AGE OF MINIMALISM
The movement of ‘no-makeup makeup’ has recently emerged within our beauty landscape over the past few years, with natural glam and a focus on raw unfiltered skin being the new trend. Largely stemming from the concept of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, the shift towards an effortless and minimalistic appearance has led to us ‘losing the glam.’ Why has wearing minimal, or no makeup at all, risen in popularity? Is it possible that this quiet rebellion from our favourite celebrities can impact how we, as an audience, view ourselves and potentially improve our self-esteem? What are the revolutionary impacts this could have on the brutality of modern-day beauty standards?
REDEFINING glamour
It can be said that women have felt the need to underplay the amount of effort taken to look attractive in the interest of not wishing to be seen as vain. The societal concern surrounding visual appearance and how we present ourselves is ignited by how many women would like to be perceived as desirable individuals.
By going makeup-free and rejecting this notion of performed beauty, stars like Pamela Anderson (age 58) and Addison Rae (age 25) have celebrated their imperfections in front of the camera, arguably influencing how female audiences begin to perceive and embrace themselves. They are able to spread an undeniable message that beauty does not demand disguise.
A CULTURAL SHIFT
The Bonafide ‘It Girl’, Pamela Anderson, is a prime example of a beauty icon that has spurred on the anti-makeup movement. Previously donning voluminous hairdos, intense smoky eyeliner, and perfectly fully lined lips throughout the 90s, the forever bombshell has turned towards barefaced red carpet looks and makeup free press tours in recent years. The former Baywatch star returns to Hollywood as a lead role in The Last Showgirl (2024) after wrapping up her autobiographical documentary Pamela: A Love Story (2023). As she promotes her new projects, Pamela embraces her natural features by wearing no makeup in her press tours, boldly breaking the bounds of the rigid beauty standards women in the film industry are often expected to adhere to. She tells Elle magazine that the decision was ‘freeing, and fun, and a little rebellious too. Because I did not notice that there were all these people doing big makeup looks, and it’s just like me to go against the grain and do the opposite of what everyone’s doing.’ By going ‘against the grain’, the female role model has potentially sparked a feminine revolution, empowering women to be more confident within their natural selves. There is no doubt that the entertainment industry has always been ruthless, however Pamela turns a blind eye to the harsh judgements, and instead highlights ‘I feel like it’s just freedom. It’s like a relief to not wear makeup‘, she told The Independent.
Now, is this release of burden enough for all of us to actively reject wearing makeup altogether? Or is this just a celebrity we passively gush in admiration for?
AUTHENTICITY OVER AESTHETICS
Younger celebrities like Addison Rae have also shown vulnerability, such as going make-up free in her debut album press tour. The popstar attends interviews and red-carpet events with bare skin and tousled hair, an unfiltered and real portrayal of herself that completely differs from her previous appearances in colourful graphic eyeliner, air-brushed complexion and full-glam. By normalising her bare face under the public eye, Addison dispels the synonymity of glamorous looks within celebrity press tours. This ‘power move’ has audiences questioning if this is merely a rebranding that aligns with her new aesthetic, or could this be more than strategic marketing and genuinely have a long-term impact on our generation?
Regardless, by going against the status quo, these powerful female role models have made statements that can positively impact the self-esteem of women. They are not just encouraging girls to ditch the makeup; the broader message entails the growth towards self-love, by accepting that we can age organically and gracefully at the same time.
Alicia Keys has arguably pioneered this makeup-free movement ever since the 2016 Grammy’s, in which her unapologetic decision to go barefaced to the event caused massive controversy on the internet. Yet, Women’s Wear Daily reports that she felt ‘the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt‘, a true depiction of the self-acceptance that comes with being your most authentic self.
Still, it is important to acknowledge that makeup can be used in a healthy manner and as an expression of creative and artistic freedom. Makeup can be armour, provide routine and structure, and allow us to feel more ‘put-together’ whilst giving us a chance to have fun and be experimental. Just as long as we are not relying on makeup for external validation, then we should be able to do both; confidently wear makeup or go all-natural, depending on how we feel!