Do You Prefer Models In Black And White And Makeup Free, Or Made Up In Full Color?

A number of supermodels who are not the same age as Gisele appear in September’s Harper Bazaar without makeup.  Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Amber Valletta, et al. look both beautiful and exceedingly natural in a series of black and white portraits.

Now, we absolutely do appreciate being shown un-made-up, and we hope, un-retouched models.  However, we couldn’t help but note that the spread, shot by Peter Lindbergh, is about the lack of makeup and nothing else.  The women are shot in black-and-white and wear very simple tops which, I suppose, might be as simple as they are in order not to detract from the natural images.  Yet at the same time, to photograph a makeup-less editorial this way, it’s like saying “what a wacky thing this is!  If the models aren’t wearing any makeup, we certainly can’t let them show off any clothes.”

Rather than give us haute couture, the models name favorite aspects of their beauty regimens.  This ranges from fresh carrot and apple juices (Claudia Schiffer) to particular moisturizers (Kristen McMenamy.)

Kristen likes moisturizer from Nuxe Paris ($47) because it’s super hydrating but doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.

If we were about to be photographed for a national magazine sans concealer, we’d wash up with Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser – Calendula & Blood Orange ($28) which we’ve found to soothe skin and clean it thoroughly at the same time.

Whether or not you’re preparing for a makeup-free closeup, check out our guides to the best acne treatments and teeth whiteners, so you’ll be ready at any point to be photographed au natural.  (And while you’re at it, take a look at the best mascara, because if there’s one beauty product to cheat wearing no makeup, that’s definitely it.)