We don’t imagine there are many people who’d be complimented on their complexion while downing a glass of blended pig’s testicle or having a cockroach flushed out of their ear. But that’s exactly what happened to Coleen Rooney during her recent stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. She also won a legion of new fans who loved her down-to-earth attitude and devotion to her family. (Coleen and husband Wayne share sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and six-year-old Cass.)
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the lovely comments about my skin while I’ve been in the jungle,” the 38-year-old said on Instagram when she returned home, having finished in second place behind McFly’s Danny Jones.
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She revealed that it was down to taking Applied Nutrition’s collagen products in the months before heading to Australia. Now Coleen has launched her own range of supplements with the brand – dissolvable powders designed to fit into busy schedules, which is something she certainly knows a thing or two about.
Here, we catch up with her to discuss jungle life, beauty secrets and hangover remedies…
Hi, Coleen! Tell us about the supplements…
I’ve always taken Applied Nutrition’s collagen, so I was thrilled when I was asked to be an ambassador. This new range [Collagen, Hydration, Sleep, Immunity and Debloat] highlights that you don’t need to be a gym goer to take supplements, and you can fit them into your daily routine as a busy mum or worker. People might think, “Oh, she’s come out of the jungle and now has a product out,” but we’ve been working on it for a long time, so to now see it on shelves and online is exciting. It’s a Liverpool-based company as well, and I like to stick to my roots; it’s on my doorstep.
What surprised me is how many people don’t take supplements, so I’m glad that I’m getting people to start taking them. The big thing for me was the flavours – I wanted to make them easy and enjoyable to drink. I’ve taken collagen in the past and it’s not been that enjoyable.
How do you they fit into your routine?
I take Collagen and Immunity regularly. You’ve got to be consistent to see the results; you can’t just dip in and out. Debloat, Hydration and Sleep I take if and when I need. Hydration is great after the gym or on a hangover. Sleep helps you unwind in the evening. I took Debloat with me on the plane to Australia, and it’s good during the time of the month or if you’ve overindulged.
What physical differences have you noticed since taking them?
The Collagen supplement is great for your skin, and when I came out of the jungle everyone said, “Oh, my goodness, your skin was amazing.” It’s a good one to start taking at a young age as a preventative, but you’ve got to be persistent and take it regularly. The Immunity one is good at this time of year, when everyone’s getting sick, so if your kids bring germs home all the time, it helps to have it in your system.
In addition to supporting your skin from the inside, what’s your current routine like?
I get facials every five or six weeks. I’ve always looked after my skin and, as I get older, I make sure I wear a high factor SPF. When you’re young it’s easy to think you don’t need it! I always cleanse and moisturise, too. And hydration is key. What’s so good about these supplements is you’re getting your water intake as well, and I think that makes a massive difference to your skin.
What is your exercise routine like?
I try to do something every day, whether it’s squats in the shower or going to the gym, and I really love reformer Pilates.
What products are in your make-up bag?
I’m not very good at doing my own make-up, so I just go for a natural look. I use a Charlotte Tilbury tinted moisturiser. I always have the Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream; my best friend buys it for me for Christmas every year. I use a bit of blush.
I used to have eyelash extensions but I stopped before I went in the jungle, so now I’ve started using a lash serum, which really works. I never used to wear mascara because of the extensions, but now I do. And I like a lip gloss – I’m a gloss girl.
Was it hard going make-up-free in the jungle?
Not at all. Some of the girls had fake tan on that faded, but I think I looked the same from the beginning to the end; everyone’s different. I think it depends on your line of work as well — if you’re on telly every day, you’re getting your hair and make-up done, whereas I’m getting papped going to the gym or the shop. People don’t see me with make-up on all the time.
Did you do any beauty or other physical preparations before going into the jungle?
Not much. As well as taking my eyelash extensions off, in the past I’ve had hair extensions and I took them out too. People asked if I came off sugar and caffeine before going in but I didn’t, and that headache on day three is hard. It’s a bit like if you do a juice cleanse, and you crave a jelly bean.
So when contestants really savour the tiny treats they’re given, that’s genuine?
I’ve watched the show for years and I always thought, “Oh, my God, they’re exaggerating,” but you really do feel like that!
What beauty product did you miss the most?
Lip balm. I apply it all the time, so I really missed that. I really like Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
How to get Coleen’s glowing skin
Shop the star’s skin and make-up essentials…
Coleen Rooney x Applied Nutrition Marine Collagen, £29.95 (14 sachets) from Applied Nutrition
A strawberry-flavoured powder you mix with water, each serving contains 10mg of collagen to support skin, hair, nails and joints.
Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream, £48 from Sephora
A cult classic and a favourite with many, Coleen loves this luxe cream bronzer, and receives it as a Christmas gift every year.
Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow tinted moisturiser, £39 from Charlotte Tilbury
This everyday face base gives sheer coverage and a natural-looking finish.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, £23 from Cult Beauty
Coleen missed lip balm the most. This keeps dry, chapped lips at bay in a range of flavours.
* Coleen Rooney’s Applied Nutrition range is available now, priced from £19.95
