“Ageing is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength,” Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique, once wrote.
Yet, in today’s age, the demand for women to look perfect, at every age, has become the norm.
From celebrities setting unattainable standards and crazy social media filters to the skincare industry being completely flooded with ‘anti-ageing’ products – it seems like almost everyone has jumped on the ‘Benjamin Button’ train.
But some celebrities are paving the way by proudly rejecting plastic surgery and choosing to age authentically. These stars remind us that beauty lies in natural ageing, confidence, and individuality.
Their decision is a reminder that although there is absolutely nothing wrong with a nip, tuck or tweak, and it’s the industry we love to hate, true beauty stems from confidence, individuality, and self-love.
Here are eight celebrities who inspire us with their refreshing approach to ageing gracefully.
1. Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren believes in ageing with boldness and authenticity. The Oscar-winning actress once quipped, “It’s much better to age disgracefully!”
Helen embraces the lines and greys that come with the years, finding joy in living fully rather than fixating on appearances.
When asked about her approach to ageing she said: “Take it on the chin, and roll with it. You die young, or you get older. There is nothing in between! You may as well enjoy it.” And let it be known: Living life large, no matter what age you are, is a notion that has been ingrained in Mirren for decades. “My mother once said, ‘Never worry about getting older,’“ she recalled. “‘I know the thought of you being 45 when you’re 25 is, Oh, my god! Who wants to be 45? But it’s amazing because when you get to be 45, you’ll realise it’s actually very cool and you don’t want to be 25 again.’ And I have to say, she was absolutely right. With every age comes advantages and disadvantages. And you tend to find that you don’t want to go back. You want to be exactly where you are with everything you’ve experienced.”
Her philosophy encourages a shift in cultural attitudes about ageing, proving that confidence is timeless.
2. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep has always championed the idea of growing older naturally. She’s firmly against plastic surgery, noting how it disrupts natural expression, especially for actors.
In July 2008, she elaborated on the importance of embracing the “gift” of aging, telling Good Housekeeping, “You’d be amazed at how many men in this industry have gone down that road [of getting plastic surgery].”
Streep added, “I just don’t get it. You have to embrace getting older. Life is precious, and when you’ve lost a lot of people, you realize each day is a gift.”
By focusing on her career and life’s joys, she showcases that true elegance transcends physical changes.
3. Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet has long been outspoken against altering appearances.
“It goes against my morals, the way that my parents brought me up, and what I consider to be natural beauty. I will never give in,” she told The Telegraph in August 2011. “I am an actress; I don’t want to freeze the expression of my face.”
Her commitment to natural beauty aligns with her broader stance on body positivity and authenticity, setting an example for the next generation.
4. Beyoncé
Beyoncé, one of the most iconic cultural figures of our time, exudes self-assuredness and gratitude as she ages. Turning 40, she reflected, “Whoever tried to condition women to feel old or unhappy when we turn 40 got it ALL THE WAY F’d UP.”
Shared on on her official website, she added. “It’s the first time that I have an understanding of how fragile life truly is, how hard life can be at times, and therefore how important it is to stop and smell the roses during the good times. I thought I knew that at 21 or 30… but I didn’t.”
Queen Bey celebrates life, showing how personal growth and self-love amplify beauty at every stage.
5. Paulina Porizkova
Supermodel Paulina Porizkova has been vocal about redefining ageing as a period of power rather than decline. She proudly owns her wrinkles, calling them a testament to her life’s rich experiences. “I’m in my prime right now,” she told PEOPLE.
Porizkova leads the growing #proaging movement, shifting perceptions of beauty for women worldwide.
6. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore approaches ageing with humour and pragmatism. “I haven’t done anything, and I’m going to maintain that as long as possible,” she said, while expressing zero judgment towards others who choose differently.
The actress and TV host added, “And I look forward to seeing what I look like as a leather bag in the future!
“I have a highly addictive personality, so I worry I’d continue to chase it, get this and that done,” she explained. “That scares me, just because of my own approach to things. So, I’m waiting on making any alterations.”
Barrymore’s fear of becoming overly fixated on cosmetic enhancements keeps her grounded and refreshingly relatable.
7. Halle Berry
Halle Berry, an ageless beauty, acknowledges the pressures of Hollywood but stays true to herself. “I just want to look like myself, even if that’s an older version of myself,” Berry emphasised.
“We’re all going to get older. Our skin is going to shrivel up and we’re going to look different. I see things changing with my face and body, but I’ve never put all my eggs in that basket. I’ve always known that beauty is deeper than the physical body you’re walking around in,” Berry told AARP. “I refuse to become someone who just tries to hold onto a youthful face and not embrace what’s most important about being beautiful — how you live your life, how you give back to others, how you connect to people, how you strengthen your mind, body, and soul and nourish yourself, how you give in a meaningful way of yourself.”
Her natural approach to beauty reminds us that self-acceptance is far more empowering than chasing perfection.
8. Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek has not only avoided plastic surgery but also criticises its premature use by younger women. The actress attributes her youthful appearance to unique skincare techniques and curiosity about life, believing that constant learning and novelty keep her spirit youthful.
“Growing old, to me, has to do with repetition,” Salma Hayek told AARP of her personal ageing philosophy, which hinges on embracing the newness of every next chapter. “Something gets old when you’ve done it for a long time. If you’re always changing, if you’re always curious, how can you be old? You’re someone new today.”
Society may be obsessed with youthfulness, but these stars challenge us to rethink what we value most about beauty and ageing. Their stories inspire us to celebrate the richness of our own journeys, wrinkles and all.
How do you feel about society’s approach to ageing? Do you have a story to tell on your experiences with plastic surgery? Email holly@harleystreetcommunications.co.uk
