What 72 celebrities look like without a lick of makeup

alicia keys
  • Many celebrities have shown off their natural beauty by embracing the no-makeup trend.

  • Stars like Alicia Keys and Kesha, for example, have gone viral for their stripped-back looks.

  • Other celebrities including Zendaya and Kylie Jenner have shared makeup-free selfies on Instagram.

  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Brenna Opelka and Brianna Arps contributed to an earlier version of this article.

Kim Kardashian West seemingly went makeup-free for a photo in 2014.

kim kardashian west

While posing alongside a copy of Love magazine featuring Kendall Jenner on the cover, Kardashian West appears to have been wearing no lipstick, eyeliner, or mascara. She posted the photo on July 31, 2014.

The following year, Whitney Port clapped back at critics of her no-makeup Instagram selfies.

whitney port

According to the "The Hills" star's post, which she shared on September 15, 2015, people often told her that she looked "dead or anemic" whenever she wasn't wearing makeup. She continued to say that she "struggled" with her skin while growing up, and had "terrible acne" in high school.

"I've learned that keeping it healthy and clear is mostly due to keeping it clean," Port said about her skin. "I TRULY think the key to inner and outer beauty isn't about all the things we can buy to cover up our skin, but how we can embrace our skin and keep it healthy. Clean skin is in."

"The more I keep it clean, the better condition it's in," she said. "And when you do decide to put a little makeup on ( I mean, we all do 😊 ) our skin is a pure foundation for it to live on! So goodbye haters! I'm gonna embrace my bare, colorless, pale, and ghostly skin because I don't need to hide behind anything. I urge all you out there to not be afraid of showing that beautiful, bare face of yours to the world."

Laverne Cox also used the social-media platform in 2015 to share a barefaced photo.

laverne cox

The "Orange is the New Black" actress used a series of hashtags in the caption of her selfie, posted on October 15, 2015.

"#AuNaturale #NoMakeup #NoFilter #NoWeave #washfacenobase #TransIsBeautiful," she wrote.

Lucy Hale got real about her dark, under-eye circles in July 2016.

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She shared the no-makeup selfie to Twitter. Danny Moloshok/Reuters and Lucy Hale/Twitter

"My under eye bags are Chanel," Hale wrote on July 12, 2016. "Morning vibez."

Bella Hadid, on the other hand, walked viewers through her full makeup routine in a video for Vogue.

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The model went bare-faced for Vogue. Arthur Mola/Invision/AP Images and Vogue/YouTube

The model started her "Jet Lag Beauty Survival Guide," posted by Vogue on August 22, 2016, with no makeup.

Bella Thorne left her glam makeup behind in this natural selfie from the start of 2017.

bella thorne

The musician and actress called her January 2017 photo a "real skin alert," and added that it's "no secret" she has acne.

"Sometimes it's clear and sometimes it's just not," Thorne said about her skin. "I'm very self conscious and constantly feeling bad about myself. BUT I shouldn't feel bad. It is normal to have acne."

"EVERY1 does!" she continued. "It's only our society and social-media outlets like this one that tells us we have to have 'perfect skin' to be considered socially acceptable. I'm here to tell you rn F--- THAT. I'm going to show my skin for what is it and own it. No matter what any1 says."

Thorne also detailed her experience with cystic acne in a 2018 Vogue documentary.

While off-duty in February of that year, model Ashley Graham looked confident without makeup.

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On February 5, 2017, Graham said on Instagram that there was "No 💄Required" for her "WEEKEND VIBES" photo.

Alicia Keys also went makeup-free in an April 2017 selfie.

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Before posting this photo on April 26, 2017, the musician opened up about her stance on makeup in a 2016 essay published by Lenny Letter.

By the summer, John Legend had shared a seemingly makeup-free photo of Chrissy Teigen on his Instagram.

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"No filter necessary," Legend wrote in the caption on August 29, 2017.

On January 21, 2018, Ashley Graham shared a natural selfie from bed.

ashley graham makeup free

"To get out of bed or not, that is the Sunday morning question!" she wrote in the caption of her post.

