There should really be a museum for makeup. Such has this wondrous marvel influenced and empowered women over the centuries, every girl knows that without makeup society would suffer from a shakeup.
We mistakingly think that makeup can make or break you, while the truth is that makeup is simply a mask to hide behind.
These inspiring stars show women (and men) everywhere their true face, thereby making the average gal (and guy) feel that real power comes from within, and not from on the face. They're not ashamed to inspire everyone!
Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as her stage name Lady Gaga, is known for her unconventionality, provocative work and visual experimentation. This is the lady who once wore a dress made from raw meat to the MTV Awards.
While Gaga has her own original sense of style, Mama Monster has a loyal fanbase of Little Monsters who follow her every move. So when she posted a natural photo of her face sans makeup, many couldn't believe it was her. But everyone soon went goo-goo for GaGa.
Let's take a peek at the faces beneath the mascara:
Marilyn Manson
Nope, this isn't a fusion of Michael Cera and Professor Snape, this is musician Marilyn Manson's real face once the pain heavy makeup is washed off. When Manson delivered this photo to the public from the set HBO’s “Eastbound & Down” for which he had a guest role.
It was the first time we ever saw him without his iconic large smudged eyeshadow. He actually doesn't look too bad for a guy going on 50.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot proves that being a heroine is a full-time job and not limited to the big screen. This real-life Wonder Woman radiates her Israeli charm inside and out, with and without makeup. In fact, in some ways, she looks more charming without it.
Demi Lovato
Who doesn't love Ms. Lovato? The singer and actress has made quite the name for herself since her Disney days beginning in 2008. Taking her support for body positivity to the next level, she frequently posts no-makeup selfies. Demi is happy to remind us all that we are all beautiful in our own way.
Sharon Stone
A sex symbol since the early 90s, the Basic Instinct star sent hearts racing whenever she comes on screen. We got so used to seeing Sharon as flawless as Aphrodite herself, we were all shocked to see her with her natural face. Ms. Stone showed us that inner beauty radiates with or without makeup, regardless of how old we are.
Sharon stated in 2015, "What really is sexy?' It’s being present and having fun and liking yourself enough to like the person that's with you." We couldn't agree more, Sharon.
Katy Perry
When then-husband Russell Brand posted this photo of Katy Perry in 2010, we were left scratching our heads as to who the mystery woman was. We couldn't believe it was the blue-eyed, raven-haired beauty songstress we fell in love with.
Although Katy had the picture taken down promptly, we're thankful to the British comedian, Brand, for showing us that only in fairy tales is the princess constantly flawless.
Jessica Alba
It has been a while since we've seen actress Jessica Alba after she focused on running her billion dollar business, The Honest Company, which she co-founded. Since her livelihood no longer depends on her looks, Alba freely posted this snap of her post-workout. It takes a brave woman to start a business, and a braver one still to post a no-makeup selfie after a workout.
AnnaLynne McCord
You wouldn't think Nip/Tuck actress, AnnaLynne McCord, could suffer from acne. But it seems zits don't discriminate. We're either fighting pimples or wrinkles it seems. Famous for playing vixen-type characters, it was refreshing to see that she suffers from the same issues which plague some of us.
Kylie Jenner
When it comes to the Kardashians, you either love them or hate them. There's really no in-between. While the reasons for their fame are as puzzling as their list of dramas, we have to give props to Kylie here for bravely posting an almost-no-makeup selfie. Sure she's wearing eyeliner in the photo, but honestly, it's probably the best we'll get from a Kardashian.
Adele
Hello from the other, other side. We almost couldn't recognize Adele without her usually-bold makeup, but it only adds to her down-to-earth charm that fans have come to love. Adele, someone like you is what the world needs more of. Blessed with the voice of an angel, the English singer-songwriter never loses her charm with or without cosmetics.
Kate Upton
Kate Upton seems to divide opinion in regard to her looks. Some say she is stunning, others can't understand what the fuss is all about. Comparing her image behind the makeup with the one of her on the red carpet, you begin to understand why both these opinions exist. Haters can hate, but the Upton girl will continue to live in an uptown world.
