Is Kris Jenner's Inspirational Facelift the Secret to Her New MAC Modeling Gig?

Kris Jenner, the iconic matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, has become the latest celebrity to represent MAC Cosmetics. At 69 years old, Jenner has recently undergone a second facelift, which she describes as her version of “ageing gracefully.” This bold move has sparked discussions around beauty standards and the portrayal of older women in the cosmetics industry.

Last updated: 16 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Kris Jenner is now the face of MAC Cosmetics, a significant milestone in her career.
• She has openly discussed her recent facelift and views it as part of ageing gracefully.
• Public reactions are mixed, with some supporting her and others questioning the implications of beauty standards.
• The conversation highlights the pressure on women, especially regarding appearance and ageing.
• Activists are advocating for a broader representation of older women in advertising.

The New Face of MAC: Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner's partnership with MAC Cosmetics marks a notable moment for both the brand and the entertainment industry. Known for her influential role as a "momager," Jenner has leveraged her family's fame into a multi-million-pound empire. Her recent foray into the beauty sector represents a shift towards inclusivity, albeit with complexities.

Beauty Standards and Ageing

In an interview with Vogue Arabia, Jenner expressed her thoughts on ageing and beauty. "If you feel comfortable in your skin and you want to age gracefully – meaning you don’t want to do anything – then don’t do anything. But for me, this is ageing gracefully. It’s my version." This candidness has been refreshing for many fans, but it also raises questions about the societal expectations placed on women as they age.

The Public's Response

Jenner's announcement was met with enthusiasm on social media, where fans praised her look in the promotional image from the campaign. The black and white photograph, highlighting her flawless skin and dramatic makeup, drew comments like “Love the mistake” and “WAIT IS THIS KRIS X MAC.” However, this excitement was mixed with scepticism about whether such representations genuinely empower women or perpetuate unrealistic beauty ideals.

Empowerment vs. Reality

Jane Evans, a writer and activist, shared her perspective on the issue. While she supports Jenner's right to alter her appearance, Evans expressed concern over the implications of featuring women who do not reflect the natural ageing process. “We used to revere older women for being wise… I worry we’re killing the image of the wise woman,” she stated, urging for a more nuanced portrayal of beauty that celebrates age.

The Financial and Bodily Pressure of Beauty

Dr Finn Mackay, founder of the London Feminist Network, elaborated on the societal pressures women face regarding their appearance. She argues that the media's portrayal of ageing can create financial burdens, as women feel compelled to undergo cosmetic procedures to meet beauty standards. "Ageing is treated as an ugly freakish property, rather than a fact of life," she said. This sentiment resonates with many, particularly as women navigate the expectations placed upon them in a society that often values youth over wisdom.

The Impact of Cosmetic Procedures

Despite the criticisms, many like Jenner view cosmetic surgery as a form of self-investment. Jenner stated that her facelift was a way to be the best version of herself and that she hopes to inspire others. "Just because you get older, it doesn’t mean you should give up on yourself," she said. However, the ongoing debate about whether such decisions are empowering or perpetuating harmful standards continues to evolve.

Celebrating Natural Beauty

Activists like Evans advocate for a more diverse representation of women over 50 in advertising campaigns. They argue that beauty should encompass all ages and appearances. “We’ve always been celebrating natural beauty, why can’t we celebrate it over 50?” Evans questioned. This call for inclusivity in the beauty industry is gaining traction, as more voices advocate for the representation of varied experiences and aesthetics.

The Value of Age

Dr Mackay emphasises the importance of embracing ageing as a privilege rather than something to hide. “Growing old is a privilege… It’s a badge of honour,” she stated, encouraging women to embrace their natural features and experiences. This perspective aligns with a growing movement that seeks to redefine beauty standards, focusing on age as an aspect of life to be celebrated rather than concealed.

What’s Next for Beauty Campaigns?

The collaboration between Kris Jenner and MAC may set a precedent for future campaigns, but it also serves as a reminder of the work still needed to reshape perceptions of beauty. As the industry evolves, the demand for authenticity and diversity in representation will likely continue to grow. Brands must navigate these waters carefully, balancing between aspirational imagery and relatable representations of their consumers.

Conclusion

Kris Jenner's role as the face of MAC Cosmetics has opened up a dialogue about beauty, ageing, and representation. While some celebrate her candidness and style, others caution against the implications of promoting youth-centric beauty ideals. As society continues to grapple with these issues, the importance of embracing and celebrating all forms of beauty—regardless of age—remains paramount. How will the beauty industry respond to these calls for change?

#KrisJenner #MACCosmetics #BeautyStandards

FAQs

What is Kris Jenner's role with MAC Cosmetics?

Kris Jenner is the new face of MAC Cosmetics, marking a significant milestone in her career as she promotes the brand's new campaign.

How does Kris Jenner feel about her facelift?

Kris Jenner views her facelift as a way to invest in herself and believes it reflects her version of ageing gracefully.

What are the criticisms regarding beauty standards for older women?

Critics argue that featuring older women who present as significantly younger perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and undermines the natural ageing process.

What do activists say about representation in beauty advertising?

Activists advocate for broader representation of women over 50 in advertising, calling for a celebration of natural beauty and diverse experiences.

What are the societal pressures women face regarding appearance?

Women often experience financial and bodily pressure to conform to beauty standards, with cosmetic procedures becoming a common response to societal expectations.