In case you hadn’t heard, Pamela Anderson, now 58, has been making headlines for the past couple of years. But not for the reasons you’d expect. It’s not for a Baywatch throwback or a racy headlines moment – it has been her bare, MAKEUP-FREE FACE!
Photo credit: ABCnews.go.com
Her new look actually started back in 2023, when she showed up at Paris Fashion Week with no makeup on. This is when it cemented her makeup-free movement, and she’s kept it up ever since. It was definitely a shock factor for the former Playboy model, and ex wife to a rockstar drummer with a wild past, to show up at such an event without a stitch of makeup on. She has claimed that going makeup free has been an act of self acceptance.
Photo credit: ABCnews.go.com
And it had me questioning myself recently: Would I EVER do that??
*You’ll find my honest answer at the end of this post and a no-makeup makeup tutorial!!*
It has sparked a conversation that mature women are currently having. What does it mean to go barefaced? Is it liberation… OR…pressure in a new package? And should choosing makeup be seen as masking, or is it just self-expression?
Would You Go Barefaced?
Let’s be honest—going makeup-free in a world that constantly tells women to look younger, fresher, smoother, tighter, brighter… is kind of radical. Especially as we age. So, hats off to you Pamela.
In a discussion with a morning show, she said her reasoning for leaving the makeup behind was a blend of things. Ranging from her longtime makeup artist dying, to doing it as an act of rebellion against all of the overdone makeup looks she was seeing. Of course, there have been a few red carpet moments where she wears a tiny bit of blush and lip color, but not nearly as much as she used to.
Photo credit ABCnews.go.com
I’m sure it can be incredibly freeing, and a time saver. I guess there’s something to be said about letting your skin and your features on your face just be what it is. For women over 45+, here’s a few things I guess going makeup-free could do for us:
- Allow the skin to breathe and recover.
- Showcase your real age rather than hiding it.
- Save time in an already jam-packed day.
- Send a message to younger generations that beauty doesn’t begin or end with eyeliner.
But of course, I’ve got to address the flip side. Choosing to wear makeup does not mean you’re insecure or hiding your true self. In fact, that’s not even close to true in my own case.
Makeup Is Not a Mask — It’s an Artform
For many of us, makeup is fun. It’s empowering. It’s creativity front and center and how we show up to the world—polished, playful, powerful. And, it’s a ritual that helps us feel ready, put together, or simply more us.
For me, wearing makeup doesn’t mean I’m afraid of aging. Nor does it mean I’m insecure.
I’d consider myself very secure and confident actually. It means that I don’t want to wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and think, “Well, this is as good as it’s going to get today!” Not a chance.
It’d be like me saying I’m never attending my Fit Body Boot Camp classes again, because I should just “accept” the aging body I’m in. Nope – because I know I can do better. Which is why I exercise, eat as good as possible (but dabble in the wine + chocolate when I want), and enjoy the makeup process everyday!
The point is: I like makeup. I like fixing my hair and always having my nails painted. I like my workout classes because of the camaraderie with the other women in the group, but I also still want to look good in my jeans! These things may be time-consuming and require some effort, but I deem all of the above as how I show self-respect for myself, and I enjoy all of it!
So whether you want to try out a bare face like Pam, or you’re reaching for your favorite tinted moisturizer before school drop-off or a board meeting, there’s room for all of us at the table.
Want the Best of Both Worlds? Try My No-Makeup Makeup Look
If going completely bare isn’t your thing but you’re curious about that barely-there vibe, here are the 9 no-makeup makeup products that I used to get there without the glam overload. And, they’re all drugstore priced, which is a plus for your wallet!
Pacifica Future Youth Face Roller, $25. – I start my day off by using this to rub my serums into my skin in the morning and to depuff my face before any makeup hits it!! I store it in my fridge so it’s shockingly cold when I start rolling. I love this thing for how it wakes up my entire face!
Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator, $6 – Light tinted skin veil, with skin-loving ingredients like squalane and Hyaluronic Acid, with a semi-matte finish. Feels like skincare, looks like skin. So very cheap,
Pixi Beauty On The Glow Bronze, $18. – This hydrating moisture stick with a hint of bronze tint comes in a deodorant-like roll-up stick that makes it so handy to use! I love to add this along with or after my tinted moisturizer to give my face some added dimension, which it always needs. Wearing shade: rich glow. But be sure to check out its reviews! Wearing shade: light medium.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Blush in “Apricot Kiss,” $12 – THIS SHADE y’all!! Swipe this onto your cheeks, and I even put some in the crease of my eyelids, for a natural flush that mimics a true post-walk glow. I’ve been wearing this shade of blush from L’Oreal for over 5+ years now, and I trust it. It’s not a bright blush, but it gives just enough color and warmth to the skin to make you look radiant. Try this shade, ladies, you won’t be disappointed. Also, a great fall makeup product!
Revolution Makeup Skin Silk Under Eye Brightener and concealer, $10 – I just couldn’t, and wouldn’t, want to go without a tiny bit of concealer. This formula is magical, and it takes a touch to brighten and lighten the hollows of my eyes that get deeper as I age. I highly recommend this to anyone scared of thick, crepey concealer. This is your answer. Wearing shade: Light Peach. * use the Anisa Beauty angled concealer brush, $28, to make it look airbrush-like!
Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue Gel, $9 – I know Pamela is rocking her ultra-skinny natural brows, but I have to have a bit more substance to mine. A few swipes through the brows of this brow gel gives just enough polish to lift your face and keep you looking awake. You can choose the clear if you’ve got plenty of brows, or a tinted shade if you need a little fill-in. I set my brows up with this gel, then tap in some quick brown eyeshadow for a natural fill-in.
L’Oreal Lash Paradise mascara, Latte Brown, $10 – Clean, fluttery lashes without clumps or drama. The brown shade defines just enough to open your eyes, but never screams “I tried.” Curling the lashes beforehand is also a non-negotiable.
E.L.F. Glow Reviver Lip Oil, $8 – No lip liner, just this exact shade of lip oil to create a slight hint of color. This formula is a non-sticky, hydrating lip oil with a high-gloss finish. The plush, oversized cushion applicator hugs just like the iconic Dior lip oil applicator does – just way cheaper! Wearing shade: Rose Envy (this is the dupe shade to the Dior “Rosewood”)
The Bottom Line
Going makeup-free doesn’t make you more “real.” Wearing makeup doesn’t make you “fake.”
What matters most is that you choose what feels right for you, and that we continue supporting each other—glam, barefaced, or somewhere in between.
My look details: If you don’t own a mustard yellow dress heading into fall, give one a try! There are many options here from Banana Republic, $56, this ASOS one here, $82, and this shorter one from Tuckernuck here, $128. This maxi dress I’ve owned for 3 years now, and I wear it in the summertime with sandals and in the winter with my puffed sleeved denim jacket, $295, and brown boots, $119.
After looking at myself with zero makeup on in the first photo I shared, there’s no way I’d go anywhere like that. Others might say to me, “Oh, but you look just fine!” Well, just fine isn’t good enough for me. I’m going to always wear makeup. Guess I’m more Dolly Parton than Pamela Anderson!
So, let’s get real: Would you go makeup-free like Pamela? Drop your thoughts in the comments below —I want to hear from you on this one!
About The Author
LEAVE A COMMENT