Valerie Monroe
Contributor
Valerie Monroe writes the Substack newsletter, How Not to F*ck Up Your Face, where she offers philosophical and practical advice for anyone who’s ever looked into a mirror. She was the beauty director at O, The Oprah Magazine for nearly 16 years.
OPINION
Extreme Thinness Is the Opposite of “Longevity”
This new celebrity body standard is particularly dangerous for women over 50.
OPINION
Bad Bunny's Old-Age Makeup Is a Big Hit. Real Aging? Far Less Popular.
Imagine if we could be this positive about what an actual old person looks like.
OPINION
More Women Are Wearing Their Wrinkles With Pride. Their Gray Hair, Not So Much.
Let's talk about why.
OPINION
Is the Backlash to Facial Conformity Finally Upon Us?
Women’s real human faces are showing up on screen more often. I’d like to officially declare the dawn of a new era.
THEN AGAIN...
At 75, I'm Rethinking My “No Plastic Surgery” Stance
My face is evolving, my personal choices can too.
HOT DAME
Helen Mirren on Aging: “F*ck It, I’m Alive.”
The Dame—who just turned 80—would like to offer a little perspective.
INTERVIEW
At 56, Elizabeth Gilbert Is Done With Botox, Fillers, and Her Shiny Blonde Hair
“There was a fear of not being pretty”—and then came a huge surprise.
OPINION
Cosmetic Procedures Make Freakier Friday Confusing As Hell
When the mother character already looks like a teenager, the whole thing falls apart.
OPINION
What Happened to the Idea of “Middle Age”?
It now seems to run from 35 to the year before you die. At 74, I’m okay with that.
OPINION
No 69-Year-Old Looks Like Kris Jenner IRL. Not Even Kris Jenner.
Is there any hope for a more reasonable, more human, and reality-based approach to beauty?
OPINION
67-Year-Old Andie MacDowell Made a Strong Case for Softening With Age
She was, in my mind, this year’s most magnificent star at Cannes.
OPINION
The ‘White Lotus’ Smile Discourse Is Actually Pretty Condescending
Everyone’s kinda lost the plot on The Teeth.
WORTH IT
At 67, Andie MacDowell Would Love to Play a “Sexual Creature”
Casting directors, are you listening?
OPINION
Mikey Madison Winning Best Actress Over Demi Moore Isn't Ageism
There’s no ‘Substance’ irony to see here.
OPINION
Thank You, Bridget Jones, for Still Looking Like Bridget Jones
Renée Zellweger has returned to her famous franchise with her singular, charming beauty intact.
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OP-ED
At 74, I Don't Consider the Words "Old Lady" Derogatory
But, wow, a lot of you certainly do. Please consider why.
FOR MATURE AUDIENCES
Old Lady Energy Flexed Its Well-Toned Muscles at the Golden Globes
Sixteen women over 50 (and 60 and 70) were nominated for awards this year. Is that change we smell in the air?
OP-ED
Nicole Kidman’s Babygirl Is the Feel-Good Movie of the Year
Of 2024’s many May-December romance films, this is the only one worth watching.
Wellness
We've Lost the Plot on Menopause
Everyone take a deep breath. (And put down your credit cards.)
OP-ED
Actual Aging Is Far Less Scary Than Watching The Substance
Women are much wiser and more capable than this.