What Katie Holmes Looks Like Makeup-Free

If you had only ever seen Katie Holmes as tomboy-adjacent Joey Potter from "Dawson's Creek," which is arguably the actor's most famous role, then you might be surprised to look up and witness the gorgeous, style-forward woman that Holmes has become in the years since. From Katie Holmes' stunning hair transformation to her trend-setting street style — you can take notes from Katie Holmes on nailing denim-on-denim — this former girl-next-door has established herself as a fashionable member of the A-list.

However, there is one thing that Katie Holmes still has in common with her years portraying Joey: a minimalist approach to cosmetics. Surprised? This may seem like a big shift from the woman who told Redbook in 2013 that while some celebs don't need makeup, "But I do! I need it!" and confessed to British Vogue, "I don't always take off my makeup before bed."

Today's Katie Holmes is a skincare-conscious queen who prioritizes a healthy glow. And while she enjoys her time in the makeup chair, she doesn't feel that a full-face look is necessary armor for day-to-day life. She even filmed an entire movie — 2015's "Touched with Fire" — wearing basically no makeup on camera. This translates into many moments in the actor's off-screen existence, as well. From grocery shopping and posting selfies without cosmetics to scaling back her event makeup wherever she can, Katie Holmes prefers to embrace her inherent beauty.

Compared to many other Hollywood A-listers, actor Katie Holmes is remarkably un-shy about stepping out without a single swipe of makeup. Confidently flaunting her natural good looks, Holmes is regularly spotted running errands in comfy clothes and a bare complexion. It's a refreshing and personable habit — stars! They're just like us!

Holmes also posts a lot of no-makeup selfies online, setting a positive example in the sometimes over-filtered realm of social media. For instance, there's the picture of Holmes casually posing with her cat, her Instagram tribute to a friend's birthday, or the cheery Instagram selfie of Holmes soaking up some summer sun in 2018. Holmes even appeared makeup-free in a photo shoot for People's "Beautiful Issue" in 2021, alongside a pantheon of other celebrated female celebrities. Speaking on her penchant for clean-faced looks, Holmes told the magazine, "I embrace my age with gratitude and I don't worry about not having makeup on. My joy comes from within."

It seems like her radiant skin also comes from within, which is handy for a star that regularly eschews cosmetics. "I drink a lot of water and try to eat a lot of vegetables to keep my skin as healthy as possible," Holmes told People. One of the only products she does wear religiously, even in all those dressed-down photos? SPF. "When I leave the house I make sure I'm wearing sunscreen and a lip gloss," said Holmes.

Katie Holmes has no qualms about relaxing at home sans cosmetics, and even sharing her stunning, makeup-free selfies online, but sometimes circumstances call for something more. Still, when she's not going full glam for the red carpet — occasions that she likes to honor with "bolder choices ... like smoky eyes or red lips," according to Hello! — the "Batman Begins" actor hits a happy medium with barely there makeup looks.

Still speaking to Hello!, Holmes expressed a product preference for nudes and light pinks and admits that mascara, lip gloss, and concealer are staples that always live in her makeup bag. This tracks; choosing lip gloss over richer color is one of the easiest ways to nail the no-makeup makeup look like a pro. Holmes also mentioned blush as one of her versatile go-to products while chatting with Into the Gloss. "You know, I always keep powder blush in my purse," Holmes said. "That's my little trick because, sometimes, you never know what the day is going to bring, and blush can really wake you up and make you look presentable. It can take you from a school pick-up to a dinner."

Ultimately, Holmes' philosophy seems to be one of makeup moderation and scaling the look to fit the event. As she told Redbook, "I want to feel comfortable and appropriate, but I agree with the philosophy that makeup is really there to enhance beauty rather than to try to change what you look like." Cue all the handclap emojis.