Lulu secrets of eternal youth

How did you end up as a skincare expert?

It came about because people would be interviewing me about a project and would say: ‘Your skin looks fabulous. What do you do?' I'd been complaining to my friend about these interviews and she said, ‘Well, I've never seen so many lotions and potions in one person's bathroom so why don't you tell them what you do?' I'm very influenced by friends, experts, people I've met - I've learned the secrets of experts in hair and make-up and stylists. I gained a lot of information, so when we came to do the range, I knew my products. They were all concocted by me, for me, and came from a basic need to take care of my skin. But then it starts selling and you have a business and you're on QVC...

You became a grandmother recently. How did that make you feel?

I was delighted! There I was on tour and my daughter-in-law said: ‘You're going to be a granny!' I was up there like a rock chick, bopping around. I think Isabella's birth means I probably see my son, Jordan, more as a grown-up. I still say to him: ‘Are you going out without your coat on?' And he'll say: ‘I've been dressing myself for 30 years now.' I will not be called Granny, though! People were saying: ‘Well, what will she call you?' And Jordan said: ‘I think she could call you Nanna Lu.'

When would you say you've felt happiest and most confident?

I've been happy at so many different times. There have been many moments that were extremely happy - and moments when I've been extremely sad and annoyed that things weren't going my way. But I feel comfortable, and it feels good right now. It's Isabella as well. It's a new time, having that baby, having a granddaughter. But I don't think anyone gets through life without ups and downs. It's not so much what happens to you but how you deal with it, or how you recover.

Do you think the current debate about ageism is a myth?

The thing is, there has to be a change in attitude, because we are living longer now and women are looking better. We're more agile, we have better energy and better health, and now the retirement age is getting older - there are enormous changes going on that can be quite exciting. At the moment, I'm very hopeful that things are going to get better for us old 'uns!

Have you had any treatments to keep the signs of ageing at bay?

I have to be careful because I have thin, freckly Celtic skin. If you're young, any old cleanser will do. When you're older, you need much more than that. I have facials because of all the make-up I wear on stage and for photo shoots. My cleanser has magnesium oxide crystals in it, which are used in professional microdermabrasion and slough off the top layer of skin. The combination of that and my day cream has made my skin much more evenly toned.

Do you think some women go too far in the pursuit of looking good?

Like anyone else, I look at some women and think: ‘She's gone over the top, that's ridiculous.' It's too much when people overdo it and their faces don't move and they're frozen. Some people will do anything - they become obsessed. But it's all about skin tone and that rosy glow that young people have - that's what you're trying to recapture.

You must attract a lot of male attention. Do you find men are apprehensive about approaching you?

I don't feel like men cower... But maybe they do! I'm not looking for anyone right now - I'm happy as I am and I'm certainly not desperate. I'm very comfortable. I was married for a long time earlier in my life, so now I enjoy being on my own and maybe I've got used to it. My life is easy - it's what I want. I suppose that sounds selfish, but maybe that's what I am. I don't lack for friends or people around me. In fact, I do the opposite - I keep people away. I'm very discerning. But if there's some gorgeous man out there don't tell him I'm not interested... You don't want to put them off!

Find out how Lulu stays in shape and discover her style staples here

Lulu's style secrets - her top 6 tips