Helen Mirren took her social-media followers behind the scenes the night before the Oscars that year.

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The 75-year-old star of "The Queen" posted the makeup-free selfie to Instagram on March 6, 2018.

Also in 2018, Demi Lovato removed her makeup and hair extensions in front of the camera for Vogue.

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Demi Lovato often uses her public platform to promote body positivity. Danny Moloshok/Reuters and Vogue

At the end of the empowering video, posted on March 8, 2018, the singer appeared happy and confident while showing off her natural skin.

After appearing on the 22nd season of "The Bachelor," Bekah Martinez went without makeup for a photo with former contestant Ashley Iaconetti.

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Bekah was glowing in the no-filter photo, posted to Instagram on March 21, 2018 .

In the same photo, Ashley Iaconetti also went barefaced.

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Iaconetti was candid about her no-makeup, no-filter photo on Instagram, writing "two girls with acne issues" in the caption.

Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi soaked up the sun in a glorious makeup-free beach selfie.

Portia and Ellen no makeup

The couple wished everyone a happy spring break in the Instagram post on March 27, 2018.

Tyra Banks smized for a fierce no-makeup selfie that she shared on social media that year.

tyra banks no makueup twitter

Banks' captivating hazel eyes pop in this gorgeous photo she posted to Twitter on April 5, 2018.

Cindy Crawford posed in what looked like a no-makeup selfie with her adorable dog.

cindy crawford no makeup

Crawford's natural look on Instagram, posted on April 5, 2018, isn't a dramatic change from how she looks when she is wearing makeup.

Zendaya played with natural lighting in a close-up Instagram photo.

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Zendaya credited her plain white T-shirt with being "the perfect light bounce" in her April 16, 2018 caption.

That same month, Hilary Duff jumped on the "no-makeup Monday" bandwagon.

hilary duff no makeup insta stories

The 30-year-old actress documented her sweet and simple travel style on her Instagram story in April 2018. At the time, she opted for tousled waves and a cozy gray sweater.

Dorinda Medley of the "Real Housewives of New York" celebrated Earth Day 2018 with a natural look.

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Rays of light engulfed the reality star, who captioned her April 22, 2018 selfie: "Enjoy the beautiful sunshine ☀️ #earthday."

Kylie Jenner went natural while spending a sweet moment with her daughter Stormi.

kylie jenner no makeup insta

In the adorable videos shared to her Instagram story in 2018, Jenner — who typically goes glam in bold lipstick and face makeup — let her freckles shine.

Catherine Zeta-Jones gave her skin a breather in an Instagram post shared on April 29, 2018.

catherine zeta jones no makeup

The actress captioned her video: "Happy Sunday! Happy here! Watching Formula 1💕💕💕"

Cardi B kept it real on Instagram that year.

cardi b no makeup

She gave her empowering no-makeup post, which has since been deleted, a fierce caption: "Knock me down 9 times but i get up 10 b----!"

Jessica Simpson took a morning selfie before leaving bed.

jessica simpson no makeup

Simpson is a pro at fresh-faced selfies. She captioned this Instagram photo, posted in the early hours of the day on May 3, 2018, with a simple "good morning" for her followers.

While in Dubai, Penélope Cruz snapped a no-makeup photo.

penelope cruz no makeup

In her Instagram post on May 5, 2018, Cruz tagged and thanked Caprisa Middle East. She attended the store's opening at the Dubai Mall.

Brooklyn Decker embraced her natural freckles in a 2018 selfie.

brooklyn decker

The model and actress also showed off a new lighter shade of blonde in her May 29, 2018 photo.

Yara Shahidi looked stunning in a selfie featuring very little makeup.

yara shahidi

The "Grown-ish" actress shared the photo to Instagram on June 14, 2018. Her followers couldn't help but notice her natural glow.

Stefani kept her makeup low-key in an Instagram post on June 19, 2018.

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According to her Instagram caption, she snapped the photos while visiting Oklahoma with Blake Shelton.

Model Winnie Harlow shared a photo of a "no makeup type of day" on Instagram.