Taylor Swift
Is it just me, or is Taylor Swift's life always seemingly perfect? Even when she posts a photo of her as she wakes up in the morning, she still looks better than most of us after getting dolled up. Whether it's her feud with Kanye or Katy Perry, her salty breakup songs, or her perceived wannabe outsider image, we just can't shake it off how Taylor always looks so well done up.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana. One of the most photogenic women in the world, the actress looks equally stunning with or without a splash of makeup. What we love about Zoe is that she doesn't rely on her natural beauty for her roles. Playing blue or green aliens in the Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy films respectively, she truly is out of this world.
Don't stop now! More makeup-free celebs next
Cardi B
With the internet came fame, and where would Cardi B be today if not for her huge Instagram following. Granted she is the first female rapper to have two number one songs in the United States, but it still took guts to post this photo of the real Cardi. We can see why her no-filter attitude resonates with her fans.
Eva Longoria
Can you believe it's been over a decade since Eva Longoria first starred in Desperate Housewives? At age 42 she still has a lot of mileage left in the beauty tank it seems. Even without any makeup on a safari, all we can say do is applaud the natural beauty, and the tiger too.
Tyra Banks
Oh, Tyra. A true pioneer in the modeling industry who embraced her naturally curvaceous figure, flaunting it in fashion shows all over the world. Having made a career in the limelight with makeup, her makeup-less selfie made all of us feel a lot better about our get out of bed faces. Tyra sure knows how to make us all feel better about our morning selfies.
Gwen Stefani
There's no doubt, Gwen Stefani has found the secret to the fountain of youth. Active in the public eye for two decades, the blonde bombshell has more recently ditched the heavy eyeshadow and makeup for a more natural look. In 2016 she took it all the way and left out the makeup completely.
Kesha
One can only imagine the emotional turmoil Kesha's gone through in her time with the music industry. If recent events are any indicator, the fact Kesha risked her career to file a lawsuit against her long-time producer, Dr. Luke, highlights her struggle to break free from a negligible contract. Despite the drama, her make-up free selfie showed everyone her true face.
Naomi Watts
British actress Naomi Watts is known for her classic age-defying beauty. While preparing for the 2016 Oscars, Watts decided to keep her fans updated on the progress of her preparations. Fans felt like they were vicariously living through Watts in preparing for the awards ceremony. Still, we couldn't help notice even without makeup, the starlett still looked the star.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow seems to be getting more beautiful with age. Even when she posted a no-makeup selfie on her 44th birthday, it only highlighted the sirens evergrowing charm. Goop is one actress who defies the Hollywood stereotype of beauty before age. In her case, it's beauty with age.
Diane Kruger
Many people make New Year's resolutions without ever following through with their plans. German actress Diane Kruger, however, didn't waste any time ticking the no-makeup selfie off her list of resolutions when she posted this photo on New Year's Day. Oh Diane, why did you have to make the rest of feel so guilty about our resolutions?
NeNe Leakes
Many people celebrate milestones in their lives in normal ways like having a nice meal out with their loved ones, treating themselves to a shopping spree, or going away for a weekend spa. NeNe Leakes, however, decided to do something else entirely. When her two shows sold-out in North Carolina, the television personality decided to post a video with her makeup off. Now that's original.
Nicki Minaj
Many celebrities admit that the one thing they wish they could buy is anonymity. However, Nicki Minaj, who is known for her artful outfits and colorful choice of makeup, could walk any city street without fear of being recognized once she takes her makeup off. This out of the blue shower pic she dropped on her followers revealed to everyone that Ms. Minaj is indeed a natural beauty.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan, like many child stars, appears to have lost her way between fame and stardom. The natural redhead posted a make-up free selfie while vacationing in Turkey in 2015. As they say, a face without freckles is like a night without stars. A pity then, she had to hide most of it with that yellow filter. Just Lindsay being Lindsay, huh.
