Pamela Anderson, best known for her role in Baywatch as a blonde bombshell, has been challenging societal beauty norms and embracing her natural self in recent years. In a bold move, the 57-year-old actress decided to go makeup-free at The Row show in Paris in September 2023, a decision that surprised and impressed many fans. Anderson shared with Better Homes and Gardens that this shift towards embracing her bare face allowed her to break free from the image of herself she had previously held onto. She expressed, “[Going bare-faced] was the beginning of me letting go of the image I had always had of myself. What is this cartoon character that I’d created? Okay, that was fun. But I’m not that person anymore.”
At Paris Fashion Week, Anderson caused a stir by choosing to forgo makeup, opting instead to prioritize her experience at the Louvre over spending hours in a makeup chair. Some critics argued that a full face of makeup should be a requirement for such events, while others praised her for boldly challenging traditional beauty standards. Anderson reflected on the experience, stating, “I felt like this little freckle-faced kid with a big, beautiful Vivienne Westwood hat on. It was such a refreshing way to see everything, and I didn’t think anyone would even notice.”
In an interview with Vogue, Pamela Anderson shared how the decision to go makeup-free made her feel “very seen” and validated after “testing the waters”. This pivotal moment inspired Anderson to take action by investing in a natural skincare line called Sonsie, together with her sons, Brandon and Dylan. The actress, who shares her sons with former husband Tommy Lee, emphasized the importance of self-acceptance in the beauty industry, stating “It’s about accepting yourself where you are right now.”
Anderson revealed her long-standing desire to be involved in the beauty industry dating back to her Baywatch days. She expressed her concerns about the excessive use of plastic in beauty products and the environmental impact it has. This led her to prioritize creating a natural brand like Sonsie that focuses on sustainability and self-care. Anderson emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and taking care of oneself without worrying about the future.
Pamela Anderson’s journey towards embracing natural beauty and challenging societal beauty standards serves as an inspiration to many. Her decision to go makeup-free and invest in a natural skincare line reflects her commitment to self-acceptance and sustainability in the beauty industry. Anderson’s evolution from a Hollywood icon to a champion of natural beauty emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-love in a world that often prioritizes unrealistic standards of beauty.