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Winnie Harlow is always stunning. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images and Winnie Harlow/Instagram

Her Instagram fans were in awe of her "natural beauty" after she posted the photo on June 18, 2018.

Sarah Hyland used her makeup-free selfie to send a message.

sarah hyland no makeup free

She posted the photo to Instagram on July 2, 2018 with the caption: "Monday Mantra: Be patient. Be kind. Be free. Don't stress. Don't overthink. Don't worry. Just be. #nomakeupmonday #theresnofilterforlife."

Ariel Winter kept her look casual for an Instagram post.

ariel winter no makeup free

As her makeup-free Instagram photo, which has since been deleted, showed how the "Modern Family" star is never shy about keeping it real on social media.

Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz recently went makeup-free together.

cameron and drew no makeup

The two have been close friends since their "Charlie's Angels" days. Years later on July 13, 2018, Barrymore shared this photo of a day they shared together on Instagram.

Salma Hayek's Instagram feed is filled with fun, candid moments of her daily life.

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The actress shared this makeup-free selfie on July 22, 2018 after being woken up by her adorable dog.

Jordyn Woods ditched makeup for an in-bed selfie.

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On August 15, 2018, she captioned the late-night photo: "shoulda been asleep by now."

Anna Paquin shared a natural selfie after getting one of her favorite facial treatments.

anna paquin makeup free
Anna Paquin credits her flawless, glowing skin to the HydraFacial. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images and Anna Paquin/Instagram

She posted the snap to Instagram on September 4, 2018 to let her followers know about her love of the 30-minute HydraFacial.

Kendall Jenner kicked off 2019 with a fresh look at her skin in an Instagram story.

kendall jenner no makeup

She shared a look at her makeup-free skin in the midst of her partnership with Proactiv in January, which W Magazine captured in a screenshot of her Instagram story.

Kesha showed off her freckles in a Twitter post that quickly went viral that month.

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Kesha wants to let her freckles shine in 2019. Jordan Strauss/AP Images and Kesha/Twitter

"This year my resolution is to love myself," the singer wrote on January 15, 2019. "Just as I am, all f------ up and imperfect and whatever else. And to let my freckles liiiiiiiive."

Alicia Keys went with another minimal makeup look for the 2019 Grammy Awards.

alicia keys no makeup
Alicia Keys kept it low-key for the Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019. Brendon Thorne/Steve Granitz/WireImage via Getty Images

She turned heads by walking the red carpet in a bold, red gown by Armani.

Lena Headey shared a makeup-free video to Instagram in February.

lena headey

The "Game of Thrones" star responded to a critic who disliked her no-makeup appearance in the comments section of her post, which she shared on February 12, 2019.

Kim Kardashian West shared a makeup-free video to her Instagram story after experiencing a psoriasis flare-up.

kim kardashian psoriasis instagram

Kardashian West has been open about having psoriasis, which can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. She also shared photos of her psoriasis in February 2019 after a tabloid accused her of having a "bad skin day."

Jessica Alba snapped a selfie in the middle of an acupuncture session.

jessica alba makeup free selfie
Jessica Alba always looks flawless. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP and Jessica Alba/Instagram

Alba shared the photo, in which she seemingly had no makeup on, to her Instagram story.

Kris Jenner snapped a barefaced selfie while getting a haircut.

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She added "#nomakeup" and "#nofilter" hashtags underneath the early morning photo, which she posted on March 20, 2019.

Carrie Underwood shared this post-workout selfie on Instagram.

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Carrie Underwood updated her Instagram followers on her workout progress. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Images

"When your face matches your shirt = you had a good workout!" the singer wrote in the caption of the photo on March 30, 2019.

Kate Beckinsale shared a seemingly makeup-free selfie to Instagram in April.

kate beckinsale makeup free

In her post on April 4, 2019, she wrote: "Mens sana in corpore sano, or as we modify it in Chiswick, 'clean bum clean conscience.'"

The actress previously posted on Instagram about getting the popular "Hollywood EFG Facial."

Ciara also ditched makeup for a "vulnerable" Instagram post that month.

