It’s actually Slip, Slop, Slap the campaign in Australia, but that’s ok! I was disturbed by the obvious heavy airbrushing of Martha’s pic and, once again, the disappointing message it sends to absolutely EVERYONE about what mature women should aim for. I have no problems with women doing things that make them happy, but this is just fraud. Someone with such a huge following sucking everyone in to believing she really looks like that and this is what we should aspire to, to be admired. No wonder so many of us struggle not to feel inadequate as we get older. Give me you Kathleen Turner any time in preference. Now THAT’S class!
Woof, Val. I felt saddened by the same thing. Looking HOT at age 81 is great, (I aspire!) but pretending you look that way because of diet and exercise falls somewhere on the spectrum of gaslighting to shaming. I think most people are savvy enough to know that no person can defy the laws of gravity quite so vigorously with genes alone. But still: the lie insults.
I must confess to having a chuckle at the teased hair on that cover image. I've never seen such egregious bedhead in the magazine before (not that I'm an avid subscriber) ... and because it's not commonly used, it had a whiff of desperation. I felt like she was shouting SEE I'M STILL SEXUALLY ACTIVE/ RELEVANT instead of just letting the 6" of cleavage speak for itself. I'm curious if that struck anyone else, or if, perhaps I'm revealing my own biases...
As a confirmed veteran of the skin cancer wars, eight episodes, including two melanomas, go to a dermatologist twice a year, and wear wide-brimmed hats. Religiously. Think of the sun as your enemy, and stay away from the beach. I spent whole summers on the beach when I was a kid.. So did my brother. He died of a melanoma when he was 70. My dermatologist, who was once a Marine doctor, saved my life. Twice.
May 23, 2023·edited May 23, 2023Liked by Valerie Monroe
-- When it comes to ageing, I fiercely believe in self-care and self-acceptance. The same as our inner feelings, our skin health can truly be improved with good strength, gifted tenacity. Sadly, we live in a world where fantasies persuade and honesty scares. Albeit, I still have faith in what really matters – kindness, to ourselves and to others. Xo.
I have admired Martha for decades. Not because she's a perfect person, or that I love absolutely everything about her. I copied her manicure style (minimalist) for years. I loved all the skills she shared on her TV show. She has also shared her fitness routines, her (pricey) facial routines, her favorite (nutritious) breakfasts, and the fact that she grew up with a mother who cooked from scratch and taught her to do same. I love that she's on her game physically and mentally at 81! While some celebrity facial alterations I find downright unattractive (namely duck lips) a well-executed face lift or eye lift that does not distort the original features doesn't bother me at all. It's pretty obvious Martha had some work done fairly recently and I thought her lips looked inflated. But, either I've gotten used to it or the inflation is slowly deflating, I've been thinking she's looking great. I don't really care what people do for themselves, or that professional photo shoots include air brushing. I also love that Jamie Lee Curtis and others go bare faced and unretouched! We know the difference, right? My wish is to just accept people and to be happy and healthy in my own skin, whatever the future may hold.
Her legs lack muscle tone. She needs to strengthen her body. Many older women i see in yoga classes, with many different sizes & shapes, look great with good strong healthy, moving bodies... the greatest beauty shines through in good, vibrant health... healthy naturally glowing skin, strong healthy hair, often with grey or white... natural healthy beauty & energy... strong women glowingly themselves... good positive energy... Martha looks sad posing so weirdly, holding her legs to hide her lack of muscle... muscles stay toned if you use them... energy stays strong if you love, value & care for your own self & choose to live in positive life affirming ways... Beauty is alive, not posed...
I was listening to "Wait, wait don't tell me" and they had a question about Ms. Stewart then added the comment that octengarians are now under the same pressure to look that hot (or something like that). One of the panelists said they were waiting to be in their 80s to let it all go and now they can't. And I must say that I agree with the disconcerted feelings about Ms. Stewart being on the cover of SI. I just wished that she and others were a little more honest than "oh, I take care of my face with good products..." (or something like that) AND you are absolutely right about the wealth gap and access to such products and procedures.
And the horseback riding! Don't forget the horseback riding, which apparently can keep the platysma firm and smooth. The new nonsurgical neck lift! Shall we give it a try? Lol. xx
Thanks for validating how I was feeling about the SI cover. Between the Kardashians and the Martha Stewarts of the world, it sends the wrong message about beauty to young and old alike. (I have two daughters who are exposed to all of it, sigh.) Personally, I’m going to channel Ali McGraw; she looks fantastic.
May 23, 2023·edited May 23, 2023Liked by Valerie Monroe
Been reading your column since the Oprah days, Val. So pleased to be able to subscribe to your no-nonsense beauty tips here! I have a good size sun spot with brown discoloration on my cheek. Do you think the SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense (that was linked above) would be helpful? Or is Dr. Heidi using a more potent dose of Tranexamic Acid? My gut tells me that this won't go away without a medical intervention (e.g., laser, freezing, etc.)
