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, but be sure to check out its reviews! Wearing shade : light medium.
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 it always needs. Wearing shade: rich glow.
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
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!
Your quote above is perfect. I recently retired and still dress nicely and even do a bit of makeup everyday, even for small errands. I even do this for my workout classes. At 72 I need that “Feel Good” moment.
Will continue for many years to come.
I have a feeling I’ll be the exact same once I retire – I’ll still want to take time to feel put together! Good for you Carol!
I never wear makeup. I’m 53. I work on having great skin.
Good for you for working on taking care of your skin! That’s a win
Jennifer, I am a long time SAACA reader and love Beth’s style. But your post on going barefaced intrigued me. I am 64 and wear very little makeup but I liked your suggestions for a little something. I am active and must have good genes because I still like who I see in the mirror on most days. Thanks for providing some inexpensive tools to add to my daily routine!
Peg, I love hearing that you’re a loyal reader of SAACA and also glad that this post spoke to you. Even a tiny bit of makeup can be a big mood lifter (and face lifter) and it doesn’t take much! I hope some of my recommendations work for you 🙂
Never going out in public without makeup!!
Same Lisa, SAME! 🙂
You are gorgeous with or without makeup! My entire working life, I didn’t leave the house without foundation, blush and lipcolor, even on the weekends. Wearing contacts made it nearly impossible for my sensitive eyes to wear liner and mascara, so I skipped it.
Since I retired a few years ago, I’ve allowed myself more makeup free days – but still put SPF on my face everyday.
I look more “even” with some makeup though, so I do my face for going out and have used many of your recommendations
Why thank you Susy for the kind compliment 🙂 The daily SPF will allow you to wear less makeup for sure bc your skin is protected, keeping it looking smoother and less spots! I’m glad to hear that you’ve found some of my recommendations helpful
Oh – I am with you on that! I am 71 and I do my makeup everyday and have been doing it for more than 50 years! I agree it’s a form of art for me and I think it gives me more confidence. I prefer a more natural/neutral pallet unless I’m experimenting with a new pop of color.
Yes Darlene! Just the act of putting on makeup is almost therapeutic for me and so relaxing. Not a day goes by that I don’t put SOMETHING on my face! It wouldn’t feel right to do that to myself, ha ha !
I would never go anywhere without suncreen, a light foundation, mascara and lipstick. That is the bare minimum. I prefer to do full makeup in natural colors.
I like makeup. I do it for me.
Love it Kathy. I do it for me too. No one else.
I’m with you. I just feel better when I wear at least some makeup, not heavy, but enough that I look like I care.
Love your name Violet – my daughter’s name is Vivian and there’s something so unique and cool about women with names that start with the letter V!! I totally feel better when I look in the mirror and it looks like I took some time to enhance what it already there, so I’m with you!
I do go makeup free on occasion. Call it my “no” day, no makeup, hair styling products, extra jewelry, etc… Now let us understand makeup vs skincare. Always skincare! I am a retired high school US Government teacher, so 1000% support self expression. It is in the 1st amendment! And makeup, hair color/style, jewelry, clothing are all forms of expression.
I so value your input on this Connie as a retired teacher and what a service to the community/city you served all those years by teaching our youth. As a mom of 3, I 100% appreciate all of their teachers because that’s a tough tough job I could never do, I’m so thankful there are women out there like you!
I’ve followed Beth and you for some time now and have really enjoyed it. However, I’m now trying to be more health conscious so I’m using an app called Yuka for both groceries and cosmetics. I truly am appalled at what is in our makeup. Endocrine affecting ingredients, harmful dyes, etc. So my question is are you aware and do you have any interest in featuring products that aren’t harmful to women. There seem to be plenty of them out there as Yuka offers alternatives and I’ve switched to several. Thanks, Pam
Hey Pam! Thank you SO much for being a loyal SAACA reader first and foremost. I struggle with this subject of what beauty products + ingredients are deemed “clean” or “toxic” because I myself am not a cosmetics chemist/scientist. I follow quite a few of these scientists however on different social platforms to get their takes on whether or not our makeup is really that harmful. I will say, that in terms of the Yuka app, they are labeling certain ingredients are “hazardous” yet, many things can be hazardous, but that should be determined by dosage, which Yuka does not seem to dive deep enough into. Anything can be “hazardous” if you use too much of it – you drink too much H20, you could drown, literally and it could kill you and flood your organs. But H20 in appropriate dosage is actually good for our bodies right? Same goes for these ingredients these apps deem as dangerous – when in fact, in the correct percentages, are perfectly safe and actually effective. Just my two cents but I continue to do my research and share when I figure out this whole clean beauty phenomenon.
I would never go makeup free I love the way makeup makes me feel I do it for myself for protection for my aging skin for showing I still care about my appearance and the confidence it gives me!
Amen Linda! I’m with you!
The only one that sees me makeup free is my dog!!!!
This made me giggle out loud Janice!! I am with you 100% – my dog Taco is one of the very few who catch me bare faced!
As a 74 year old southern lady, I have always worn makeup since I was 15. Every day, even if I am home alone. My great aunt and grandmother always told me to NEVER leave the house without my “face on”. Preferably not to even come downstairs unless I was ready for the day! I don’t adhere to that one, but , I will say I don’t wear a lot of makeup, just concealer,eyeliner, mascara, blush and powder and lipstick. It’s just who I am and who I have always been. This has been an interesting article🙂
Deborah, we southern ladies were all influenced or raised by females like this I bet! I know my mom, and my Granny always used that phrase, “I’ve got to put my face on!” I just know, if I’m only walking to the mailbox, I’m going to atleast have that lip gloss on and my lashes curled – and maybe a little concealer 😉 Just feels better!
