Sarah Jessica Parker, the actress and fashion icon, turns 60 today, and if there’s one thing she has taught generations of women, it’s how to age with style, confidence, and grace. As the unforgettable Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Parker—alongside costume designer Patricia Field—curated one of the most legendary wardrobes in television history. However, beyond the Manolo Blahniks and Fendi Baguettes, her personal style and refreshingly real approach to aging have cemented her status as a true midlife fashion icon.
In an industry where youth is often worshipped and women are expected to erase every fine line, Parker stands out. She embraces her natural beauty, avoids Botox, and remains as stylishly daring as ever. But what exactly are her beauty, hair, and style secrets? More importantly, what can all women learn from her fearless approach to ageing?
She is an example of fashion brands like Fendi that have not ignored midlife women who love SJP.
Style: Confidence and Experimentation
For fashion psychologist Carolyn Mair, Parker’s enduring style stems from her deep appreciation of fashion. “Her ability to maintain her distinctive style throughout midlife portrays a combination of her authentic self-expression and intrinsic enjoyment of clothing,” she explains. “Dressing up provides joy and creative stimulation, empowering her to navigate midlife with confidence and flair.”
Parker’s playfulness with fashion is infectious. Style editor Erica Davies, who has long admired Parker, describes her as a muse for women navigating their own midlife wardrobes. “Carrie Bradshaw gave me permission to have fun with fashion in ways no one else had before,” says Davies. “And while SJP may not be as theatrical as Carrie, she still takes risks, mixing unexpected colors, trying out different silhouettes, and embracing patterns in a uniquely fearless way.”
Unlike many celebrities who stick to age-appropriate, safe choices, Parker continues to push fashion boundaries. She layers textures, pairs bold prints, and champions eclectic accessories that bring an outfit to life. Whether it’s a couture gown at a red carpet event or an oversized blazer thrown over a tutu, her outfits always tell a story—one of self-assurance and self-expression.
Hair: The Power of a Signature Look
Parker’s tousled waves and signature blonde shade have become as iconic as her wardrobe. Celebrity colorist Gina Gilbert has been maintaining her sun-kissed locks for 16 years, perfecting a dimensional, golden-blonde hue that enhances Parker’s complexion and blue eyes. “We like a lot of dimension,” says Gilbert. “With Sarah Jessica’s skin tone and beautiful crystal blue eyes, we opted for a softer golden blonde with a few brighter pieces for a sun-kissed effect.”
A great hair color doesn’t just enhance beauty—it can also work as an anti-aging trick. Senior colorist Melanie Smith of Hari’s salon group explains, “Her blonde shade disguises greys while keeping maintenance relatively low. The dimension in her color also creates an illusion of thickness, which is especially beneficial as hair naturally becomes finer with age.”
Parker’s signature undone waves—created by longtime hairstylist Serge Normant—are another masterstroke in effortless beauty. For those looking to recreate her look, Hershesons stylist Nataliia Bumford suggests curling random strands with a wand, pulling the hair down as you curl to keep the waves relaxed. Alternating the direction of curls away from and toward the face adds natural movement and volume, making for an elegant yet low-maintenance style.
Skin: Less is More
Parker’s radiant skin is proof that you don’t need aggressive anti-aging treatments to maintain a youthful glow. She’s been open about avoiding Botox, explaining that as an actress, her face needs to move. “I’m meant to be sharing emotion and communicating with my face, which, for me, needs to move,” she told The Telegraph in 2023.
Instead of injectables, Parker opts for treatments that enhance skin health rather than freeze expression. She has dabbled in Sofwave, an ultrasound skin-tightening procedure that boosts collagen production, and occasionally indulges in superficial chemical peels to keep her complexion fresh.
Her at-home routine is refreshingly simple. She relies on everyday essentials, including the E45 Face Foaming Cleanser and even a basic bar of soap. According to aesthetic doctor and surgeon Dr. Paris Acharya, “Parker lives by a slimline yet extremely effective skincare routine focusing on cleansing, hydration, and sun protection. She avoids neuromodulators like Botox, so alternative treatments like radiofrequency facials help support aging skin and collagen production.”
Given her balanced approach, it’s likely she also uses subtle skin boosters like Profhilo, a hyaluronic acid-based injectable that hydrates the skin rather than altering its natural structure.
Makeup: Natural, Glowing, and Timeless
Parker’s approach to makeup has always been about enhancing her features rather than masking them. Beauty journalist and podcast host Madeleine Spencer describes her aesthetic as “hyper-natural,” where makeup is present but never overpowering.
Her longtime makeup artist, Elaine Offers Woulard, frequently shares the secrets behind Parker’s luminous, youthful looks. One of her go-to brands is Merit, a beauty insider favorite known for its skin-like formulas. Woulard often applies the brand’s Bronze Balm to create a “warming halo” effect, followed by Flush Balm in the shade “Cheeky” for a fresh, healthy flush.
“Merit makes natural, glowing makeup easy,” Spencer explains. “I use the Flush Balm daily—just sliding it onto skin and blending with fingertips. It instantly perks up my complexion.” Parker’s other beauty staples include Charlotte Tilbury’s soft-focus powders and Glossier’s dewy, skin-first formulas, ensuring she always looks polished yet never overdone.
The Takeaway: Embrace Aging with Style and Confidence
Sarah Jessica Parker’s ageless beauty isn’t about strict diets, invasive treatments, or erasing time. Instead, it’s a masterclass in self-care, confidence, and staying true to oneself. Her fearless approach to fashion proves that style has no age limit. Her signature hair and skin routine highlight the power of finding what works and sticking to it. And her natural, glowing makeup reminds women everywhere that beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity.
For women looking to age as gracefully as Parker, the lessons are clear:
- Experiment with fashion and embrace playfulness in dressing.
- Find a hair color and style that enhances your features while keeping maintenance simple.
- Prioritize skincare over aggressive anti-aging treatments and focus on hydration, sun protection, and collagen-boosting techniques.
- Opt for natural, radiant makeup that highlights rather than hides.
Ultimately, Parker’s approach to beauty and fashion is a testament to the power of self-expression and confidence. At 60, she remains a beacon of style and authenticity—a reminder that true beauty comes from embracing who you are, at every stage of life.
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