103-year-old former tram conductor is UK's oldest social media influencer
Joan Partridge, who says a nightly brandy keeps her young, thought TikTok was a "clock" before being urged to post make-up tips online. She is now signed with a top beauty brand
A care home gran has found unlikely fame as Britain's oldest influencer - aged 103.
Joan Partridge became an online sensation with her viral make-up tutorials on TikTok. The bubbly centenarian has since signed a 'collab' deal with a top beauty brand.
She starts every day at her care home in Redditch, Worcs, by 'putting on her rouge'. Girls more than 90 years her junior flock to Joan's TikTok account to get tips on applying make-up.
Joan had never heard of social media before staff at Millcroft care home suggested filming some videos. The retired tram conductor, was stunned when one clip attracted almost 300,000 views on TikTok.
Her newfound internet fame has since led to her becoming an influencer for Collection Cosmetics. The pensioner's top beauty tips for staying youthful include not smiling to avoid leaving white lines while applying blush.
She also advises women to sweep the skin to blend and not to use too much make up.
Great-great-grandmother-of-six Joan said: 'I know I'm 103, but I still like my make-up. I do it every morning when I get up.
'I didn't know much about Tiktok. I thought it was a clock. I never thought I would have gained so much attention. It's very nice to be an influencer, but I'm still an old woman.'
Make-up brand Collection sent Joan a complimentary giftset packed with blush, lip-gloss and beauty pallets.
She joked she is 'too old to work' but is thrilled to 'collab' with the British firm.
'Beauty to me means natural all over,' she said. 'It's nice to feel good about yourself, no matter how old you are - you can't go without your rouge.
'Whether I go out or stay in, I put rouge on, I flick it on. I put a bit of eyeliner on so I look like I've got some eyelashes. You're as young as you feel and age is just a number.'
Joan, originally from Birmingham, credits her youthful appearance and good health on a nightly glass of brandy.
'I wonder why I'm living so long,' she said. 'It's the brandy I think. That's what keeps me happy and smiling. Every night before I go to bed I have brandy, I top it up with lemonade to make it sweeter.'
Joan's granddaughter Nicola Hulme, 50, praised her for embracing her new-found social media fame.
She said: 'Nan really shocks me, she's always up to some mischief. When she came to Millcroft we thought we'd have a relaxing time - but no, she decides to go viral on TikTok.
'I'm very proud of her, she's precious to me and all of us. She's very unique and I love her a lot.'
Collection Cosmetics said: 'We hope the younger generation feel inspired by her effortless style.'
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