About those cataracts, Val. I had mine done 2 years ago. I had a great experience with both eyes. Since I was already wearing monovision contacts (one eye for reading, one eye for distance) my surgeon did the same for my new lens implants. I will now have 20/20 vision in both eyes forever. Crazy, right? And now, everything is so bright and colorful! And I can see clearly in the shower and the second I open my eyes in the morning! Best wishes on your experiences too! ❤️
Such a great post and so many terrific comments! This weekend I read WSJ writer Amanda Foreman’s amusing column, “The Quest to Look Forever Young,” a very brief history of the obsession to hold onto one’s youthfulness, or at least the appearance of it.
One paragraph that grabbed me: “The Egyptians believed it was possible for a person to achieve eternal life; the catch is he would have to die first. Also, for a soul to be reborn, every spell, ritual and text outlined in the Book of the Dead had to be executed perfectly, or else death was permanent.”
We may not be reciting incantations, but today’s beauty culture still insists that strict adherence to ritual is imperative in maintaining/refreshing/“fixing” our looks. Not talking about basic self-care and good habits like “slopping” on daily SPF. (Thanks to HW for double application tip!) But rather a dependency on an ever-growing round of potions, lotions, gadgets and procedures that may or may not meet our expectations.
Oh, one detail Foreman doesn’t mention is that all those spells in the Book of the Dead were meant to prepare one to be judged by Osiris, the god of the underworld. Even in death, one was still objectified.
On another note, good luck with your cataract surgery, Val! People I know who’ve had it done say that now everything looks brighter and more beautiful than ever. I’m sure you’ll see that beauty beaming back to you every time you do your mirror meditation!
Certainly concur that ole Martha is being used and to my mind more like our "Democracy" was by the Bush-whackers during the dreadful Iraq debacle to sell products via a story-line deeply marred by its own contradictions. At least in this case her own body isn't killing people (unless by hyper-ventilation) and the propaganda injections work like a charm until one starts noticing the lack of town meetings amidst the rubble of Mosul.....i know its a "stretch" but you'll have that (wink)
May 27, 2023·edited May 27, 2023Liked by Valerie Monroe
Yes, yes, yes. We are all under a mass enchantment. The top-down control of everything we do, everythinig we think, and it's done to us in plain site so we don't think that our cognitive dissonance is actually being created through other smanipulation -- instead, we think there must be something wrong with us! It's my primary work to write about and uncover it. Thank you for continuing to write about it from your own experience.
I hope all goes well with your surgery. Here's to JOMO!!!
PS: I didn't even bother to read or participate in Marthagate. Fantasy Island indeed.
Martha has been reinventing herself for her entire career,But we live in a culture that rewards re-invention and scorns authenticity. I'm happy to be an authentic 85, wrinkles, hearing aids and all!
It’s actually Slip, Slop, Slap the campaign in Australia, but that’s ok! I was disturbed by the obvious heavy airbrushing of Martha’s pic and, once again, the disappointing message it sends to absolutely EVERYONE about what mature women should aim for. I have no problems with women doing things that make them happy, but this is just fraud. Someone with such a huge following sucking everyone in to believing she really looks like that and this is what we should aspire to, to be admired. No wonder so many of us struggle not to feel inadequate as we get older. Give me you Kathleen Turner any time in preference. Now THAT’S class!
Woof, Val. I felt saddened by the same thing. Looking HOT at age 81 is great, (I aspire!) but pretending you look that way because of diet and exercise falls somewhere on the spectrum of gaslighting to shaming. I think most people are savvy enough to know that no person can defy the laws of gravity quite so vigorously with genes alone. But still: the lie insults.
I must confess to having a chuckle at the teased hair on that cover image. I've never seen such egregious bedhead in the magazine before (not that I'm an avid subscriber) ... and because it's not commonly used, it had a whiff of desperation. I felt like she was shouting SEE I'M STILL SEXUALLY ACTIVE/ RELEVANT instead of just letting the 6" of cleavage speak for itself. I'm curious if that struck anyone else, or if, perhaps I'm revealing my own biases...
As a confirmed veteran of the skin cancer wars, eight episodes, including two melanomas, go to a dermatologist twice a year, and wear wide-brimmed hats. Religiously. Think of the sun as your enemy, and stay away from the beach. I spent whole summers on the beach when I was a kid.. So did my brother. He died of a melanoma when he was 70. My dermatologist, who was once a Marine doctor, saved my life. Twice.
-- When it comes to ageing, I fiercely believe in self-care and self-acceptance. The same as our inner feelings, our skin health can truly be improved with good strength, gifted tenacity. Sadly, we live in a world where fantasies persuade and honesty scares. Albeit, I still have faith in what really matters – kindness, to ourselves and to others. Xo.
I have admired Martha for decades. Not because she's a perfect person, or that I love absolutely everything about her. I copied her manicure style (minimalist) for years. I loved all the skills she shared on her TV show. She has also shared her fitness routines, her (pricey) facial routines, her favorite (nutritious) breakfasts, and the fact that she grew up with a mother who cooked from scratch and taught her to do same. I love that she's on her game physically and mentally at 81! While some celebrity facial alterations I find downright unattractive (namely duck lips) a well-executed face lift or eye lift that does not distort the original features doesn't bother me at all. It's pretty obvious Martha had some work done fairly recently and I thought her lips looked inflated. But, either I've gotten used to it or the inflation is slowly deflating, I've been thinking she's looking great. I don't really care what people do for themselves, or that professional photo shoots include air brushing. I also love that Jamie Lee Curtis and others go bare faced and unretouched! We know the difference, right? My wish is to just accept people and to be happy and healthy in my own skin, whatever the future may hold.