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Ciara embraced her natural skin in the photo. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Images and Ciara/Instagram

"The real me ... and I love it," the singer wrote in her caption on April 22, 2019. "Finally embracing myself fully! It feels good."

HGTV star Christina Anstead took a selfie of her beauty "transformation."

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Christina Anstead shared these "before-and-after" photos on Instagram. Christina Angstead/Instagram

Anstead tagged Pink Dust Cosmetics in the before-and-after Instagram post on May 8, 2019.

"Riverdale" star Marisol Nichols went without makeup to show her current skin-care routine.

marisol nichols no makup

"Clean and fresh no make up confidence," she captioned the Instagram post on June 17, 2019. She also recommended skin-care brand Kate Somerville to her followers.

Heidi Klum shared a quick look at her hair and makeup routine on Instagram.

heidi klum no makeup instagram

She started the video with little to no makeup on before showing a time-lapse of her glam team doing her full hair and makeup. Klum posted the clip on June 18, 2019.

Months later in August 2019, Jessica Biel showcased her glowing skin on Instagram.

jessica biel

Biel said in the caption of her post on August 8, 2019 that she was inspired by model and actor Kate Upton to go without makeup.

Jennifer Lopez also looked radiant while swimming without makeup that month.

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Jennifer Lopez looks stunning with and without makeup. Andrew Kelly/Reuters and Jennifer Lopez/YouTube

The musician's YouTube video, posted on August 27, 2019, was a visual diary of her "It's My Party" international tour. It included clips of her swimming with her children, traveling, and performing all over the world.

Sarah Jessica Parker went barefaced while hanging out with her friend Andy Cohen.

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Sarah Jessica Parker's natural look was shared to Instagram. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP and Andy Cohen/Instagram

Cohen shared a selfie of himself and Parker to Instagram on August 31, 2019, writing "Magic Hour, Magic Lady."

Selena Gomez posted one of her most casual selfies to date on October 7, 2019.

selena gomez no makeup
Selena Gomez recently launched her own cosmetics line called Rare Beauty. Selena Gomez/Instagram

"Me, all the time," she wrote underneath her photo, in which she's seemingly not wearing makeup.

Kelly Ripa opted for the no-makeup look while taking a selfie.

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She shared the selfie, which also featured one of her stylists, to Instagram on October 15, 2019

In December of that year, Kate Bosworth filmed her skin-care routine while vacationing in St. Lucia.

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"I'm not wearing any makeup at the moment," she said in her video, posted on December 13, 2019. "I start with washing my face."

Rita Wilson almost attended the Golden Globe awards at the start of 2020 without wearing makeup.

rita wilson no makeup

In an Instagram post on January 5, 2020, the actress shared that her hair and makeup artist was an hour-and-a-half late, despite booking the appointment in September.

The next day, Rihanna seemingly ditched makeup - except for some lip gloss - in a stunning selfie.

rihanna

"First selfie of the year doe. #2020," she wrote in her post on January 6, 2020.

Vanessa Hudgens, on the other hand, ditched makeup to go outside during a snowstorm.

vanessa hudgens

On Instagram in January 2020, she shared selfies alongside a caption that read: "No make up. Just a happy me in the snow."

Lady Gaga's natural look on February 13, 2020 included bleached eyebrows.

lady gaga makeup

The musician showed off her bleached brows, pink hair, and makeup-free skin in an Instagram selfie.

Lovato brought back the #NoMakeupMonday hashtag with a post that month.

demi lovato no makeup

"Haven't done a #NoMakeupMonday in yearssss but I figured after posting so many glamorous pics with tons of makeup and hair pieces, it's important to show myself underneath it all," she wrote on February 24, 2020.

"This is what I look like 85-90% of the time," she continued. "Proud of my freckles, proud of booty chin, and proud of myself for loving and accepting myself the way I am. 🖤 #ILoveMe."

Hilary Duff shared her "mom makeup routine" in a tutorial for Vogue posted on March 9, 2020.

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Hilary Duff seems to be a big fan of glowing skin and bronzer. Vogue/YouTube

According to Duff, the look she created is one she'd wear when she's spending the day with her kids, while also attending some meetings. She starts with a base of numerous moisturizers, and later applies lots of bronzer and glowing face products.

