Frozen Faces

Nicole Kidman's "frozen" face.

Here’s an interesting press release headline that landed into my inbox today…

“Hollywood Casting Directors Say “No” to Fake looks”

It went on to say that “Hollywood casting agents have recently requested a more “natural” looking movie star. It seems the years of Botox, facelifts and breast enhancements have left some actresses literally frozen in time and unable to clearly express emotions. Highly advanced 3D, high definition, and blu-ray quality movies leave many actors to make a choice – forgo excessive injections to score the more “serious” roles…or remain youthful forever but give up the types of roles that win awards.”

Nicole Kidman is used as an example of a star who used to be an Oscar-winning actress, and is “now simply “frozen” in all of her recent roles.”

Well, well, well… Is this surprising, or was it on the cards? To be honest, I think it is funny. Plastic surgery, particularly Botox, was one of the worst trends ever. I’m all about trying new things, but no one knew the long term effects of using tons of Botox, and now here we are, with a bunch of “frozen” faced celebrities. We all know face lifts rarely look good, and Botox is passable in very small quantities, but certainly not overdone. Now everyone who went Botox crazy is stuck with an emotionless face.

Cher Then and Now: It is impossible to look like this when you are over 55.

Another thing I really couldn’t understand is the huge market for “cheap” procedures, like people flying abroad for cheap plastic surgery (without medical insurance!!!!) or getting quick fix procedures by through clinics, instead of highly recognized doctors. There are a few things that can’t be done on the cheap:

Plastic surgery: There is no point in being cheap here, get it done properly, or don’t get it done at all.

Tattoos: If they can squeeze you in tomorrow, don’t bother. All the good ones are booked up three months in advance. If they aren’t, then it means they aren’t in demand, and that means…they probably aren’t very good.

Laser Eye Surgery: No need to explain here, although I was once told that one third of laser eye surgeries are corrections of procedures gone wrong. I’ll stick to glasses and contact lenses, thanks.

Shoe repair: cheap shoe repair = destruction to your expensive shoes. It’s not worth it!

Perfume: Cheap perfume means you smell bad. You’re better off not smelling at all.

Susan Sarandon, an example of how to grow old gracefully.

Anyway, back to plastic surgery, the release goes on to discuss a doctor in Las Vegas (Dr. Shoib Myint) who “repairs” botched surgeries, and he also does many “natural” looks for clients. Ok, I know it is easy for me to say, “get the natural look by staying…natural ?!?!” because I was blessed with good skin and I don’t wear foundation, but with the population getting older, when can we begin to appreciate old age? And the fact that it is not such a bad thing? Sure, get a snip here and there if you really think you need to, but there is no point in looking like you are 20 when you are 50, because then you just look stupid.

Hopefully I can revisit this post 30 years from now and be smug in the knowledge that I stuck to my beliefs.

Thanks M for forwarding me this story…

Image credits: Nicole Kidman, Cher and Susan Sarandon.