Her legs lack muscle tone. She needs to strengthen her body. Many older women i see in yoga classes, with many different sizes & shapes, look great with good strong healthy, moving bodies... the greatest beauty shines through in good, vibrant health... healthy naturally glowing skin, strong healthy hair, often with grey or white... natural healthy beauty & energy... strong women glowingly themselves... good positive energy... Martha looks sad posing so weirdly, holding her legs to hide her lack of muscle... muscles stay toned if you use them... energy stays strong if you love, value & care for your own self & choose to live in positive life affirming ways... Beauty is alive, not posed...
I was listening to "Wait, wait don't tell me" and they had a question about Ms. Stewart then added the comment that octengarians are now under the same pressure to look that hot (or something like that). One of the panelists said they were waiting to be in their 80s to let it all go and now they can't. And I must say that I agree with the disconcerted feelings about Ms. Stewart being on the cover of SI. I just wished that she and others were a little more honest than "oh, I take care of my face with good products..." (or something like that) AND you are absolutely right about the wealth gap and access to such products and procedures.
And the horseback riding! Don't forget the horseback riding, which apparently can keep the platysma firm and smooth. The new nonsurgical neck lift! Shall we give it a try? Lol. xx
Thanks for validating how I was feeling about the SI cover. Between the Kardashians and the Martha Stewarts of the world, it sends the wrong message about beauty to young and old alike. (I have two daughters who are exposed to all of it, sigh.) Personally, I’m going to channel Ali McGraw; she looks fantastic.
Been reading your column since the Oprah days, Val. So pleased to be able to subscribe to your no-nonsense beauty tips here! I have a good size sun spot with brown discoloration on my cheek. Do you think the SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense (that was linked above) would be helpful? Or is Dr. Heidi using a more potent dose of Tranexamic Acid? My gut tells me that this won't go away without a medical intervention (e.g., laser, freezing, etc.)
Sorry that previous one turned out so LONG!
About those cataracts, Val. I had mine done 2 years ago. I had a great experience with both eyes. Since I was already wearing monovision contacts (one eye for reading, one eye for distance) my surgeon did the same for my new lens implants. I will now have 20/20 vision in both eyes forever. Crazy, right? And now, everything is so bright and colorful! And I can see clearly in the shower and the second I open my eyes in the morning! Best wishes on your experiences too! ❤️
Such a great post and so many terrific comments! This weekend I read WSJ writer Amanda Foreman’s amusing column, “The Quest to Look Forever Young,” a very brief history of the obsession to hold onto one’s youthfulness, or at least the appearance of it.
One paragraph that grabbed me: “The Egyptians believed it was possible for a person to achieve eternal life; the catch is he would have to die first. Also, for a soul to be reborn, every spell, ritual and text outlined in the Book of the Dead had to be executed perfectly, or else death was permanent.”
We may not be reciting incantations, but today’s beauty culture still insists that strict adherence to ritual is imperative in maintaining/refreshing/“fixing” our looks. Not talking about basic self-care and good habits like “slopping” on daily SPF. (Thanks to HW for double application tip!) But rather a dependency on an ever-growing round of potions, lotions, gadgets and procedures that may or may not meet our expectations.
Oh, one detail Foreman doesn’t mention is that all those spells in the Book of the Dead were meant to prepare one to be judged by Osiris, the god of the underworld. Even in death, one was still objectified.
On another note, good luck with your cataract surgery, Val! People I know who’ve had it done say that now everything looks brighter and more beautiful than ever. I’m sure you’ll see that beauty beaming back to you every time you do your mirror meditation!
Yes...airbrushed Martha. But then I thought "why not'! She's not the only swimsuit model in the magazine who was airbrushed to "perfection".
Certainly concur that ole Martha is being used and to my mind more like our "Democracy" was by the Bush-whackers during the dreadful Iraq debacle to sell products via a story-line deeply marred by its own contradictions. At least in this case her own body isn't killing people (unless by hyper-ventilation) and the propaganda injections work like a charm until one starts noticing the lack of town meetings amidst the rubble of Mosul.....i know its a "stretch" but you'll have that (wink)
Yes, yes, yes. We are all under a mass enchantment. The top-down control of everything we do, everythinig we think, and it's done to us in plain site so we don't think that our cognitive dissonance is actually being created through other smanipulation -- instead, we think there must be something wrong with us! It's my primary work to write about and uncover it. Thank you for continuing to write about it from your own experience.
I hope all goes well with your surgery. Here's to JOMO!!!
PS: I didn't even bother to read or participate in Marthagate. Fantasy Island indeed.
xx
Martha has been reinventing herself for her entire career,But we live in a culture that rewards re-invention and scorns authenticity. I'm happy to be an authentic 85, wrinkles, hearing aids and all!