Carrie Underwood
Nobody really goes to the gym expecting to take a selfie. Especially after an intense workout, where we some of us can look like zombies. So we just get on with the exercise and take out our stress on the machinery at bay. If you're Carrie Underwood, however, a makeup-free selfie is still no sweat for you. Looks like this country superstar can do no wrong.
Shakira
Judging by the make-up free selfie Shakira posted, it's safe to assume that she is of the less-is-more makeup school of thought. The pocket-sized Colombian singer's hips clearly don't lie as she puts her best face forward on the red carpet or Au Naturel.
Boy George
You don't get more 80s than Boy George, with bright colors, extravagant outfits, excessive makeup just for starters, the English singer thrives on attention. George is a beautiful man with or without makeup no matter whether it's red, gold and green, or not.
Rihanna
Some people have learned the art of the accidentally-on-purpose funny ugly face. Making an ugly face means people won't judge you as harshly so you're safer from criticism. Bad gal RiRi though still looks like the picture of perfection when pulling this pose off. Someone tell Rihanna we found love in a hopeless place.
Miley Cyrus
Smiley Miley, aye. She started as bubbly Disney teenager turned pop star, Hannah Montana, then decided to let loose the wild child hiding inside as she entered her late teens. With age comes maturity, and Miley has chosen she is something in between. Regardless of the funny face pose, we can't help but admit Miley suits the natural look.
Gigi Hadid
Being named the International Model of the Year comes with some degree of pressure. But Gigi Hadid wasn't afraid to show her true face when she posted this natural selfie. Then again, who wouldn't post one when they look like that.
Bella Hadid
The Hadid family gene pool must be touched by an angel because Gigi's sister Bella Hadid followed her sister with a natural selfie of her own. Could you believe she had the flu when the photo was taken? We quite like her everyday girl look and hope she'll sport more of that.
Selena Gomez
Disney sure does know how to package their stars. Selena Gomez first graced our screens on the television show Wizards of Waverly Place, and while she's lately taken a more liberal approach to the frequency of her Instagram posts, there are still some head turners, like this one.
Chelsea Handler
Chelea Handler is known for her outspoken views and outrageous character whether on television or on Twitter. Time magazine named her one the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012. When she got aboard the no makeup selfie crew, the comedian added her own touch of humor to the photo with her hairdo and expression. We can barely handle her.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian has sometimes been nicknamed the queen of vanity, but there's no denying her beauty whether it's natural or not. Whether it's THAT tape with rapper Ray J or her exhibitionist photo posts, Kim understands that no publicity is bad publicity. Still, she deserves a mention on our list for at least trying one photo post without all the typical Kardashian hysteria.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner, an Estee Lauder spokesperson and Victorias Secret Model, you would think she would be conscious of protecting her image. Kendall, however, like to live a little dangerously like her siblings so posted this cheeky photo sans makeup. We now can see that Kendall is also of the less-is-more school of makeup.
Cara Delevingne
Models are chosen for their looks. That's easy to understand. But Cara is more unconventional due to her recognizable eyebrows. Even with her natural look, you get the sense this is one model who saves time on eyebrow makeup.
Alicia Keys
Easily the bravest of everyone on our list, Alicia Keys swore off makeup for good in 2016. Later she decided it would be a lifelong change. She says that doing so made her feel powerful, strong, and free. Judging by her expression you can't argue with that. It, of course, helps when you look as naturally and effortlessly beautiful as her.
Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer is a one-of-a-kind comedienne who leaves her audiences either gasping for air or rolling on the flow laughing. When a meme was circulated comparing her to wrestling star Chris Jericho, Amy responded in the way only she could. She posted a no-makeup photo with her hair untied turning the tables on her trolls.
Sofia Vergara
The highest earning actress on US television for several years, and named the 32nd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2014, the Colombian actress is as charismatic as she is gorgeous. Seeing her with her trademark heavy mascara might fool you into thinking it's all smoke and mirrors, but this selfie should put to bed any doubts she is as beautiful as she is funny.
Madonna
The queen of reinventing herself, Madonna has maintained her icon status since the 80s, effortlessly we might add. So when she posted this 2017 no-makeup selfie after airport customs didn't believe she was "Like A Virgin" singer, for the very first time we doubted if father time had finally caught up with Madge.
