At this year’s annual Gotham Awards, Pamela Anderson made a striking appearance on the red carpet in a stunning Oscar de la Renta satin gown. The champagne-colored dress featured a striking strapless design, but it was the large bow at the back of the gown that truly stood out, adding an extra flair to her look. However, what truly caught everyone's attention was not just the dress, but Anderson’s fresh and minimalistic makeup, which perfectly complemented her natural beauty.
It’s been over a year since Pamela Anderson, known for her glamorous red carpet looks and signature bold makeup, made the bold decision to ditch her usual glam. The iconic “Baywatch” star has been embracing a much more understated, natural appearance. This shift began in 2023 when Anderson made waves during Paris Fashion Week by opting for almost no makeup at all, only applying a light dab of moisturizer. At the time, her decision was partly to ensure her outfit stood out during the Isabel Marant show. But, Anderson also had a deeper message in mind.
In an interview with Vogue in October 2023, she explained her decision, stating, “I know I wasn’t making strides towards world peace, but I was making a statement…” She also reflected on the modern obsession with image and how it’s challenging to recognize what a face truly looks like these days. She went on to say, “In this day and age, do we even know what a face looks like anymore? This is it.” It was clear that Anderson wasn’t just giving up makeup for the sake of convenience; she was making a statement about authenticity and natural beauty.
Pamela Anderson chose a champagne-coloured gown by Oscar de la Renta. Getty Images
Since then, Anderson’s makeup-free look has become her signature style. She’s graced magazine covers, made appearances on popular talk shows, and accepted numerous awards without a trace of makeup. Most recently, she received the Outstanding Lead Performance award for her role in Gia Coppola’s upcoming film The Last Showgirl, further cementing her new aesthetic.
This transformation is particularly notable as Anderson is 57 years old, and many of her peers in the entertainment industry are under constant pressure to uphold a polished, youthful appearance. Despite this, Anderson remains resolute in her decision to embrace a more natural look, proudly forging her own path in the entertainment world. In an appearance on Drew Barrymore’s talk show last October, Anderson shared her sense of freedom, saying, “Isn’t it so freeing?” She added that embracing her natural look had allowed her to feel more at ease with herself. “I feel so free,” she said, reflecting on how liberating it was to let go of societal beauty standards.
The conversation took a lighthearted turn as Barrymore and guest Valerie Bertinelli also removed their makeup on stage, showing support for Anderson’s approach. Anderson concluded by noting, “We all are our own worst critics,” encouraging others to embrace their authentic selves as well.
Pamela Anderson’s shift towards a more natural appearance is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful statement about self-acceptance and authenticity. With this change, Anderson has not only set a new standard for beauty but has also proven that confidence and individuality shine brighter than any amount of makeup.