Look At This…: Celebrities Without Makeup
What follows in not a reflection on your blog post per se. It’s more of a general observation.
I suppose photos like the “without make-up” ones featured here are served up by (and shot specifically for the use of) tabloids. And BTW, you must understand that the paparazzi take literally HUNDREDS of snaps during such improvised “sessions”, usually from afar and unbeknownst to the object.
It’s the EDITORS who make the choice of photo. And guess what: from a hundred shots they will absolutely choose the one (possibly the ONLY one!) where the person looks unattractive. (Considering the psychological make-up of tabloid readership, it’s easy to guess why that is so…)
Still, I must say I am constantly surprised by people’s lack of discernement (or is it just an unhealthy wish to believe what they see?).
First of all, ANYONE – God him/herself! 
– could look really bad with the “proper” (unflattering) lighting and in mid-gesture.
On the other hand, if the editor were after a FAIR comparison, they would carefully choose photos which are not airbrushed (most of the photos shown here ARE heavily airbrushed), in the same kind and angle of light, and preferably in mid-gesture.
It’s also interesting to observe the perpetuation of the “iconic” status of those stars who, for some reason (possibly $$$ – again), have become the darlings of the media, by means of “double standards”.
The Marilyn Monroe photos shown here are the perfect example of such a “double standard”, intended to further deify the “goddess” (the proverbial clay feet are so obvious in this case they don’t even need to be referred to… oops – sorry! )
As you can see, MM is indeed shown “without” (actually with very little) make up – but they are not “candid”, as the others are.
In fact, some of the photos are actually from a magazine (not tabloid) shoot.
That implies an a priori benevolent attitude (by the photographer AND the editors) towards her.
It also that means that the lighting was perfect.
And, of course, unlike the other actresses shown here, MM is facing the camera (something she always knew how to do..:)), she has HER (her public persona) “turned on”, as she used to say herself.
Finally… yes, Petite Francaise: you are absolutely right in that everyone could be a “star”. Absolutely tout le monde.
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