I couldn’t have looked more casual. Picture this: I was strolling through the village market in rural France, wearing a pair of cut-off denim shorts, a spaghetti strap vest, and old sandals. Not a scrap of make-up adorned my face. And to my surprise, I heard it – the word ‘belle’, whispered by a group of market traders enjoying their breakfast of red wine, baguette, and cheese. They all turned to look at me with approving smiles and a hint of flirtation.
You may remember me as the writer who went viral back in 2012 at the age of 41, when I wrote about how women were jealous of my good looks. Well, since then, I’ve discovered something even more encouraging for women in their 50s – this is when we truly come into our prime. As a 52-year-old, I’ve noticed that I am more attractive to men than ever before, and I don’t rely on beauty products to achieve this.
While wise people say you never stop learning, last year I realized that the world still adores me even when I face it without any make-up. And really, who needs make-up when you look like this? I find comfort in Coco Chanel’s words: ‘Nature gives you the face you have at 20. Life shapes the face you have at 30. But at 50, you get the face you deserve.’ Well, it seems I’ve led a virtuous life because my skin, bone structure, and overall allure have held up so well that I hardly need any help from the beauty industry.
But I’m not the only one who feels this way. Just last week, Gwyneth Paltrow was photographed leaving a fancy Hollywood restaurant without a hint of make-up, and she looked absolutely beautiful. At 50, her complexion is just as peachy as it was when she collected her Oscar at 26. Of course, Gwyneth has dabbled in treatments and expensive creams, but whether a woman chooses to do that or prefers to embrace her natural beauty, she should do what makes her happy.
Let’s take a moment to think about French grandmothers. They are fiery and attractive, not ones to fade into the background. As a French step-grandmother with an eight-year-old granddaughter, I’ve even been mistaken for her mother, and I take it as a compliment. Going without make-up is about standing confidently in the spotlight and embracing who I am.
Each morning, as I prepare for the day and my numerous Zoom meetings, I simply wash my face with whatever soap is available. Currently, I’m using a lavender-scented soap that can be found in most French homes. It’s a quick routine that takes only 60 seconds. After lathering my face, I massage my temples and stroke my neck with gentle upward movements. I rinse off the soap with icy water and pat my face dry before applying sunscreen. A quick glance in the mirror confirms my fresh and healthy appearance, and I’m ready to take on the day.
Believe it or not, this is the extent of my beauty regimen. I no longer spend hours in front of the mirror, applying serums and corrective creams. I’ve given up on fancy brushes and beauty balms, and I don’t need a plethora of make-up options. And I’m not alone. Women in their 50s are embracing the no make-up look. Frances McDormand, Halle Berry, and Jennifer Lopez often share make-up-free photos on social media, and TV presenter Julia Bradbury happily flaunts her cosmetics-free face on Instagram.
Contrary to what you may think, going without make-up actually boosts a woman’s self-confidence. Studies have shown that women who embrace their natural beauty become more self-assured and compassionate towards themselves. They experience less discomfort and stress. So, this is not just about physical appearance; it’s about freeing ourselves from the pressure to conform and allowing our minds to focus on other things.
Looking back at my younger years, I cringe at how much time and money I spent on make-up and beauty products. I was a victim of the “more is more” mentality when it came to cosmetics. But I’ve learned that it’s better to simplify and embrace my natural beauty. And I’ve found that many women in their 50s are doing the same. We’re saying no to the beauty industry’s expectations and reclaiming our confidence.
So, whether you choose to wear make-up or not, the important thing is to do what makes you happy. Embrace your natural beauty, and let the world see your unique and confident self.
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