The TRUTH behind Pamela Anderson’s viral 90s look revealed after sending fans into meltdown

Despite driving fans wild with an apparent return to her signature 90s style, DailyMail.com can confirm that the recent glam shot of Pamela Anderson that went viral was a case of fake news. 

After makeup artist, David Velasquez, posted the image over the weekend, many of the Baywatch star’s followers mistakenly believed she was making a comeback to her rock ‘n’ roll days days.  

A source, however, revealed the photograph was actually taken back in 2022. 

The insider also noted that ‘Pamela was unware of the posting’ and Velasquez has since deleted the post, which, inadvertently, caused widespread confusion. 

In the image, the actress, 57, can be seen rocking a red Versace robe, charcoal black liner, overlined beige lipstick and a dramatic pair of fake eyelashes. 

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On her way to becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable sex symbols, Pamela Anderson had a signature look that was idolized by millions (pictured in 1994)

The post garnered numerous reactions from fans as they quickly reacted to seeing her in heavy makeup for the first time in years. 

‘I love her no makeup look but this feels like home,’ one fan commented.

Another gushed: ‘Wow! She looks even better than she did in the 90s! Sheesh!!’

‘pammy out here reminding us she can eat us all up with or without makeup,’ a third wrote underneath the post.

Velasquez, who is followed by stars like Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton on Instagram, previously worked with Anderson on a 2022 Paper Magazine shoot.  

He has more than 89,300 followers and is based in Los Angeles. 

On her way to becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable sex symbols, Anderson had a signature style that was idolized by millions.

In the nineties, she was known for wearing copious amounts of eyeliner, dark smoky eyeshadow and her voluminous, slightly tousled blonde hair. 

Over the weekend, makeup artist David Velasquez, shared a throwback from 2022 (seen above) of the Baywatch icon in full glam that caused a frenzy among her fans

Previously, the mother-of-two revealed that her perspective on beauty changed after her makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, died from breast cancer in 2019. 

‘[Alexis] was the best. And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, it’s just better for me not to wear makeup,’ Anderson told Elle. 

She also said that going without makeup has been ‘freeing, and fun, and a little rebellious too.’ 

‘Because I did notice that there were all these people doing big makeup looks, and it’s just like me to go against the grain and do the opposite what everyone’s doing.’

Pamela also remarked on aging and how it’s been a ‘journey’ for her.

Anderson entered her no-makeup era in 2023 and has not looked back; seen in January 2025

‘I think we all start looking a little funny when we get older. And I’m kind of laughing at myself when I look at the mirror. I go, “Wow, this is really…what’s happening to me?” It’s a journey. 

‘I feel rooted for. I feel good. I’m in a good place.’

Her decision to ditch cosmetics also stemmed from feelings that she often ‘just went along with what people were telling me what to do’ in the early days of her career.

Anderson is best known for starring on Baywatch for five seasons, from 1992 to 1997, as the iconic role of C.J. Parker, a stunning lifeguard. 

Last year, she received critical acclaim for her 2024 drama The Last Showgirl and earned a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. 

Earlier this year, a source told DailyMail.com that Pamela is delighted that she is ‘being applauded for her toned-down looks and recognized for her true talent.’ 

Anderson is best known for starring on Baywatch for five seasons, from 1992 to 1997, as the iconic role of C.J. Parker, a stunning lifeguard; seen in 1992

They said: ‘Pamela has gotten so much positive feedback from women all over the world for her natural glow up. 

‘She has become an icon who is now known for baring her all-natural self.

‘While Pam recognizes that a little more make up would have gone fabulous with her gown, she also realizes that this is not true to who she is anymore. 

‘To do herself up – whether at the awards or anywhere else for that matter – would make her not true to herself.’

Last year, she received critical acclaim for her 2024 drama The Last Showgirl (pictured above in character) and earned a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards 

The insider added that ‘part of her motivation’ to cut back on her glam was because she wanted to ‘strip away her Barbwire image and Baywatch personification’ – and be viewed ‘as a serious actor.’

‘When she went into this, part of her motivation was to strip away her Barbwire image and Baywatch personification. Shew wanted to be taken as a serious actor,’ they continued. 

‘Pamela realized her true talent when she played Roxy Hart on Broadway. This was life changing for her.

‘Never in a million years did she think that she would have been nominated for an award like this.’

Another source close to the star confirmed that she ‘still wears light makeup from time to time’ and that she has not sworn off make-up forever, instead just changing her relationship with it.