At 71, the indomitable Christie Brinkley serves as a beacon of what aging gracefully can look like in an industry often obsessed with youth. In a recent interview with *People*, Brinkley shed light on her personal journey with cosmetic procedures, dispelling the myth that all celebrities rely on overt surgical enhancements to maintain their allure. Brinkley’s philosophy pivots around a healthy balance; “I mainly do lasers,” she admits, emphasizing that her approach isn’t focused solely on erasing signs of aging. By acknowledging her use of treatments like lasers and fillers—but also stressing that she aims to avoid a ‘done’ look—Brinkley paints a picture of a woman who is both confident and realistic about her appearance.
Health Over Vanity
Interestingly, Brinkley also highlights a crucial aspect often overlooked in conversations about cosmetic procedures: the role of health. Her choice of undergoing the Fraxel laser treatment underscores her commitment to skin health, particularly after facing skin cancer. This perspective shifts the narrative from superficial beauty to one that values wellbeing and self-care. “It’s mainly about health for me now,” she states, hinting that her journey through tumultuous experiences has led her to prioritize vitality over conventional beauty standards.
A Shift in Beauty Standards
Importantly, Brinkley addresses the evolving landscape of beauty standards, expressing a genuine sense of hope for inclusivity within the modeling industry. She notes, “The most beautiful thing that’s happened in our industry of beauty is the expansion of what we consider beautiful.” This shift is particularly significant for women of her age, challenging stereotypes that often sideline older women in favor of younger faces. Yet, while Brinkley appreciates the progress, she speaks out about the lingering bias tied to age, stating, “Age is the last frontier.” This duality reflects her desire for a broader representation of beauty, one that embraces all life stages.
A Journey Documented in ‘Uptown Girl’
As a mother of three and an accomplished model, Brinkley’s life story extends far beyond her physical appearance. It encompasses her personal growth, relationships, and her perspective on the pressures of fame. With her upcoming memoir, *Uptown Girl*, Brinkley is poised to share a deeply personal narrative that navigates her modeling career along with her experiences in four marriages, including her marriage to musician Billy Joel. Within this memoir, readers can expect a heartfelt exploration of aging, beauty, and the complexity of maintaining individuality amidst public scrutiny.
Embracing Life’s Marks
Brinkley’s perspective on aging encapsulates a refreshing attitude towards self-acceptance. Ahead of her 70th birthday, she articulated a desire to embrace her wrinkles, reflecting an understanding that these marks are simply signs of a life richly lived. “I want a little life to show on my face, you know?” she noted, promoting the idea that beauty is not just skin-deep, but rather an embodiment of experiences, emotions, and resilience. In a world fixated on perfection, Brinkley remains a testament to the beauty of authenticity and the importance of celebrating the journey of aging gracefully.
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