The reality is, I desire I had experienced a bit less glamour during my upbringing; a bit less emphasis on appearance. Both my parents were performers who underwent rhinoplasty in the 1950s, believing it would advance their careers – a common practice at that time. Despite that, as a child, I felt attractive and lovely; my looks never crossed my mind until later when I was being photographed for my acting portfolio. I observed photographers instructing me, ‘Don’t smile,’ and I pondered, ‘What’s the issue with my smile?’ It dawned on me that it was my nose, sparking a significant journey in my life. [Jennifer later opted for rhinoplasty, reflecting on how it may have adversely impacted her career.]
While we can’t escape the emphasis on looks entirely, we should redirect our focus towards our intrinsic value as individuals; what truly defines us as successful human beings. Can you envision someone at your funeral saying, ‘She was so pretty… she was always the prettiest’? That would be a disheartening eulogy! When I depart from this world, what legacy do I wish to leave behind? ‘She was always so inquisitive, so compassionate; she enjoyed aiding others and was there when needed.’ These are the qualities I hope people remember me for.
I firmly believe that a woman’s latter half of life is the most fulfilling. At this stage, you possess the wisdom that things may not always go smoothly, and yet you endure. Moreover, you recognize how much time you want to dedicate to self-reflection, self-care, self-improvement… it’s a lot of self! I don’t want to waste time chasing a past chapter of my life.
During my youth, I often received compliments like, ‘Wow, you have incredible hair,’ without considering that it might not always be the case. However, amidst the pandemic, I started noticing a change; suddenly, my hair didn’t feel the same. I suspect this change began during menopause. Consequently, my colorist, Tracey Cunningham, suggested Hårklinikken. Unfamiliar with the brand, I met the founder, Lars Skjøth (whose personal experience drove him to create it), and followed his regimen diligently. I utilized the , and (the extract works wonders) scalp treatment. Initially, my hair felt dry, but eventually, it adapted and began growing rapidly, especially around the hairline. I’m delighted with the results. If you’ve encountered hair loss, I highly recommend giving this a try.
While I vary my skincare routine, I consistently favor Biologique Recherche – particularly the . It’s a universally acclaimed product known for its balancing and exfoliating properties without being abrasive. Additionally, I apply , post-shower. A small amount effectively removes dead skin while preserving the healthy skin. I recently experimented with some laser treatments, but they didn’t resonate with me. I prefer skincare that is simple yet effective, without breaking the bank.
I’ve noticed that the more makeup I apply, the less authentic and youthful I appear. I prefer minimal makeup; just enough to enhance my confidence. Hence, I adore – it offers a sheer, luminous finish – paired with a touch of , on top. I also appreciate , and ; products that seamlessly blend into the skin, providing a natural look. I gently smudge , around my eyes, and then apply my , on my lips. Since I don’t have full lips (and avoid fillers), I opt for subtle shades. This tawny hue, when used to outline slightly beyond the lip line, creates a natural-looking contour, complemented by a hint of gloss.
Fragrance holds immense power – it can either captivate or repel. The scent one carries is as significant as any other trait. It embodies energy, becoming a part of one’s essence, and I prefer not to mask it. I gravitate towards scents that resemble a hint of body odor; slightly reminiscent of a fresh armpit, which is why musk fragrances appeal to me. In my younger days, I wore , and now I purchase musk oil from Amazon.
On the topic of armpits, I steer clear of potent deodorants or body sprays; however, I recently discovered one that I adore – . It’s truly remarkable.
I am a dedicated sleeper – I cherish my rest – and I believe it’s one of the most valuable beauty secrets, alongside always speaking the truth.
Jennifer Grey serves as a brand ambassador for Hårklinikken. Out Of The Corner: A Memoir (Ballantine Books) by Jennifer Grey is now available for purchase on Amazon.