Barrymore and Bell Show Makeup Is Optional

The actors removed their makeup on air to encourage viewers to view cosmetics as a creative choice rather than a necessity.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Beauty

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of two clean makeup brushes, representing a relaxed and honest approach to modern beauty standards. — Actors Drew Barrymore and Kristen Bell removed makeup on air to challenge societal pressures and redefine cosmetics as creative self-expression. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel pressured by social media to always present a polished, made-up appearance?

During a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show on CBS, actors Kristen Bell and Drew Barrymore removed their makeup and hair extensions on camera. The pair aimed to demonstrate that wearing cosmetics is a creative choice rather than a mandatory requirement.

Why it matters

This display highlights a shifting conversation around beauty standards, encouraging viewers to reconsider the necessity of makeup in daily routines. By normalizing a barefaced appearance on a national platform, the actors aim to challenge the pressure to conceal natural features.

In an unscripted display on CBS, the actors showcased the removal of hair extensions and makeup to challenge standard appearance norms. The effect of such public demonstrations on viewer perception remains an area of ongoing cultural observation.

The players

Drew Barrymore

An actor and the host of a daytime talk show airing on CBS.

Kristen Bell

An actor known for her work in film and television who recently demonstrated a barefaced look.

The details

The actors performed the removal process by unclipping hair extensions and wiping away foundation and other cosmetics live on the set. Bell explained that she views makeup as an outlet for creativity, explicitly rejecting the idea that it serves as a tool for concealment. The act serves as a practical deconstruction of the effort often hidden behind television personas.

The episode featuring the makeup removal aired on October 26, 2026.
Barrymore and Bell previously costarred in the film Big Miracle in 2012.

Health Landscape

This moment follows a documented trend of celebrities using public platforms to reject rigid beauty standards. It marks a departure from historical industry practices where a polished, makeup-heavy look was the default expectation for television appearances.

If you feel pressured to wear makeup, this demonstration serves as a reminder that cosmetics are a personal choice rather than a health necessity. Consider how your own daily beauty routine impacts your time, budget, and skin health.

The takeaway

Embracing a natural appearance can be a positive step toward reducing daily stress and reclaiming time. As a practical habit, identify which parts of your morning grooming routine feel like a choice and which feel like an obligation you might be ready to adjust.