Brooke Shields is opening up about menopause and the realities of aging with honesty and humor.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 28, at The Wall Street Journal’s annual Future of Everything event, the 59-year-old model and actress shared her thoughts during a panel discussion. While introducing her haircare brand, Commence, Shields emphasized her commitment to supporting women and addressing the lack of products designed for women as they age.
She called aging “liberating” and said that women over 40 are “the most powerful demographic in beauty.”
“When we looked at what was missing from the market, I kept hearing the same questions: ‘Why aren’t there products just for us?’ and ‘What are the real problems we’re facing?’” Shields explained.
She added with a laugh, “A lot of women say they remember being the ‘hot girl,’ and then suddenly it’s menopause and Depends. It’s like, you’re either the hot girl or you’re in Depends. Don’t make me sneeze!” she joked, referencing urinary incontinence.
But Shields made it clear that older women are so much more than those clichés. That’s why Commence, her new brand, focuses on authenticity and care.
“I’ve met so many fabulous women over 40 — they have so much to give,” she said. “So, I started saying, ‘We’re not just a beauty brand. We’re a care brand.’ It’s time to take care of ourselves.”
She also touched on how overused words like “empowered” have lost meaning. “It’s become like a fridge magnet word,” she said. “But when you really feel it at this stage in life — being unapologetic, not shrinking yourself — that’s power.”
Shields pointed out that this group of women is often ignored despite their financial influence. “Why are we overlooked when we have the spending power?” she asked.
This isn’t the first time Shields has spoken out about how society treats aging women. In April 2024, she addressed the issue at the PHM HealthFront event.
“It starts at 40 and you don’t even realize it’s happening,” she said. “I started noticing that marketing only showed two extremes — either you’re the sexy girl at the bar or you’re shown as fighting wrinkles and menopause.”
Reflecting on her past, Shields admitted she once contributed to the problem. “I was part of the machine. I was promoting whatever I was being paid to promote,” she said. “Now, to be this age, to feel sexy and strong, and then be ignored by marketers — it made me angry.”
With her new brand and message, Shields hopes to help women feel seen and valued — not dismissed. “For me, it’s all about changing the story and dropping the negative words,” she said.
