Brooke Shields, the renowned actress and model, has recently opened up about self-empowerment and the beauty of aging during her appearance on the Netflix vodcast, *I Changed My Mind*, hosted by Dan Souza. At the age of 60, Shields believes that she possesses more to offer now than when she was younger, fuelling her desire to redefine perceptions of beauty and value as women age.
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During her candid discussion, Shields highlighted the inspiration behind her haircare line, Commence, which is specifically designed for women over 40. She reflected on her personal journey through aging, remarking on how society often undervalues women once they progress beyond their childbearing years. “It stemmed from being the age that I am and realising that I was coming into this very important phase, but that I wasn’t being told that I had the same amount of value as I was told when my ovaries worked,” she explained.
Shields voiced frustration over the stereotypes surrounding women in this life stage, questioning why it seems threatening for industries to acknowledge the full spectrum of femininity. “I feel sexier now than I did in my teens and I feel that I have so much more to offer,” she stated, underscoring her belief that age should not diminish a woman’s allure or worth.
The actress also discussed the rapid growth of the community surrounding her haircare brand, Commence, which launched in 2024. Shields explained that her followers began to share their beauty concerns, particularly relating to hair—expressing challenges such as loss of luster and strength as one ages. “The people, our followers, wanted me to solve many of their beauty issues,” she remarked, illustrating the demand for products that truly cater to the needs of older women.
Shields aims to transform the narrative often associated with menopause, striving for a sense of vibrancy and excitement regarding this phase of life. “There should be a lightness in this era of a woman’s life, and instead we’re met with, ‘Oh, so you’re in menopause now,’ or, ‘You’ve had a good run,'” she noted. Her mission with Commence is to promote positivity and enthusiasm among women entering this critical stage.
At a recent event hosted by the Wall Street Journal, Shields stated that she finds growing older to be a liberating experience. Women aged 40 and above, in her view, represent a powerful demographic within the beauty industry, capable of making significant contributions. She remarked that when discussing beauty needs, many women have voiced their desire for products specifically designed for their issues and lifestyle.
Shields’s commitment to authenticity shines through in her vision for Commence, which she notes is a “care brand.” Her focus is on encouraging women over 40 to not only embrace their new identity but also to prioritise self-care. “All the women I’ve met who are over 40 are fabulous, and they have so much to offer,” she asserted, advocating for a movement where women feel valued and empowered.
As she takes on this new venture, Shields expressed her determination to challenge stereotypes and to advocate for older women in the beauty market. She highlighted the importance of celebrating this stage in life rather than relegating it to a mere afterthought. “The word empowered has been used a lot… but really when you understand what it feels like to be in this era in your life and be unapologetic, you don’t have to make yourself smaller,” she contended.
Shields’s reflections continue to resonate with many, inspiring a growing dialogue about age, beauty, and the unique power dynamic that comes with experience. By creating products tailored to the needs of women over 40, she not only addresses a significant gap in the market but also sets out to reshape perceptions of female beauty at any age.