For decades, the fashion and beauty industries have tapped on ageist sentiments against women as a marketing tool – and this happens even today.
Perhaps that is why stereotypical comments like “You shouldn’t be wearing this after [insert age here]”or headlines such as “Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Older” are still prevalent.
And don’t even get me started on the insensitive “You look great... for your age” remark. What is that supposed to make someone feel? Should they be grateful for being acknowledged for their discerning taste at 47? Is being “older” a scarlet letter to be hidden away in shame?
We sell anti-aging creams as if they were the answer to eternal youth. We fawn over celebrities beyond 50 who have nary a shadow of a wrinkle around their eyes – as if we haven’t conditioned them to run to their plastic surgeons and doctors at the first sign of ageing. We praise young women for channelling Old Hollywood but deride older women for attempting Gen Z-led trends.
Vanity Fair’s 2022 annual Hollywood Issue featured Hollywood A-lister Nicole Kidman on its cover in a Miu Miu outfit – a barely there cropped top and miniskirt combo. The look drew comments such as “This is so inappropriate for a woman her age” and “School girl look, not a good look at her age”.
A year later, the 56-year-old addressed the buzz, saying that despite being aware of the intense criticism, she has chosen to remain in blissful ignorance. “There are times when you hear things and you go, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s really hurtful’,” she was quoted in response. “Don’t tell me, I don’t really want to know.”
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Is It Ever A Good Idea To Engage In Online Discourse?
Sarah Bagharib answers.
Breaking Down The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.
Heritage in a Bottle
Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.
Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?
Quinn Chen answers.
BEST IN CLASS
MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.
Sneak Peek
We've got our sights set on these new must-haves that promise to breathe new life into tired-looking eyes.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.
November favourites
Here are some of the must-haves you will not regret adding to your beauty shelf.
Against the rules
Step into the dark side with grunge-inspired moody tones and smoky, smudgy eyes.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Half a month in Mongolia living with nomadic families and exploring the country's storied beauty taught senior advertising strategist Uli Chan the beauty of impermanence.