Kim Kardashian ‘s unexpected no-makeup makeup moment at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party took fans by surprise—and sparked a wider conversation about natural beauty. Known for her full-glam transformations, meticulous contouring, and flawlessly beat face, Kim’s fresh-faced look marked a noticeable shift in her aesthetic.
But was it really makeup-free? To trained beauty aficionados, the answer is no—Kim’s “no-makeup” look still involves expertly blended foundation, lifted brows, and a dewy finish. Still, the vibe is soft, subtle, and strikingly minimalist compared to her usual high-glam signature. And it’s not the first time she’s embraced this approach.
Here’s a look back at 6 times Kim Kardashian ditched the glam (or at least looked like she did):
1. Vanity Fair Oscars Party 2025
Kim stunned fans when she arrived at the Vanity Fair afterparty in a sleek, understated gown with nearly-bare skin, glossy lips, and soft, brushed-up brows. The look was dubbed her “no-makeup makeup” era debut—still polished, but minimal in contrast to her usual drama.
2. Selfie with Daughter North (Instagram, 2021)
In a candid photo shared from her home, Kim posed next to her daughter North West, both appearing fresh-faced. While her lashes looked extended (likely Latisse or falsies), there was no obvious foundation, heavy eye makeup, or contouring—just glowy skin and a relaxed vibe.
3. Vogue Spain Photoshoot (2015)
Kim shocked fans when she appeared on the cover of Vogue España looking completely bare-faced. The shoot, which she confirmed was makeup-free, revealed her natural freckles and soft skin texture. It’s one of the most widely circulated proof points that she can rock a truly makeup-free look.
4. Snapchat Story Post-Gym (2017)
After a workout session, Kim posted a brief video of herself in a hoodie and ponytail, clearly without any visible makeup. The lighting highlighted her real skin texture, a rare sight for someone often filtered and glam. The clip was praised for its authenticity.
5. Behind-the-Scenes on The Kardashians (Hulu, 2022)
During a quiet morning scene from an episode of The Kardashians, Kim is seen waking up and sipping coffee before heading into glam. Fans loved seeing her in natural light, with just her lash extensions and no visible makeup. Her skin looked luminous and healthy—proof that her skincare regimen is on point.
6. Bathroom Selfie After Facial (Instagram Story, 2023)
In a bare-skinned mirror selfie post-facial, Kim captioned it: “Letting my skin breathe today.” The close-up image showed minimal redness, zero makeup, and glowing skin—highlighting both the power of good skincare and the confidence to go makeup-free (even if just for a few hours).
The Power of the “No-Makeup Makeup” Look
While true makeup-free moments are rare for Kim (and most celebs constantly under the lens), she’s helped usher in a new appreciation for minimalism. Whether subtly highlighted by “barely there” techniques or boldly natural, these appearances reflect a growing trend—one that champions confidence, authenticity, and the idea that beauty doesn’t always have to mean full coverage.
