Pamela Anderson Talks Ditching The 'Mask' Of Makeup And Living Life Authentically At 57

Pamela Anderson has embraced a more authentic lifestyle, leaving her past public persona behind.

She recently shared how she prioritizes self-acceptance, nature, and simplicity in order to feel like her most authentic self.

While reflecting on her former image, Pamela Anderson called it a "cartoon character," explaining that going makeup-free helped her let go of that past.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Anderson shared her approach to maintaining her natural beauty, emphasizing self-acceptance.

"We are good enough just the way we are. I have to remind myself of that every day," the actress said, admitting she steers clear of her phone and social media "at all costs."

The "Baywatch" star revealed that each day begins with her journaling her goals before heading out to reconnect with nature at dawn, and she finds peace in daily three-to-six-mile walks, watching classic movies, and diving into good books.

Additionally, Anderson can be found cooking wholesome meals in her charming Vancouver Island home, which she describes as her sanctuary.

Her family's 100-year-old farm, with its rustic charm, provides a "rooted in" sense of belonging and energy "refuel."

Anderson noted that she is focused on personal growth as she moves forward with new projects.

"Every love, every experience, is a learning experience, and I'm grateful for everything," she reflected, adding that "in hindsight, I look and I see a person that had some trauma early in her life."

During her chat with The Sunday Times, Anderson also shared that she is rethinking traditional beauty ideals and questioning the "mask" of makeup.

She revealed she didn't expect anyone to notice her decision to go makeup-free, but it's given her a new perspective.

"As soon as I took the mask off, the whole world opened up," she said.

While explaining how letting go of makeup altered her view on beauty, the "Barb Wire" actress recounted a turning point during Paris Fashion Week.

"It just happened to be this silly thing of being at Paris Fashion Week and me saying, 'I'm not going to sit in a makeup chair for three hours. I'm going to the Louvre," she joked.

Anderson continued, "Then I thought, 'Who am I competing with?' I was appreciating it as this girl who lives on Vancouver Island that got plopped into these glamorous clothes. And I felt like this little freckle-faced kid with a big, beautiful Vivienne Westwood hat on."

Anderson, one of the most iconic Playboy models of the '90s, reflected on the public persona she once crafted, describing it as a way to shield herself and please others.

"And then I just caught myself, and I said, 'What am I doing? Who am I competing with? What am I trying to accomplish?' When I look at my past, I think I had no control," Anderson stated, per the Daily Mail.

In a separate interview with Better Homes and Gardens, Anderson shared her decision to step back from Hollywood and the sex symbol status that defined her career.

The 57-year-old noted that she now views her Playboy image as more of a "cartoon character" than a reflection of her true self.

Also, embracing a makeup-free lifestyle has been a conscious shift, marking a new chapter for her.

She claims going without makeup "was the beginning of me letting go of the image I had always had of myself. What is this cartoon character that I'd created? OK, that was fun. But I'm not that person anymore."

Anderson shared that she is relieved to have left behind the "pneumatic image" the public often associated with her.

Reflecting on her past, she explained, "As much as I threw every dinner party and cooked all those meals for family and my kids, it wasn't what was seen publicly. But I also played into the image that was created around me."

Grateful for her journey, Anderson said, "I'm glad I did all that, but I'm really glad I'm where I am now. I think the most important part is, I made it through all of it. And now it's such a relief that I get to be myself and enjoy this time."

Recently, Pamela released her cookbook "I Love You: Recipes from the Heart," following the success of her memoir "Love, Pamela."

In a chat with Variety, the former Playboy model shared an intimate detail about her life ahead of receiving the Zurich Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival.

According to the actress, she believes she fell into a deep depression that lasted for decades after her time starring in the iconic "Baywatch" series.

She also claimed that she has little to no memory of that period in her life, with the years blurring together until her 2022 debut on Broadway.

"I look at it now, and it feels like I went from 'Baywatch' to Broadway," she told the outlet. "I don't know what happened in between; it's all a big blur. I am just happy to be here, in this moment, because I think I have had depression for a couple of decades."

Now, it is all about the positives for Anderson, as she expressed her gratitude for being honored with the prestigious award.

She said, "I never thought I would be on stage, receiving an award like that. I just want to keep working. I am excited to do more."