Lily Allen, the rainbow-haired lyricist behind phrases like “it’s hard out here for a bitch” and “if you’re not a size six, then you’re not good looking,” clearly has no problem being herself. Allen continues to keep it real in her latest Instagram post: a photo of her makeup-covered acne.
In a photo featuring only her studded ear, jawline, and bleached hair, Allen writes, “How is it fair that I get acne at 30? #1stworldproblems.” Kudos to Allen for not only being what I’ll call “pop-star brave” by sharing her acne with over 650,000 Instagram followers, but realizing that a few zits are way less important than, well, almost any other problem we can name. But it’s still pretty legit to see someone who we’re used to spotting on the red carpet in less-than-perfect form.
https://instagram.com/p/2ipMt7wMWd/?taken-by=lilyallen
Allen isn’t the only celeb to share with fans the fact that she doesn’t always wake up like this. Here’s 18-year-old Lorde on Instagram, “in bed in paris with my acne cream on.”
https://instagram.com/p/kP5eRmNlSA/
Our personal favorite: Thandie Newton selfies with a gleam in her eye and a little less facial hair above her lip.
These ‘grams remind us of photos that drew a lot of backlash a few months ago: leaked, unretouched photos of Beyoncé from a 2013 ad campaign. The photos are a reminder that anyone who has to wear makeup layered on to withstand harsh studio lights and flashbulbs will likely have some acne. And judging by the reactions to these “reveals” (Beyoncé’s leak was met with rage from her “Beyhive,” Allen’s fans are writing “But you’re still beautiful!” and “Oh god love her!” on her picture), these photos are much more beautiful —and powerful – when they’re self-released.
We know, we know, stars are just like us. But it’s still nice to really see it sometimes.
READ MORE: These Are Your Favorite Celebrities With Red Hair and Freckles
