Anti-Aging is Nonsense!

I’ll admit it—I'm obsessed with skincare. Double-cleansing, sunscreen, moisturizers, and knowing my actives are second nature to me. I visit my injection specialist three times a year, indulge in rejuvenating laser treatments, and cherish keeping my skin looking fresh. Yet, after over 30 years in the beauty industry, I’ve realized: anti-aging is nonsense.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ll always enjoy refreshing my appearance, and I love taking care of my skin. But this passion, even an obsession, stems from decades of conditioning in an industry that glorifies youth. We live in a society where aging is often viewed as something to fight, rather than embrace. The truth is, wisdom and experience have taken a backseat in favor of remaining vibrant, young, and, most disturbingly, relevant.

Today, any visible sign of aging is something to be erased. Young women are turning to Botox to avoid wrinkles before they even appear, while mothers are injecting their teenage daughters to keep them looking forever young. This is a disturbing trend—a fear of aging that shows a profound disconnect from reality.

Aging Used to Be Celebrated

In pre-20th-century cultures, aging was revered. Elders were sought out for their wisdom, and their guidance was celebrated. As children entered puberty, they were often encouraged to grow up faster and embrace maturity.

Then came the 20th century—an era of rapid change. The industrial revolution, cinema, world wars, pandemics, and economic crises all forced generations to mature quickly. The modeling industry of the 1950s reflected this shift, where models in their early thirties, many of whom were former dancers, radiated self-assurance and maturity. Younger women aspired to emulate their elegance and grace.

But by the 1960s, the landscape had shifted dramatically. With the rise of Twiggy, the modeling world—and, by extension, society—shifted its focus to youth. Corporations began marketing to the new generation, and the obsession with youthful appearances was born.

The Evolution of Ageism

As the decades rolled on, ageism crept into every corner of our culture. Women in their 20s were prized for their youth, while men were allowed to grow older gracefully. But by the 21st century, even men weren’t spared from the pressures of ageism.

The 90s gave us the so-called "grandma" Madonna at 33, and the era of the supermodel was in full force. Kate Moss epitomized the appeal of youth, while the rise of reality TV in the 2000s, combined with the advent of social media, meant that everyone was now publicly comparing themselves to one another. Beauty standards became increasingly impossible—frozen foreheads, augmented bodies, and social media feeds filled with altered realities became the new normal.

The Kardashian effect took hold, redefining beauty with hyper-feminine, exaggerated aesthetics. Their influence continues to shape the beauty ideals of a generation. And while these trends have their place, they underscore the constant pressure to look younger, regardless of the cost.

Why “Anti-Aging” is Anti-Life

Here’s the truth: I love neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. They’re tools I use to keep my appearance fresh and rejuvenated. But the term I can’t stand is “anti-aging.”

Aging is a fundamental part of life. To be anti-aging is to be anti-human. The idea that we should fight aging at all costs is flawed—if we never aged, we would remain forever in diapers, incapable of growth or learning. Aging allows us to shed the naivety of youth, to grow into people who have lived, learned, and loved deeply.

Imagine being stuck in your teenage years—forever emotional, constantly hormonal, and endlessly unsure. No, thank you. I’ve lived through adolescence once, and I’m happy to leave it in the past.

Aging is essential. It tells the story of a life well-lived, and while some may choose to wear their wrinkles with pride, others—like me—choose to soften them. Both paths are valid, and it’s a personal choice we each make based on what feels right for us.

Rejuvenation vs. Anti-Aging

There’s a key distinction for me between “anti-aging” and “rejuvenation.” Both terms are used to sell the same products and services, but the language matters.

Anti-aging suggests that aging is something to fear, something to be fought against. It implies that age is a problem to be solved, that growing older means losing value. Rejuvenation, on the other hand, is about renewal. It’s about reinvigorating yourself, not erasing the years but refreshing your spirit.

When I look at my life, I’m grateful for every year I’ve had. I’ve been privileged to live this long—something that not all my friends were fortunate enough to experience. Aging is a gift, and we should cherish it.

Recently, I complimented a woman who had let her natural gray hair come through. It was stunning—like strands of silver in the sun. She told me that the pandemic had encouraged her to let her roots grow in, and she had decided to embrace her natural beauty. That’s the kind of confidence I admire—people who age on their own terms, unapologetically themselves.

Aging on Your Own Terms

As I grow older, I care less about what others think of me. What matters most is how I feel about myself. The opinions of others weigh far less on my mind. My goal is to find contentment within myself and my surroundings.

So, let me say this: do what feels best for you. The only person who should ever dictate how you look is you. And I, for one, will no longer support the idea of anti-aging. It’s time we embrace the privilege of growing older and live life on our own terms—rejuvenated, not erased.

Dewy Skin Is In

Let us face it: wet, luminous, glazed, and glossy complexions are all the rage! From Maison Margiela’s extremely reflective makeups in their Spring/Summer 2024 Couture runway show to the endless glassy complexions we see in the media every day, there has never been a better moment to let your skin shine.

Here are a few quick tips:

Skin Type: If you have oily skin, many fine lines, or uneven texture, these types of products can enhance and amplify your skin's texture. Combination skin types will likely love the glow if they powder the center of their faces.

Placement: Light reflective products look beautiful on the cheekbones, forehead, and any smooth part of the skin.

Products: There are many products on the market right now to help you get your glow on. Here are a few of my current favorites:

·        Charlotte Tilbury – Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick: The most recent launch in this list, I got this to test out for my annual Clin d’oeil judging panel box of goodies. I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but I love it. It’s super smooth and blends effortlessly. I avoid it in the T-zone area. It’s a hybrid product: some will love it as a glowy foundation, for others, it will be a highlighting stick.

·        Saie Beauty – Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator: This luminous gel is an incredible and easy-to-use product to wear on the face or body to give the skin much-needed radiance. The texture is super fluid and works well on top of other products. I have often used this on top of other products or even mixed within to give the skin a more illuminated effect.

·        Glow Recipe – Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum: This serum packs a hydrating punch that doubles as an excellent primer for makeup to give your skin that radiance without any shimmer. Purely glossy, this product looks incredible on the skin alone or under makeup. This product has gained cult status and for good reason: it is a wonder, a beautiful hybrid of skincare and makeup.

·        MAKE UP FOR EVER – Mist & Fix 24HR Hydrating Setting Spray: How could I not include one of my favorite brands in the mix here? This setting spray has become a favorite of mine since it was relaunched a few years back. Packed with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, this setting spray refreshes the makeup and holds it in place while leaving the skin looking marvelously moist. It works wonders as a setting spray and can become a quick primer with grip action if you spray it prior to applying makeup.

·        MAC Cosmetics – Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer: MAC has been killing it for years in the complexion department, and this primer, launched in 2023, is no exception. It helps products to grip and spread better on the skin, giving the skin the most gorgeous luminous and dewy finish. Wear it under a matte foundation and watch it breathe new life into your complexion. A new must-have in my kit, I am already on my second tube.

Hopefully, some of these suggestions can be of service to you, dear beauty reader. Until next time, stay beautiful and take care of yourself!