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
2, Rihanna
3, Michelle Pfeiffer
4, Selena Gomez
5, Adele
6, Julianne Moore
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, Zendaya
8, Sofia Vergara
9, Salma Hayek Pinault
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, Vanessa Williams
11, Ciara
12, Katie Holmes
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, Jessica Alba
14, Drew Barrymore
15, Eva Longoria Baston
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, Millie Bobby Brown
17, Tyra Banks
18, Megan Thee Stallion
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, Jessica Simpson
20, Cardi B
