We’re currently in the thick of awards season, where every celebrity worth their salt is on display more than ever. And so, with the world’s eyes watching, it’s no surprise that the majority of A-lists are upping their glam team expenditures, and spending hours upon hours each day in the make-up chair ahead of yet another turn on the red carpet. If ever there’s a time to be dressed up and dolled to the nines, it’s now. 

But one person bucking the trend – and single-handedly leading a beauty revolution in Hollywood in the process – is Pamela Anderson. Over the past few years, the former 90s pin-up and sex symbol has totally transformed before our eyes – swapping her maximalist approach to make-up and beauty for a far more natural, bare-faced look. In fact, she’s ditched make-up entirely – and, at 57, is looking fresher than ever for it. But that hasn’t stopped some harsh criticism being thrown at the former Baywatch star along the way, and her appearance at last week’s SAG awards was sadly no exception.

Rocking up to the awards show – where she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in The Last Showgirl – Pam stuck true to her guns with an au naturel face that seemed to totally eschew any make-up, just like she’s done on countless red carpets over the past few years. Throughout this time, she’s been praised and applauded for her “bravery” and natural beauty; but, unfortunately, some corners of the internet weren’t feeling quite so impressed this time around, despite the fact that the actress was still dressed up in a one-shoulder, Christian Dior gown, and had her hair coiffed perfectly. 

“Anyone else think this girl is working too hard these days and needs a vacation?” one fan posted on X, while another weighed in, “Pam needs a nap.” A third added, “In all her photo ops recently she is wearing no or next to no make-up. I am not saying you should or shouldn’t, but when you have spent $1000 on a dress and hair, add a little bit of make-up.”

Across social media, there were further comments that said the star looked “exhausted,” with another commenter pointing out that Pam had just got off a flight the previous day following a work trip to Paris. “Travelling a lot, staying in hotel rooms, going to this ceremony and that ceremony would catch up with anybody,” they wrote. “She needs to rest at home – still a beauty though.”

Thankfully, while Pamela, who has two grown-up sons, Brandon, 28, and Dylan, 27, has acknowledged that she used to be insecure and take people’s criticism to heart, she now no longer lets the negativity get to her – especially when she’s winning even more plaudits in the process. Her no make-up approach to beauty has seemingly coincided with her resurgence in the public eye, which has led to her winning more public acclaim for her acting and activism work, and more respect in Hollywood. 

Having risen to fame as a Playboy pin-up and Baywatch’s sexiest star, Pamela found notoriety in 1995 when her private sex tape with ex-husband Tommy Lee was stolen and leaked to the public. She duly became synonymous with X-rated glamour and sexiness. But, after taking a big break from the public eye, she reinvented herself in 2022 with a critically-lauded turn on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago. Since then, she’s been in the throes of what many have called a “Pam-aissance” – starring in her Netflix documentary Pamela, A Love Story in 2023, and also releasing her autobiography, Love, Pamela, that same year. Her recent role in The Last Showgirl, in which she plays a middle-aged Las Vegas showgirl grappling with the end of her career, has, ironically, sent Pam’s career soaring to higher heights. She may have lost out on last week’s SAG award to Demi Moore, but it’s safe to say that Pamela is very much in her winning era.

All this has come, simultaneously, while she’s totally embraced a dramatic make-under. Formerly recognisable for her trademark made-up face, pencilled eyebrows and big lips, Pam first shocked the world in 2023 when she went make-up free for Paris Fashion Week. Since then, she’s very rarely painted her face (and in those moments has only plumped for a touch of concealer or mascara). Some disparaging comments may say she looks tired but, in her late 50s, general consensus is that Pamela looks happier in her skin than ever. She’s also opened up on her decision to go make-up free – revealing there are poignant reasons behind her choice. 

Speaking to Elle last year, she revealed that everything changed after her make-up artist, Alexis Vogel, passed away from breast cancer in 2019. “[Alexis] was the best,” she said. “And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, it’s just better for me not to wear make-up.” She explained that her decision to do so had been “freeing, and fun, and a little rebellious too” after wearing so much make-up in the past because she “just went along with what people were telling me what to do”. 

She also reflecting on ageing, adding, “I think we all start looking a little funny when we get older. And I’m kind of laughing at myself when I look at the mirror. I go, ‘Wow, this is really…what’s happening to me?’ It’s a journey. I feel rooted for. I feel good. I’m in a good place.”

As for her bare skin on the red carpet shocking fans last week, it’s clear that Pam isn’t going to let a little negativity get in her way – especially not when she’s drowning out the hate with even more acclaim and praise. One commenter disputed the “shocking” image of the star, arguing, “God forbid a woman not wear makeup or put out a filtered picture because we look tired. Nonsense! And that’s why I love Pamela Anderson. Because she just doesn’t give a s**t!” Another added, “I’m a huge fan and I’m not shocked! She looks lovely and seems to be absolutely thriving in life! Go Pam!”