Embracing the Privilege of Ageing and Its Impact on Beauty

Age is fundamentally a social construct that varies significantly across different cultures and societies. Our perceptions of ageing are heavily influenced by the unrealistic images and standards that dominate the media landscape. This relentless exposure can lead us to question our self-image and how we perceive the natural process of ageing as we glance at our reflection in the mirror.

It’s amusing to think back to our childhood when we viewed the age of 20 as something almost mythical. As teenagers, we often perceive 30 as the beginning of being ‘ancient’, yet ironically, when we reach our 20s, turning 40 seems synonymous with retirement, and hitting 30 makes us feel that those over 60 are practically obsolete. This cycle continues as we navigate through our lives.

For me, approaching 60, I have come to understand that age is truly a matter of perspective. It’s about celebrating the wisdom and experiences gained over the years rather than merely counting the years lived.

Since founding MV in 1999, I have embraced a pro-ageing philosophy, which intensified after losing my best friend to ovarian cancer in 2001. Experiencing loss firsthand provides a profound reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing each moment. This awareness has shaped my approach to beauty and ageing.

Years after my friend’s passing, a mutual acquaintance pointed out that she would never experience grey hair or the visible signs of time, like wrinkles. This insight inspired me to stop dyeing my hair during a time when embracing silver hair was not considered fashionable. My hairdresser’s skepticism and my friends’ doubts didn’t deter me; instead, I saw it as a powerful statement of self-acceptance.

I have always been one to challenge the status quo, both personally and professionally. My voice has consistently opposed the pervasive anti-ageing marketing that has dominated the beauty industry for decades. I believe this rhetoric not only misrepresents the beauty of ageing but also diminishes the confidence of women.

From the onset of my career, I rejected the terminology of ‘anti-ageing’, viewing it as a disempowering label. My candid discussions on how this marketing manipulates women’s fears regarding ageing have often placed me on the fringes of the beauty industry. However, I find comfort in this position, as it allows me to remain true to my core values and advocate for a more authentic representation of beauty.

While I initially hoped for a shift in the beauty narrative when I first entered the industry, things only worsened with the rise of youth-centric media and relentless air-brushing. The disempowerment of women seemed to escalate, with the industry perpetuating unrealistic standards and ideals.

As the years went by, my so-called ‘controversial’ beliefs earned me the title of Beauty Rebel. I found my niche outside the mainstream beauty narrative, realizing that the changes I longed for might take much longer to materialize.

Engaging in Meaningful Discussions About Beauty Standards

In 2009, I embarked on my first journey to London and New York as a travelling facialist, offering my unique style of facial treatments to international clients and media personalities. This experience was both exhilarating and a bit intimidating, as I stepped into a world of high expectations and diverse beauty standards.

Feeling somewhat naive, I eagerly accepted an offer from a friend to connect me with an established facialist known for working with high-profile clients. During our tea meeting in a London café, we began discussing the use of Botox and fillers, which was her specialty in preparing clients for significant events in Hollywood. Her insights into the world of injectables were eye-opening.

Curious about her perspective, I inquired about the implications of Botox and fillers, especially since some of my Sydney clients had sought my advice on these treatments. She posed a thought-provoking question: “What happens to muscles that are repeatedly frozen?” Initially blank, I soon realized the answer was muscle atrophy.

Her explanation continued, revealing that many of her long-term clients had fallen into a cycle of dependency on Botox and fillers, making it challenging for them to stop. This opened my eyes to the potential physical consequences of these treatments and their long-term effects on facial health.

Furthermore, she highlighted the lack of information provided by practitioners about the risks associated with Botox and fillers, noting that some damage could be irreversible. This revelation left me pondering how many women were not receiving the necessary information to make well-informed choices about their beauty treatments.

Despite my initial hope that the trend of injectables would diminish, it only gained momentum, evolving into a marketing push for ‘preventative’ treatments that appealed to a younger demographic seeking a filtered appearance.

The prevalence of injectables reached unprecedented heights, while parts of the beauty industry seemed to sink to new lows, capitalizing on a younger market’s insecurities.

Celebrating The Wisdom, Friendship, and Joy in Ageing

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I was often frustrated and disillusioned by the youth-centric focus of the beauty industry and the pervasive ageism present in society. However, the pandemic catalyzed a significant shift in our understanding of beauty, leading to a growing movement of women who are confidently embracing the process of ageing gracefully.

This shift is evident across various sectors, including media, workplaces, educational institutions, gyms, and many other facets of everyday life. As our perspectives evolve, the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards is diminishing, providing us with more freedom to choose how we age and present ourselves to the world.

Opting for treatments like Botox and fillers should be a personal choice, free from societal pressures to remain ‘visible’ or ‘relevant’. Each individual should feel empowered to decide what beauty means to them without fear of judgment.

One of my friends, Anna Murphy, UK Times Fashion Director, exemplifies this new wave of empowerment. Our shared journey of rejecting hair dye and prioritizing our internal health through yoga reflects our commitment to embracing ageing with style and confidence.

Anna, with her exceptional sense of style, has inspired me and countless others through her recently published book, Destination Fabulous. In it, she encourages readers to discover and celebrate their unique style, offering invaluable wisdom and inspiration on living authentically as we age. I found her book so enlightening that I plan to read it multiple times.

As she beautifully articulates in her book, “Now at 50, I do belong. And I belong to the only person I can truly belong to: Myself.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many as we navigate the journey of self-acceptance.

A sense of humour also accompanies the wisdom gained through age. If you’re in need of a good laugh, I highly recommend the blog 60.Life by Jan Masters, a UK Telegraph journalist known for her sharp wit. Her hilarious post, ‘Just to be Clear’, features 33 phrases from modern life alongside her humorous translations that had me laughing until I cried.

Jan is also actively reshaping the conversation around ageing, sharing her insights and experiences. She reflects, “I’d rather take my lead from the Japanese. As a Vogue Japan columnist for many years, I learned your 60th is a punch-the-air moment. It’s called ‘Karveki’ and roughly translates to being reborn.” This perspective encourages us to view ageing as an opportunity for renewal rather than a decline.

These inspirational women serve as powerful role models, advocating for self-acceptance and challenging the societal norms surrounding ageing. Their voices inspire everyone to redefine beauty standards, appreciate their unique attributes, and live confidently at every stage of life.

Reflecting on the individuals I’ve encountered, the books I’ve read, and the workshops I’ve attended, I realize that they collectively contribute to a wealth of wisdom. I remind myself that the person I am today has evolved significantly from the young woman who arrived in Sydney at 18. Therefore, let’s celebrate being ‘reborn’ at any age, focusing on the perspective that each chapter of life brings.

With love, Sharon xx

MV Founder, Sensitive Skin Expert, Celebrity Facialist & lifetime Beauty Rebel.