How often have we flipped through the pages of a magazine and seen a less-than-perfect face? Almost never, I’d say.
We’re a generation that does not tolerate anything less than perfect in the public domain, on television or in the glossies. There’s always Photoshop and image retouching to remedy the nuisance of ‘mediocre’! Artificially created thigh gaps, digitally enhanced cheekbones, slimmer waistlines, faux abs, longer necks and wrinkles? What wrinkles? Former supermodel Cindy Crawford once looked at her immaculately retouched image in a magazine and said, “Even I don’t look like that!” In this environment of seeking flawlessness, would you think there’s any space for a 69-year-old to be the face of a beauty product? Perhaps not.
But I was pleasantly surprised to read about Helen Mirren being appointed as the new face of L’Oreal. Just one year shy of 70, Mirren says, “I am not gorgeous. I never was. But I was always OK looking and I’m keen to stay that way.” I found so much power in these words. It made me think — has the beauty industry finally started celebrating age?
L’Oreal’s message has come in the thick of the constant bombardment of advertisements about miracle creams, Botox and similar anti-aging treatments. The billion-dollar beauty and plastic surgery industry is thriving on our insatiable hunger to look better, thinner and younger. Not only are we parting with our money but also surrendering our ability and willingness to grow old gracefully.
In no way am I saying, don’t use skin care lotions and creams. By all means, you must, and use the best ones available. I myself maintain a healthy skin-care routine, but I accept that this is all that I can do. I haven’t discovered the elixir of youth, and neither am going to look young forever. So why go insane trying? I’d rather be thankful with what I see in the mirror, and look after what I have right now.
Author Nora Ephron wrote in her book I Feel Bad About My Neck, “One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t spend my youth staring lovingly at my neck.” When she looked in a mirror, she said, she would adjust her skin and “stare wistfully at a younger version” of herself. I think many of us can relate to this. We instinctively look for the extra skin on our chin, the crows-feet around our eyes, or the new white hair that is growing on our hairline. This not only creates more fear but also robs us from feeling our beautiful best.
Just for one day, look into that reflection and smile. Look at the twinkle in your eye, the joy in your smile or that birthmark that you thought should not be there. Celebrate your uniqueness. You do have a choice — either embrace yourself in every way you can, or spend the rest of your days fighting time. Choose wisely.
