Pamela Anderson Reveals Why She Stopped Wearing Makeup on the Red Carpet

"I'm going to challenge beauty."

Pamela Anderson
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Over the past few weeks, Pamela Anderson has shown up to red carpets, premieres, and interviews without a stitch of makeup or hair product. Now, the actress is finally revealing why she decided to ditch her glam squad.

After appearing at a number of high profile events without makeup during Paris Fashion Week, the model continued the charge earlier this week at the Fashion Awards in London, walking the red carpet completely barefaced. “There is beauty in self acceptance, imperfection, and love,” Anderson said last month. “I am much more comfortable in my own skin, but I also am in an industry that really focuses on beauty. And I thought, 'I'm going to challenge beauty.'”

Pamela Anderson at the 2023 Fashion Awards

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Although questions abounded when Anderson first appeared makeup-free in Paris, she had a simple explanation for her choice. "I'm makeup-free at home, so why not for Paris Fashion Week?" she explained in a previous interview. "I really didn't know anyone would notice it, but I'm glad it became a positive message."

"I call if Life-ing, not aging. Chasing youth is futile. All we can do is embrace who we are at the moment we are in, and be OK with where our feet stand right now," she continued, "I don't have to be cool anymore. I can just be me. It's very freeing to be comfortable in your own skin."

Even though there are no products to point to, the details of Anderson's makeup-free looks still stand out. For one, her skin was absolutely glowing in London, with her freckles shining through. She taught a masterclass in loose tendrils—not to mention the magic of winter whites. Perhaps most importantly? Those signature thin eyebrows—proof that trends mean absolutely nothing when something works for you.

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Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.