Loved this post today, Jen ! I have often gone bare faced on days that I’m only at home or just running to the post office. If I’m venturing further afield I’ll wear a bit more make up. I’m 64 now and find myself wanting to wear less but, I still enjoy cosmetics and how they can and do make me look and feel better when applied properly. So, really I feel it’s a great thing that a woman of Pamela Anderson’s influence has decided to go this way.
No, I would not go out make-up free!
IMO, Pamela Anderson could do a happy medium with make-up. Her look without make-up is not attractive to me, although she has a cute face and pretty eyes. She looks washed out, and like, what happened?
Her past look as pictured with make-up is a bit heavy; especially the eye make-up.
I’m with you Jennifer. I love make-up and see it as an art form, and something I love to “play” with. I agree’ it’s just fun and it does enhance your look and make you feel good and confident! What’s not to love about that?
Nancy – I agree with you! And yes with Pam she does have cute eyes and a great smile, but we ALL look washed out when we get into our 40s, 50s, and above. It’s a known fact as our blood flow and circulation slows with age, that healthy “glow” doesn’t really work or show up like it used to! So just the addition of a touch of color like a cream blush or lip color can fake a more youthful and healthy glow!
At 81 I look good for my age……with makeup on. Not so much without makeup. I love makeup with tricks that work. Thanks for your advice!♥️
I second that Cindi – I look good with my makeup ON!
Hi Jennifer,
I enjoyed this post, and your being frank as a professional make up artist.
My decision is to wear makeup, as it makes me feel more confident and that I am presenting my best to those I encounter.
Thank you!
P. Lee, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post and topic. It’s nice to hear from my fellow makeup lovers!
I am 83. Even if I am not leaving the house i use Benefit Gimme Brow in gray and bright red lipstick. And always spf over moisturizer. If I am going out and about I put on more. I have tried many of your suggestions. Last week I got the Dieux barrier repair you recommended. Not giving up!
I LOVE hearing this Stella and your products you’re using to put your best face forward! I dig a confident red lip at 83 – You sound like my kinda gal! Hope you’re enjoying that Dieux cream – I sure do!
No, I will not go makeup free but I do like what Pamela Anderson is doing. She gave a very good performance in The Last Showgirl. And has an interesting cookbook.
I had no idea she had a cookbook, so I just looked it up after I read your comment and it gets GREAT reviews and actually love the concept of Recipes From The Heart. thank you Linda!
I am a big supporter of women doing what they want with respect to aging, attire, hair, and makeup. YOU should do YOU! I won’t ever stop wearing makeup – it’s just fun to apply to achieve different looks – and taking the time to double cleanse at night is a pleasure. It’s probably true that less is more as you age, but that just means adjusting the makeup to changes in your canvas. We get one life – don’t waste it by staying so busy that you skimp on self care. You’re definitely worth it!
Maureen, I’m committing your last phrase to memory – “We get one life – don’t waste it by staying so busy that you skimp on self care. You’re definitely worth it!” We ARE worth it!!! And same with the double cleansing routine – I find it so satisfying!
At 71 I still really enjoy trying new makeup & it’s definitely a mood booster for me even if I’m only going to Walmart…lol
Oh, BKT, I run into the most people I know at Walmart so that’s more than enough reason to play with my makeup before I head there – ha ha!!
Almost 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with severe allergies to fragrance as well as many of the chemicals found in most commercial hair, skin and makeup products. I couldn’t find makeup that I liked and that didn’t irritate my skin. So I just I stopped trying. I’ve been makeup free for about 15 years and my skin has never looked better.
I’d say that’s a huge win that your skin has been flourishing since going makeup free!
Liked this article very much. I am 78 and have less signs of aging (without makeup) than most women my age. At least that’s what I’m often told. I have been wearing makeup since I was 15 and continue to this day. I have fair skin, blue eyes, light grey hair (blonde hair until grey) blonde eyelashes and blonde eyebrows. That all makes my features and hair blend together. I prefer some definition to my face. Although I have a light hand with cosmetics I feel I owe it to myself to look as good as I can. Skincare is also part of my routine too. Yes, it does take time every day and wearing makeup as you are aging takes constant adjustments. I pay the same attention to my healthcare, wardrobe and appearance of my home. I just like things as good as I can comfortably make them. Yes, there will probably be a day when I can’t keep up with all that I would like but I can look back with the thought that I led my life on my terms. I also applaud women who choose not to take the same road I do, as they are living life on their terms. Good for them. There is room for us all. It’s inevitable that others are going to judge you on how you look so you need to be prepared to compensate for that in other ways. Strong voice, good posture, ready smile, good attitude, no matter if you are barefaced or wearing makeup.
I thoroughly enjoyed your take on this post Kathy. In particular this part, “Yes, there will probably be a day when I can’t keep up with all that I would like but I can look back with the thought that I led my life on my terms.” I believe putting in the work with taking time to care for our bodies, faces, hair, and even our home, gives life more meaning and fulfillment! At least for me it does as well. Thanks for taking time to comment and for being here Kathy!
In my work life I wear a wrap around lead apron, scrub hat, mask, sterile gown & gloves. I go makeup free because underneath my “uniform” I perspire even though it’s freezing in the Cardiac Cath Lab. Ruined lipstick & runny mascara are not a good look once I unscrub. The result of going makeup free has been glowing, healthy skin. I enjoy your posts especially about skin care. Thank you, Kristine