As a child, Pamela Anderson never thought of herself as pretty, a result of the horrific abuse she faced from those in positions of power. This may seem utterly mind-boggling to most of us, with Anderson becoming known for her stunning looks when she first featured in Playboy magazine in 1989. Since then, her full-glam makeup became a staple for her, rarely being seen without it until 2023. Speaking to People Magazine, she told them “I didn’t know anyone would notice it, but I’m glad it became a positive message.”
For me, this is the most powerful part of her seeming abandonment of makeup: it wasn’t some huge decision for her, instead, a way to reimagine her own natural beauty. Across social media, fans have flocked to celebrate her backlash against the makeup industry which has had a hold of women for decades. Users @bonniebishopforrockstar and @agingbodyliberation both commented on her recent BAFTAs Instagram post “Thank you for everything you’re doing for girls and women…just by following your own path,” and Thank you for showing us what breaking free looks like!” respectively.
Reflecting on the death of her makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, Anderson stated this to be the changing point for her, saying that going makeup-free feels “freeing, and fun, and a little rebellious.”
We seem to be taking a step in the right direction towards promoting natural beauty and elegance.
You may be asking yourself if one celebrity turning up to events bare-faced will actually achieve anything for women’s beauty standards. In recent years, many household names have posted their natural looks to social media, including Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Helen Mirren among others. Whilst none bold enough to do so on the red carpet, we seem to be taking a step in the right direction towards promoting natural beauty and elegance. In an era of abusing plastic surgery to desperately cling onto youth, even these small stands to embrace aging seem monumental.
Late fashion designer Vivienne Westwood spoke animatedly about her friend: “Pamela embodies beauty and intelligence. Not only is she a sex icon, she’s a superwoman.” We hope to see more women embracing their natural beauty in the coming years, to demolish misogynistic narratives that have held a tight fist on us all – especially as we age.
We should all be inspired by Pamela: celebrating our looks and continuing to critique the sexist ideals that fuel the beauty industry.