Charlize Theron Criticises Beauty Standards

She might be considered one of the world's most attractive women, but Charlize Theron has some wise words to say about today's youth-obsessed culture.

The 39-year old, who holds contracts with the likes of Christian Dior, told WWD she believes society holds the wrong definition beauty - and that young girls shouldn't be representing huge brands.

"It's ironic that we've built the beauty world around 20-year-olds, when they have no f--kin' concept about wisdom, what life is about, having a few relationships below [their] belt and feeling hardships, to grow into [their] skin and feel confident within [themselves] and to feel the value of who [they] are, not because of a man or because of something like that. And I think that's such a beautiful thing," Theron said.

The actress continued on to say it was sad women in their 40s are treated "like wilted flowers" when they should be prized for their experience.

"I think people say women come into their prime in their 40s," Theron said. "And then for some reason our society just wants to go...it's like a dead flower. [She pulls a flower from a vase.] It's like we wilt for some reason. And men are like fine wines--the older they get, the better they get. It's such a misconception, and it's such a lost opportunity because that's when I think women are really in the true moment of their sensuality."

It's not often a Hollywood celebrity will talk so candidly about the beauty ideal prevalent in society, so Theron's honesty is quite refreshing. The South African native is known for her philanthropic nature, a feat she says she'd like to be remembered for over her acting career.

"I want (my son) to grow up with a mom that he could see and look at her life with all the mistakes and with all the failures and all the flaws and say, 'My mom lived an authentic life. That was the life she wanted to live.'"

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