Kaley Cuoco hugged her dog while not wearing makeup.

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Since her March 15, 2020 post, the actress has shared numerous barefaced photos on Instagram while social distancing.

Dakota Fanning used a barefaced video of herself taking her temperature to encourage people to stay home.

dakota fanning

In addition to her video, shared on March 16, 2020, Fanning also used the caption of her post to encourage others to social distance.

"Stay at HOME (if you can) and stay HEALTHY," she wrote.

Gabrielle Union glowed while posing makeup-free with her husband Dwyane Wade.

gabrielle union dwyane wade
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have been married since 2014 Noam Galai/Stringer/Getty Images and Gabrielle Union/Instagram

"Couples in quarantine be like..." she wrote in the caption of her Instagram photo alongside numerous emojis on March 17, 2020.

Zoë Kravitz chose to forgo makeup while posing with her dog.

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Zoë Kravitz seems to be a big fan of natural beauty, as she often wears minimal makeup. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images and Zoë Kravitz/Instagram

On March 17, 2020, Kravitz included a social-distancing pun in her Instagram post, writing: "self(ie) quarantine." She also encouraged her followers to "stay inside" and take things "one day at a time. "

Vanessa Williams celebrated her 57th birthday by lounging in bed with no makeup on.

vanessa williams

"Good Morning 57!" she wrote alongside the photo on March 18, 2020. "Another year on this wondrous planet that continually surprises and challenges me to grow in love and adventure. I cherish all the endless support I am given and am grateful for the #more that is in my daily prayers. Many thanks for all my birthday wishes."

She also included the hashtags #nofilter, #nomakeup, and #nocorona.

Later in March, Kelly Clarkson covered a song by the late Kenny Rogers while not wearing makeup.

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Kelly Clarkson can pull off both glamorous and laid-back looks. Tibrina Hobson/Stringer/Getty Images and Kelly Clarkson/Instagram

The Instagram video, shared on March 24, 2020, was inspired by one she posted a few days earlier while her family was "hiding in Montana."

Ciara has posted numerous videos of herself without makeup throughout 2020.

ciara russell wilson

On March 26, for example, she posted a video of herself and her husband Russell Wilson to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the day they met. Ciara also went makeup-free in another video on March 27, 2020.

Katy Perry took a barefaced selfie while "mid-quarantine."

katy perry

She also included a photo of herself "pre-quarantine" in her March 29, 2020 post to show how her style has changed in just a matter of weeks.

"Hope your stay-at-home plans tonight include joining me for a beautiful and breezy episode of #AmericanIdol, taped in heavenly Hawaii back in January and February," she wrote.

Like many other stars, Nina Dobrev went makeup-free while taking a photo with her dog.

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She shared the image to Instagram on March 29, 2020, writing "Quarantini 4 lyfe" as the caption.

Kesha asked for advice on "feeling normal" while showcasing her freckles.

kesha

"S--- is so crazy right now," the musician wrote on March 28, 2020. "For me getting outside (alone) or even opening the window is somehow helpful. Any tips u have on feeling normal? Def open for suggestions."

Helen Mirren shared another barefaced selfie in March, this time to raise money for a good cause.

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Helen Mirren said she took this selfie "first thing in the morning." Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters and Helen Mirren/Instagram

"In return for this pic of me literally first thing in the morning, please donate to the intensive care support," she wrote in her March 31, 2020 Instagram post. "Thanks so much."

Nikki Bella opened up about her pregnancy in a "no-filter post" on Instagram.

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According to the former wrestler, her pregnancy had resulted in pigmentation and pimples on her cheeks. Though she wrote that she couldn't "wait to get a facial again," she also said she was proud of her natural skin.

"It's pretty amazing to start to see the real, natural you again, right? Without all the beauty appointments and makeup everyday," she wrote in her Instagram post on April 12, 2020. "I hope in this time we can start to love ourselves more. Appreciate the flaws, the changes, our age."

