Addison Rae Goes Makeup-Free on Press Tour, Redefining Pop Star Authenticity

29 June 2025

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

Addison Rae stepped off the private jet at her latest press stop and left the glam squad behind. Gone was the signature foundation, false lashes, and flawless contouring everything that had become synonymous with her influencer-era persona. Instead, the 24-year-old pop singer, who first shot to fame on TikTok and recently released her debut self-titled album, appeared onstage with a fresh-faced look that immediately became the talk of social media. In a world where celebrity appearances are tightly choreographed and heavily filtered, Rae’s bold choice to go makeup-free offered a subtle yet compelling counter-narrative.

The significance of seeing Rae who boasts nearly 89 million TikTok followers without her beauty armor cannot be dismissed. In a culture where female stars are often expected to present perfection, her decision raised eyebrows and sparked conversation. Clips and photos from the tour went viral, with fans and commentators celebrating the sight of her natural skin. One social media commentator noted that this choice challenges the relentless scrutiny women face: “Bare-faced looks are all the rage right now and it’s an empowering message to other pop queens that no make-up might just be the way forward”

Rae’s makeup-free approach aligns seamlessly with her personal brand. Just months earlier, she launched Item Beauty, a vegan and cruelty-free line designed to enhance rather than mask. The timing of her bare-faced public appearances during her first major press tour in support of her album suggests an intentional pivot toward authenticity, both visually and artistically. Her album, released in June, presents a more introspective and emotionally grounded side of Rae, resonating with lyrics that convey vulnerability and self-reflection.

It’s a notable departure from last summer’s Met Gala look or the glittering makeup in her early music videos. Those bold statements served a purpose in building visibility and establishing glamour. Now, Rae’s choice reflects an artist ready to present her true self. In interviews, she frequently emphasizes the importance of privacy and personal growth. She has shared that she felt “misunderstood” during her early fame, and that pulling back from social media was necessary to grow and mature.

The reception has been largely positive. On TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, users praised her courage and called her a role model for embracing natural beauty in an age of filters. For many, seeing a young woman at the height of her fame choose normalcy over perfection offers a tangible example of self-confidence. It’s a lesson in the power of unfiltered presence, and given the scrutiny public figures endure, it feels deeply refreshing.

This moment also echoes broader trends in the beauty and wellness industries. Earlier this year, celebrities such as Pamela Anderson made headlines for appearing makeup-free decisions that challenge beauty norms and invite broader conversations. While Anderson’s choices spotlighted a generation of women reclaiming self-respect, Rae’s decision signals a cultural shift among younger influencers, a cohort more attuned to calls for authenticity and mental wellness.

For Rae, the stylistic boldness connects directly to her artistry and message. Her debut album is filled with candid lyrics about emotional highs and lows, inner doubt, and creative rebirth. Moving forward on stage without makeup is a visual echo of that emotional openness. It’s easy to envision fans listening to her songs, hearing her voice, and seeing her bare-faced look as symbols of resilience and self-acceptance.

Critics and beauty insiders have taken notice. Some point out that in an era obsessed with surface appearance, going bare-faced is a radical act of self-liberation. Others remark that Rae’s approach leverages choice rather than purity. Makeup isn’t inherently a mask, it can be a tool for artistry, self-care, or expression. What stands out is that Rae is presenting it as a personal choice, not a default demand.

Her move could also reshape celebrity marketing. Brands and PR teams may begin to reconsider the value of “authentic presence” in public-facing campaigns. In a data-rich world where audiences crave relatability as much as aspirational aesthetics, the decision to go without makeup during high-visibility appearances is a calculated one, she’s offering a more raw, approachable image in place of curated perfection.

As the press tour continues, Rae proves that her brand once defined by trend-chasing and fast-paced content has evolved. She’s building a new identity: the pop star confident enough to omit the gloss, yet fully signed-on to emotional storytelling in song. Whether she’s fronting glossy magazine covers or standing bare-faced in front of TV cameras, the narrative remains consistent: this is Addison, embracing every facet of herself.

In shedding her makeup, Rae didn’t strip away her public image, she refined it. By aligning visual authenticity with genuine artistic expression, she is rewriting what it means to be a global influencer and emerging pop icon in 2025.