened her fringe and eye make-up, a perfect anti-ageing strategy according to celebrity make-up artist Edy London.
‘Over the years she has gone with heavier fringe, and darker eyeliner. As we get older eyelashes and eyebrows get thinner so it totally makes sense to frame her eyes a little bit more,’ Edy told the Daily Mail.
Claudia Winkleman’s love of eyeliner, bronzed skin, and nude lipstick was clear from the start of her journey in the spotlight (seen in London, 2007)
And because the star mastered her beauty regimen from the get-go, she’s managed to carry her youthful glow into her fifties with ease, according to make-up artist at Backstage Salon, Lina Panchenko.
‘Claudia Winkleman has long proved that knowing what works for you, and sticking to it, can be the ultimate anti-ageing strategy,’ Lina told the Daily Mail.
‘From her trademark fringe and kohl-rimmed eyes to her softly bronzed skin and nude lips, Claudia found her signature look early on and has only ever made the most minimal of adjustments as trends have come and gone.
‘Rather than chasing fads, she’s refined the details in recent years… [with] a fresher, more luminous base and glossier, more natural lips.’
Though eyeliner has remained a constant in Claudia’s make-up bag over the years, she has tweaked her preferences, waving goodbye to glitter liners in favour of her favourite black kohl.
Among her current favourite products are the £23 Vieve Eye Wand in Expresso and Charlotte Tilbury’s £27 nude Hot Lips.
‘These subtle updates keep her look current without ever compromising that unmistakable “Claudia’ aesthetic”,’ Lina said.
And one thing all the beauty experts agreed on was the importance of Claudia’s confidence.
Panchenko continued: ‘In beauty terms, it’s the definition of quiet confidence – knowing your face, your features, and your style so well that ageing isn’t something to disguise, but something your make-up evolves with.
‘By staying loyal to her signature smoky eyes and curtain fringe, Claudia’s built a timeless identity that’s instantly recognisable and endlessly flattering.’
Despite her skills when it comes to make-up, Claudia isn’t exempt from the occasional mishap, such as her famous blunder at the 2013 GQ Awards in London.
Reminiscing over the look, which featured smeared eyeliner and quickly became a meme sensation, Winkleman told Grazia, ‘I had conjunctivitis and I applied make-up in the back of the car. But I sort of love it.’
Despite knowing her look from early on, Claudia isn’t immune from the occasional slip-up (seen at the 2013 GQ Awards in London)
The beloved Traitors host has mastered her make-up look of bold, black eyeliner and a touch of nude lipstick
‘I turned up at this event and there’s supermodels and A-list stars and proper people we should respect.
‘I mean, I can’t even tell as I can’t see. I’ve got handprints on my back from where I got my eight year old to fake tan me. It was awful, yes. But I would argue possibly my best look ever.’
Despite the brief blip, Claudia has stayed loyal to her look, and for those wanting to recreate her style at home, UK make-up artist Gemma Logan has explained how the presenter pulls it all off.
‘The star’s approach is a masterclass in enhancing features while keeping a youthful, fresh vibe,’ Logan told the Daily Mail.
‘Claudia’s eyes are undoubtedly the focal point of her look. She favours a smoky effect, usually achieved with a combination of pencil and powder shadows in muted tones like greys, plums, and soft charcoals.’
‘The key is blending upwards towards the brow, creating depth without heaviness. Her lash line is always defined but never harsh; a smudged kohl pencil or tightlining with a dark liner works wonders for creating that slightly undone, effortlessly chic effect.
‘Mascara is layered carefully to lift and separate, giving volume without clumping, which keeps the eyes open and bright.
‘Claudia’s lips are usually kept neutral, creating balance with her intense eye make-up. Nude, peachy, or soft rose shades complement her skin tone and allow the eyes to dominate the look.
In the earlier days of her career, Claudia still wore her favoured nude lip colour (seen at the Young Vic, London, in 2007)
Pictured: TV presenter Claudia Winkleman at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV awards in London, 2021
‘Lipliner is used subtly to define shape without exaggeration, and a touch of gloss can add a hint of life without looking sticky or overdone.’
At the same time, the presenter’s complexion is also vital to her youthful look. Logan explained: ‘Claudia’s complexion is luminous but never overly dewy. She favours lightweight foundations that provide coverage without masking natural texture.
‘A sheer buildable base paired with a touch of cream blush on the apples of the cheeks gives warmth and vitality.
‘Highlighter is minimal but strategically placed on the tops of the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose to catch the light naturally.
‘Moisturiser and a good primer are non-negotiable in her routine, ensuring that her skin remains supple and radiant.’
Logan concluded, ‘Claudia’s make-up is a blend of boldness, intelligence, and humour. By focusing on the eyes, maintaining a glowing yet natural complexion, and keeping lips understated, she manages to look timeless and young while still having fun with her style.’