"I'm going through a lot of course because of pregnancy, but goodness when I feel my baby kick or move, I don't care how many pounds I have gained, or skin changes I have, or pain that feeling is unlike anything I have ever experienced," she continued. "It makes me smile so big every time."

Salma Hayek was seemingly in the pool when she took one of her latest no-makeup photos.

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Salma Hayek can pull off just about any look. Salma Hayek/Instagram

On May 14, 2020, she wrote in the caption of her photo: "Agua 💧 #water #nomakeup."

Lady Gaga temporarily ditched makeup while spending time outside.

lady gaga

"Thinking about the world and sending love," she wrote alongside her makeup-free selfie on June 17, 2020. "I walk in circles and reflect sometimes about what I want to say. I want to say I love you."

Ariel Winter embraced her freckles with a set of selfies.

ariel winter

In an Instagram post on July 14, 2020, she wrote: "Kindness is not that hard!!!!! Also...quarantine is bringing out my freckles?!????" She shared the photos just days after revealing that she had gone blonde.

Jennifer Lopez shared a photo of her morning look after waking up and putting on a robe.

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After saying good morning to her fans via Instagram on August 1, 2020, Lopez described her minimal-makeup look as her "#MorningFace."

Taraji P. Henson looks stunning with and without makeup.

taraji p henson

Henson made use of emojis and hashtags in the caption of her barefaced selfie, posted on August 11, 2020. She wrote: "Just here on 🌍being #phenomenallyblack #nomakeup #justwokeup #nofilter #justme ✌🏾 🙏🏾💋💋💋"

Bethenny Frankel posted a no-makeup, no-filter photo to show "a realistic female image."

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"The more I see photos on social media that are filtered, contoured, eyelashed, extensioned, & retouched — the more important it is to post #nofilter, real, everyday photos," Frankel wrote on September 1, 2020. "I want to show our daughters (and sons) a realistic female image. #THISiswhatilooklike #thisisme #unfilteredselfie #noglam #workingmom."

Selena Gomez showed her fans how she does her makeup from start to finish in a Vogue video.

selena gomez no makeup
Selena Gomez used a mix of products from her brand and others to achieve this look. Vogue

As part of Vogue's "Beauty Secrets" video series, Gomez told the publication that she believes makeup and mental health share a connection. She added that beauty "really is art" and can "bring people together."

On September 3, 2020, Keke Palmer reflected on her journey to clear skin.

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She also poked fun at her no-makeup photo, writing in a tweet: "I know y'all about to die at this photo cause of these lashes and these Mickey ears. BUT ITS THE SKIN FOR ME, y'all know what I've endured!!"

"My skin used to have me curled up in the bed crying," she continued. "Now I really truly understand it, I'm so thankful, no filta Poohs."

This year in March, Olympian Lindsey Vonn shared photos of herself with and without makeup.

A screenshot of an Instagram post from Lindsey Vonn that shows her with and without makeup.
Lindsey Vonn shared this Instagram post on March 16, 2021. Lindsey Vonn/Instagram

In the caption of her Instagram post, Vonn pointed out that while she might look different in the images, they were taken on the same day. She also emphasized that she's the "same person" in both. "All that changed was makeup," Vonn wrote.

"I love getting glammed up when I have photoshoots and events, but underneath, I'm still the same person with the same feelings and things I'm going through," she continued.

"In the world of IG filters and makeup hacks, I always remind myself that true beauty is the character you bring to every room... everything else washes off! ♥️" Vonn wrote.

"Jersey Shore" star JWoww posted a barefaced selfie next to one that showed her edited with makeup.

A screenshot from "Jersey Shore" star JWoww's Instagram that shows her with and without makeup.
JWoww posted this selfie before and after editing on March 21, 2021. JWoww/Instagram

JWoww, whose real name is Jenni Farley, said the left portion was unedited, showing her with minimal makeup. The right side of the photo was altered using a photo-editing app, giving Farley a full-glam makeup look.

"Laying here bored and saw this app... so I said 'why not?'" she wrote in the caption. "WTF. I'd rather be old and ugly 😭😭😭 but seriously, don't do this crap to your pics... love yourself."

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