Pamela Anderson on Why She’s Embracing a Makeup-Free Life

The "Last Showgirl" star has gained quite a reputation for attending high-profile red-carpet events without a single stitch of makeup — and it's rightfully earned her praise. However, the reason behind her choice is much more personal.

Pamela Anderson cemented herself as a cultural icon in the 1990s, and her impact echoes across generations to this day. However, while her style has inspired social media hashtags like "#Pamcore," Anderson never really had much input into how she looked during those years.

"I just went along with what people were telling me what to do," she told Elle in August 2023. After her longtime makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, tragically passed away from breast cancer, she abandoned her signature glam look.

"She was the best. And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, it's just better for me not to wear makeup," she shared. The actress's reflection marked the first time she opened up about why she chose to leave makeup behind.

She found the decision "freeing, and fun, and a little rebellious too." She continued, "Because I did 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 what everyone's doing."

"I think we all start looking a little funny when we get older," Anderson added. "And I'm kind of laughing at myself when I look at the mirror. I go, 'Wow, this is really...what's happening to me?' It's a journey."

A surprising development after she embraced a makeup-free aesthetic was that she became an inspiration for designers. Previously, whenever she went for a photoshoot, designers would show her a mood board, and ask who she wanted her look inspired by — from Marilyn Monroe to Brigitte Bardot.

Now, she said, "They show me 10 pictures of me, and they go, 'Which one do you want to look like now?'" Later, in November 2023, Anderson made headlines when she attended Paris Fashion Week bare-faced.

Her appearance sparked a frenzy on social media, but the "Baywatch" star said it was never her intention. "I'm makeup free at home, so why not for Paris Fashion Week?" she told PEOPLE. "I really didn't know anyone would notice it, but I'm glad it became a positive message."

The 58-year-old also shared her laid-back perspective on aging. "I call it Life-ing, not aging," she said. "Chasing youth is futile. All we can do is embrace who we are at the moment we are in, and be okay with where our feet stand right now."

Since then, Anderson has stepped out at every high-profile event, rocking her natural beauty. "I don't have to be cool anymore," she said, reflecting on what she loves about where she is in life. "I can just be me. It's very freeing to be comfortable in your own skin."

In a 2024 cover issue for Better Homes & Gardens, she shared a deeper reflection on why she ditched facial glam. "That was the beginning of me letting go of the image I had always had of myself," she told the outlet.

"'What is this cartoon character that I'd created? OK, that was fun. But I'm not that person anymore.' It was a dance I was doing that I was only partly aware of. And looking back, I can see why I did it, " she continued.

It’s clear that Anderson’s decision to embrace her natural self has evolved into something far greater than a personal choice — it’s become a quiet revolution in beauty and self-acceptance.