Priyanka Chopra
A former Miss World, an established Indian actress making strides in Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra knows how to maintain her star persona in front of the cameras. However, when this photo of her appeared online, many wondered why she needed makeup at all. Perhaps her recent engagement to Nick Jonas has revealed to her that Tinseltown is more forgiving than Bollywood.
Mariah Carey
The only thing bigger than Mimi is her voice. With the biggest pipes in the game, she holds several music-related records such as being the biggest selling artists of the 90s. To match her golden voice, MC used to get spray tanned with actual gold flecks. So when the diva showed off this natural photo, we were left catching our breaths to the songbird's divine beauty.
Portia de Rossi
Arguably one half of one of the most famous of Hollywood's power couples to break barriers, Portia de Rossi has had to live with the paparazzi since pictures of her kissing her girlfriend appeared in the early 2000s, a controversial topic at the time.
However, it goes to show how fast times have changed with the retired actress now openly out and married to her partner, comedienne, actress and host, Ellen DeGeneres. Portia looks as classy as ever in this natural outdoors picture.
RuPaul
The most commercially successful drag queen in the United States, RuPaul Andre Charles, looks like night and day with and without his glam on. So when we saw the television personality post this picture next to his partner Georges LeBar, sans makeup, wig, and dress, we struggled to recognize the queen.
Emmy Rossum
Emmy Rossum made a lot of people feel ugly when she posted this au naturel photo her. The actress and singer-songwriter looked equally stunning, perhaps even more so, without makeup than as she does on the red carpet.
Sofia Richie
Celebrity kids face the unique challenge of being photographed during their awkward years included in worldwide editorials. So, they quickly learn to put their best face forward to look like their famous parents wherever they go. Sofia Richie, the youngest daughter of musician Lionel Richie, knows how to pull off all kinds of looks it seems, even without the makeup.
Zendaya
The meaning of actress and singer Zendaya's name is "to give thanks" in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. We think it's an apt name for the rising star who regularly posts no-makeup selfies on her Instagram profile after a user on Twitter said they were "scared" of her face behind the gloss. Haters gonna hate, but Zendaya is here to to stay.
Vanessa Hudgens
Former Disney queen and actress and singer, Vanessa Hudgens knows how to turn it on for the cameras, whether on the red carpet on in her house clothes. The High School Musical star posted this Instagram photo of her without any makeup which she's since done regularly.
Lupita Nyong’o
The Kenyan Oscar-winning actress showed off her easy-on-the-eyes natural beauty when this photo was posted. On the red carpet, Lupita is known for her bold choice of makeup colors and shades, but it looks like even without it, she still has some charm to her.
Lorde
As a vocal millennial, New Zealand singer Lorde wasn't impressed when it became apparent magazines would photoshop out her acne. So, since female empowerment is part her manifesto, she took matters into her own hands and shared her no-makeup selfies to prove celebrities have flaws just like the rest of, and rather than hiding them, we should accept them.
Lily Collins
Lily Collins, is known for her full lips and thick eyebrows, so when she posted this natural photo, we were left stunned by her sheer beauty. Father and musician, Phil Collins should be proud of his actress daughter who could pass as a modern day Audrey Hepburn.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox has broken many barriers on television. The the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in the acting category, and first openly transgender person to have a wax figure of herself at Madame Tussauds among other firsts. So when the LGBT advocate posted this no-makeup selfie, many thought it was too good to be true, it wasn't.
Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes has been a household name ever since she played Joey Potter in Dawson's Creek. Ever since her divorce from Tom Cruise, she has focused on their daughter, Suri, as well as return on acting. With Instagram makeup-less selfies like this, we can see why Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx is rumored to marry the American beauty.
Heidi Klum
Into her mid-40s, former Supermodel, Heidi Klum arguably looks even more glamorous without makeup. The first German to ever become a Victoria's Secret Model, the reality television star host of Project Runway wowed us all with this Instagram picture.
Gina Rodriguez
