Keeping it Together: Pamela Anderson and the power no makeup

Is there a "natural beauty revolution" in our midst? Jamie Lee Curtis thinks so.

Hi there! My name is Charlie, and I'm a health and wellness reporter for Paste BN. When I saw Pamela Anderson appear to go makeup-free at the Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear fashion show in late September − and that she earned praise from Curtis on Instagram for it − it reminded me of just how many female celebrities have embraced natural beauty in recent years.

"THE NATURAL BEAUTY REVOLUTION HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!" Curtis wrote on Instagram, tagging Anderson. "this woman showed up and claimed her seat at the table with nothing on her face. I am so impressed and floored by this act of courage and rebellion."

Anderson's not alone. In August 2020, Kelly Ripa poked fun at her gray roots, and, in March 2021, Katie Couric went makeup-free for a People magazine spread, saying the experience made her feel "liberated and vulnerable." Justine Bateman opened up in April to "60 Minutes Australia" that she thinks she looks "rad" aging naturally, despite online commentary over her looks.

Susan Yara, founder of Naturium Skincare and the YouTube channel Mixed Makeup, previously told Paste BN Couric's headline-making People spread pushed back against the norm "that women disappear into the background as we age."

"Men seem to thrive more when they age," she said. "It should be the same for women. We’re more confident and self-assured, and we bring wisdom that you can only get with age."

Cassandra Bankson, a medical esthetician and YouTube skincare personality, added "being able to age is a privilege" and "we should embrace how our skin takes care of us and the stories it tells."

If you have complicated feelings about seeing yourself without makeup or showing signs of getting older, you can find guidance from experts here. Keep scrolling for more great reads from our team below.