Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley has revealed that she has been using the same bargain beauty product to keep her skin looking youthful for four decades
TV icon Joanna Lumley, 78, has shared her secret to maintaining a ‘youthful’ glow – and it’s a bargain beauty staple that won’t break the bank. Speaking to The Sunday Times Style magazine several years ago, she divulged that her go-to moisturiser, which costs just £5 in Superdrug, has been part of her skincare regime for an impressive four decades.
She remarked: “It comes in a little blue pot, cheap as chips – adore. It has never been tested on animals and is about the only thing I’ve never developed an allergy to. People say I look much younger, and I put it down to good genes and moisturiser. For people with dry skin and wrinkles it’s definitely worth a try… I don’t usually buy expensive products because I’m mean.”
The cream that the Absolutely Fabulous star can’t live without is Astral Intensive Face and Body Moisturiser. Housed in its distinctive little blue pot, Joanna hails it as her top budget-friendly pick that she’s relied on for years, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Currently, beauty enthusiasts can snag this skincare gem for a mere £5.49 at Superdrug. Astral isn’t just your average moisturiser; it’s designed for all-over use, from hands to face to body, providing “intense skin moisturisation and protection”.
Superdrug says: “Astral Original is all the intense moisturising care your skin needs. The nourishing and protective formula is so effective, it’s never had to change.” This moisturiser boasts an impressive customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with 96% of customers willing to endorse it to others.
One review reads: “It is the cream your mum and nan wore and why they had such peachy skin in their old age. It works for me so well as for countless others that I have entirely stopped buying ‘high end’ skin care.
“I apply this religiously twice a day. I am constantly getting compliments about my skin being luminous and looking 10 years younger and have done for years since I began using Astral. This stuff is magic I tell you. I have suffered with acne in my younger years but Astral cream does not appear to induce flare ups.”
Several other satisfied customers have shared their experiences with the Astral Intensive Face and Body Moisturiser. A customer named Nellie posted: “This product goes on smooth and leaves my skin feeling good, can’t always find this item very easily so always buy 2 or 3 at a time love it.”
Another reviewer, Cerise, shared: “Astral is still a light-feeling cream that glides on even mature skin without pulling yet with the impressive moisturisation mature skin needs – and all without palm oil. An all-round winner for face and neck as well as hands.”
Meanwhile, Gilly raved about the product’s efficiency, saying: “Have been using Astral for years – absolutely fantastic moisturizer, never fails to keep my skin smooth and silky.” Erlyn, a long-time user of Astral, attested to its enduring effects, writing: “I have been using Astral for many decades. Soft and smooth, leaves my skin feeling good. Would recommend anyone buy this product, you will not be disappointed. THE BEST.”
One fan raved about the results, commenting: “Used this on my dry skin on my face since I was a teen only thing that works!! Good all rounder! People say I look 30 when I’m 45 but think that’s genetics or maybe cream has helped? Best value for money my favourite cream of all time!!!”
However, not everyone is as impressed. Mary said: “It used to be a good moisturising cream, it’s not like before. And the price gone too high, just wondering why.”
Another customer said: “I have been using astral for years and I ordered astral moisturiser from Superdrug but it doesn’t have its usual scent and smells different. Delivery took forever so I wouldn’t recommend.” Someone else said it is “a bit greasy”.
For those seeking out the Astral Intensive Face and Body Moisturiser, there are other stockists aside from Superdrug. Amazon lists a 50ml jar for the slightly cheaper price of £4.49, while Savers has the 200ml size at just £3.99.
If you’re in the market to beef up your skincare regimen with some “intensive” moisture, you’ve got choices aplenty. LookFantastic boasts the TikTok-famous Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream for £29.99, lauded for its all-natural ingredients and versatility.
Meanwhile, Curel’s Intensive Moisture Facial Cream can be purchased from Boots, with customers rating it 4.6 stars out of five from nearly 1,300 reviews. Alternatively, CeraVe’s Intensive Moisturising Lotion – packed with hyaluronic acid and three critical ceramides – is on Amazon for £15.
