A 99-year-old resident with an contagious charm has revealed her timeless make-up routine at HC-One’s Hepworth House Care Home, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Kathleen Strangward, a cherished resident at Hepworth House, proves that beauty is timeless with her unwavering commitment to her daily make-up ritual since 1943. For over eight decades, Kathleen has started each day by applying her signature lipstick and meticulously shaping her eyebrows, a routine that radiates confidence.
Using her treasured vintage Regent illuminated makeup mirror from the 1970s, Kathleen’s magnified mirror helps her perfect her look with precision. Kathleen’s journey began during the challenges of wartime in Britain, where she worked as a secretary and faced personal hardships, including the loss of her mother at age four and a father who struggled financially.
Despite these obstacles, Kathleen found solace and strength in her beauty routine. Today, she favours sheer pink and soft coral shades, adapting her style while staying true to her love of beauty.
Kathleen Strangward, HC-One’s Hepworth House resident, said:
“Make-up makes me feel ready for the day. Without it, I don’t feel like I’ve really got up properly or done what I’ve always done.
“It makes me feel happier and I wore make-up during wartime. There was only one lipstick available – it was always red! My skirt and necklaces show that if you look after your items they last.”
Ellie Linskill, HC-One’s Hepworth House Wellbeing Coordinator, stated:
“Kathleen always checks if her makeup to make sure it looks right for her. She’s a joy and her pride in her appearance at 99 is uplifting. These small self-care moments mean so much to her.”
Carol Loxton, HC-One’s Hepworth House Senior Carer, commented:
“It’s wonderful to see Kathleen smile and feel pampered every morning, even at nearly 100!”
Kathleen's sense of elegance extends beyond make-up, as she continues to wear a skirt and a set of pearl necklaces that are both over 50 years old.