Helen Mirren for L’Oreal

mirren-loreal_3086735bOk I’m going to come right out and say it. I have a problem with Helen Mirren modelling for L’Oreal. Not because I don’t think it’s a great idea for the beauty brand to use an older model and not because I don’t think Helen Mirren looks fabulous – because she does, no-one can deny that. The 69 year old actress follows Julianne Moore and Jane Fonda in her association with L’Oreal and said “I am truly delighted to become an ambassador and join such an impressive group of high-achievers”.

All good there then and the fact she has insisted that none of her images be re-touched is also a plus. She also said ” I hope I can inspire other women towards greater confidence by making the most of their natural good looks”. And here’s where I start to feel a little uncomfortable, because call me a cynic or a regular reader of the DM side column of shame (and we all know not to believe everything we read on there) but I really don’t believe Helen Mirren hasn’t had work done on her face.

There I’ve said it – I have disrespected the Queen – which I know is a little bit like saying you don’t think Ricky Gervais is funny (which incidentally I don’t think he ever was after the Office) or you didn’t like Breaking Bad (which I did).

Don’t get me wrong I don’t have a problem with women having cosmetic procedures – each to their own and as India Knight said in her wonderful book In Your Prime, let’s try to be a bit more sisterly about this whole issue. But I do have a problem with celebrities presenting themselves as “natural” icons for the older woman, when they have clearly had work. How can we ever change perceptions and embrace ageing positively when we are bombarded with unrealistic images of growing older.

Helen-MirrenI may be wrong as Ms Mirren may well be as natural as the day she was born – but I very much doubt it.  Yes she still has some lines, but take a look at images of her pre 2013 (when she is alleged to have had work) and her skin is tighter and smoother and her jaw line firmer now, than it was then – or maybe she just has an incredibly good make up artist?

 

 

5 Comments

  • Ronniie says:

    I agree. Either that or she has miraculously managed to look younger as she got older! I severely doubt the latter is possible.

  • Kate R says:

    Sad to say but I agree too. Many females in the public eye seem to maintain some lines but their jaw is that of a 30year old, well defined and sharp – no jowls/softening to be seen. And really when your chin is pointing downwards even at 30 there’s generally a little slide. As someone with mixed feelings about ‘work’ and facelifts I would be more generous if my sisters and peers weren’t so vociferous about having had nothing done when they clearly have, I think it’s the duplicity that annoys me. I’d much rather someone says ‘yes I had to get my chin lifted as it’s necessary for work’ , than that guff about drinking lots of water and not eating white bread. And beyond that any ambivalence I have is dismissed when I see a female who just looks her age and well for it, then I really see an aspirational woman.

  • A brave post and I agree with comments to date. Good make up artist, screen resolution, soft focus etc can make the difference but no jowl sag?
    Kind of feels like we’re being set up? which I guess we are…to buy more product.
    Images of Judi Dench seem more truthful to me.

  • Melissa Beckham says:

    I have a problem with l’Oreal, an enthusiastic advocate for animal testing. Nothing and nobody is “worth it.”

  • Alison says:

    She has definitely had work done! Very well done though, far more subtle and flattering than most celebs have – she should share with us who her surgeon is!

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