It’s not uncommon to see celebrities looking glamorous onscreen and on magazine covers. They’ve created a standard and definition for beauty, which is generally unattainable for many others.
However, these glamorized images are often enhanced through digital manipulation and a substantial amount of makeup. And once you strip it all away, we get to see these famous names in their most natural selves.
So, here are photos of some of your favorite actresses, singers, and renowned figures without makeup. Many of them look starkly different compared to when they’re dolled up, which may leave you nonplussed.
#1 Taylor Swift
Image credits: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
#2 Cardi B
Image credits: iamcardib
#3 Kris Jenner
Image credits: krisjenner
Someone who doesn’t have insider knowledge of cosmetics will likely say that makeup primarily enhances the face. It is typically used to hide blemishes, wrinkles, acne, and other facial “imperfections.”
However, according to a 2019 study published in Skin Research & Technology, makeup also “increases perceived skin evenness.” The research also found that “professionally-applied” cosmetics increased facial homogeneity.
#4 Adele
Image credits: Saturday Night Live
#5 Tyra Banks
Image credits: tyrabanks
#6 Sofia Vergara
Image credits: sofiavergara
Author and psychology professor Carlota Batres also co-authored a study on the same subject. One batch of participants had digitally applied makeup to their faces, while the other batch used actual cosmetic products.
Batres published their findings in an article for Psychology Today, revealing that makeup does make the skin appear more even, regardless of the amount used.
#7 Jessica Simpson
Image credits: jessicasimpson
#8 Rihanna
Image credits: badgalriri
#9 Drew Barrymore
Image credits: thedrewbarrymoreshow
Batres and her team hypothesized that makeup increases facial contrast, thereby suppressing the appearance of blemishes such as spots and wrinkles. They concluded that cosmetics not only affect skin appearance but also modify its visual context.
“The persistence and ubiquity of makeup is due, at least in part, to its perceptual potency,” Batres wrote, adding that the increased “attractiveness” also activates the brain’s reward centers.
#10 Millie Bobby Brown
Image credits: milliebobbybrown
#11 Kim Kardashian
Image credits: kimkardashian
#12 Kylie Jenner
Image credits: kyliejenner
Swansea University lecturer Dr. Alex Jones also conducted his own study on how cosmetics affect physical perception. The goal of his research was to see how wearing makeup affects social status.
Dr. Jones shared his findings with Yahoo! and revealed how dolled-up women exude more social dominance, especially in terms of what they can achieve. In turn, it may also invoke jealousy.
#13 Miley Cyrus
Image credits: mileycyrus
#14 Zendaya
Image credits: zendaya
#15 Jennifer Lopez
Image credits: jlo
Dr. Jones concluded that makeup is a “powerful tool” in altering social perceptions and a “multitude of traits.” And having this tool at one’s disposal can be empowering.
“Knowledge about how it can change perceived traits allows the wearer to use it to their advantage in different social situations, or be aware of how others might judge them in different scenarios,” Dr. Jones noted.
#16 Megan Thee Stallion
Image credits: theestallion
#17 Michelle Pfeiffer
Image credits: michellepfeifferofficial
#18 Amy Schumer
Image credits: amyschumer
We’d like to hear your take, dear readers. Which of these photos surprised you the most? Share your insights in the comment boxes below!
#19 Eva Longoria Baston
Image credits: kenpaves
#20 Mindy Kaling
Image credits: mindykaling
#21 Laverne Cox
Image credits: lavernecox
#22 Ariana Grande
Image credits: arianagrande
#23 Selena Gomez
Image credits: selenagomez
#24 Ciara
Image credits: ciara
#25 Vanessa Williams
Image credits: vanessawilliamsofficial
#26 Salma Hayek Pinault
Image credits: salmahayek
#27 Simone Biles
Image credits: byjustinrevenge
#28 Alyssa Milano
Image credits: milano_alyssa
#29 Kaitlyn Bristowe
Image credits: kaitlynbristowe
#30 Julianne Moore
Image credits: juliannemoore
#31 Kyle Richards
Image credits: kylerichards18
#32 Jessica Alba
Image credits: jessicaalba
#33 Lea Michele
Image credits: leamichele
#34 Taraji P Henson
Image credits: tarajiphenson
#35 Alexa Demie
Image credits: hbo.com
#36 James Charles
Image credits: jamescharles
#37 Lili Reinhart
Image credits: lilireinhart
#38 Katie Holmes
Image credits: The Drew Barrymore Show
#39 Tana Mongeau
Image credits: tanamongeau
#40 Ice Spice
Image credits: icespice
#41 Kesha
Image credits: kesha
#42 Lily Collins
Image credits: lilyjcollins
#43 Bella Thorne
Image credits: bellathorne