When the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar this week with a seemingly makeup-free face and simple ponytail, social media was quick to celebrate her as 'bold', 'brave', and a 'natural beauty'.
While there is no disputing her stunning appearance, this public adulation highlights a stark contrast to the everyday experiences of countless women who choose to forgo makeup.
The Everyday Reality for Women with Skin Conditions
For London-based activist and influencer Maia Gray, now 31, the narrative is profoundly different. She recalls a classmate telling her as a teenager with acne that she would 'look prettier' with makeup.
'From that moment, I felt like I needed to hide my skin,' Maia tells Metro. 'I would sleep in my makeup sometimes, because I was even embarrassed to show my skin to my family. It got really bad, like an obsession, just wanting to always look perfect.'
It took her many years to feel comfortable going to the shops without a full face of makeup. Despite now sharing unedited pictures with her 166,000 Instagram followers, she still contends with public scrutiny.
'I can see people looking at my skin,' she explains, 'and it's almost like they want to ask, "how long have you had acne for?"' She notes that during breakouts, people's eyes often shift upwards, a subtle action that fuels insecurity.
This sentiment is echoed by the article's author, Jessica Lindsay, who describes how a day without makeup for her invites questions about whether she is tired or ill. She has noticed people on the Tube whispering about her during severe eczema flare-ups.
The Celebrity Double Standard and Its Impact
Meghan Markle is not the first celebrity to be praised for a bare-faced look. Pamela Anderson embraced the trend in 2023, and Alicia Keys has been a vocal advocate since 2016. Their actions are seen as rebellious and help challenge the filtered perfection often associated with fame.
However, the starting point for celebrities is vastly different. They have access to luxury skin treatments, subtle cosmetic enhancements, and professional lighting—resources unavailable to most.
Research underscores the social pressure: women wearing makeup are perceived as more attractive, competent, and socially prestigious. Furthermore, studies show that makeup can improve women's self-perception, aiding in self-expression.
The psychological toll of skin conditions is significant. A survey by the British Skin Foundation found that up to 88% of people with acne feel embarrassed by it. Research from Roseway Labs also indicates that 53% of people with a skin condition feel self-conscious.
A Call for Honesty and Broader Representation
Maia points to Lili Reinhart, the Riverdale actor who has been open about her acne and launched a skincare line, as a positive example of how celebrity honesty can help normalise skin conditions.
She hopes to see magazine covers featuring a wider range of makeup-free skin to spread the message that 'perfection doesn't exist no matter what you see online.'
The issue was recently brought home when Maia received a message from a young follower who said she couldn't leave the house without thick foundation, feeling depressed and using makeup as a 'crutch.'
'Conditions like acne can really affect a person's mental health,' Maia says. 'You can see breakouts, you can see skin conditions, but you can't see people, and the struggle they go through.'
The core of the issue is that while Meghan Markle's positive message is welcome, the decision to go without makeup is deeply personal and steeped in privilege. For many, it is not a simple choice between 'brave' and not. True progress means dismantling unrealistic beauty standards without adding 'naturally perfect' to the list of expectations.
