Other women too have chosen to lower the concealing mask of cosmetics, embracing their natural beauty with confidence and grace. Notable figures like Alicia Keys, Amanda Seyfried and Millie Bobby Brown have joined the make-up-free revolution, showcasing their bare faces in public and breaking free from the constraints of traditional beauty standards.

Anderson later revealed that the decision to forgo make-up was an impromptu one, driven by a desire not to overshadow the elegance of the clothes she wore. However, the 56-year-old’s candid admission about the sense of freedom and relief she experienced without make-up reflects a broader shift in the perception of beauty.

Jamie Lee Curtis, a vocal critic of unrealistic beauty standards, celebrated Anderson’s barefaced appearance, lauding it as an “act of courage and rebellion”. Others are showing similar courage – Isabella Rossellini, Hilarie Burton, Christy Turlington, Justine Bateman, Andie MacDowell and Tracee Ellis Ross – have all contributed to the narrative by accepting their authentic selves, whether through unretouched photos, embracing grey hair, or no-make-up looks.

In Keys’ case, it was back in 2016 that she decided to forgo cosmetics as a statement of rebellion against societal expectations. However, the Grammy-winning singer recently opened up about her evolving perspectives on beauty, explaining that her journey toward self-acceptance wasn’t solely about make-up or its absence but rather understanding how you want to express yourself and defining the boundaries that feel authentic. This led her to venture into the beauty industry with her brand, Keys Soulcare, with its focus on simplicity in beauty routines.

“At the end of the day, the point is, it’s fine if someone wears or doesn’t wear make-up, or if they get or don’t get fillers or plastic surgery,” says aesthetician and Skin NV founder Kaisa Marshall. “What matters is having the agency to make those decisions without external expectations and understanding that make-up and make-up-free can coexist harmoniously.”

Beyond the social and human dimensions, this balance also carries a profound skin health perspective. Makeup’s ability to enhance and transform appearances is not without potential implications. “Prolonged and consistent use of make-up, particularly heavy or oil-based products, can have detrimental effects on the skin, especially if not removed properly,” Marshall says. “Improper cleansing can lead to the accumulation of residues, potentially clogging pores and paving the way for a myriad of skin concerns.”

In choosing to embrace a make-up-free lifestyle, a thoughtful skincare routine is essential as nurturing the skin will foster a sense of confidence that transcends the need to conceal flaws. The magic lies not in aiming for perfection but in acknowledging that flawless skin, devoid of any texture or imperfections, is a fiction. “While there is no such thing as truly clear skin, as some texture is normal whether it’s pores, lines, or other changes to the surface of the skin, sticking with a skincare routine and maintaining consistency can help,” says Body Proud consultant and dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick.

For those seeking a minimalist approach to beauty that leans on the no-make-up make-up aesthetic, owning strategic products can be the key to achieving a subtle yet refined look. Think of products that work as boosters rather than traditional make-up, like the popular Miracle Balms by Jones Road, Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tints and Westman Atelier Highlight Sticks.

It’s also good to consider giving your skin a break from make-up which can yield significant health benefits. “Constantly wearing make-up, especially heavy or long-wearing formulations, may contribute to clogged pores, breakouts and skin irritation,” Moya says. “Going make-up-free provides an opportunity for the natural balance of oils on the skin to be restored, reducing the risk of developing conditions like acne. But in the end, it’s all about finding the balance between make-up and skin health that makes sense for you.”