What 16 Miss Universe Winners Look Like Without Makeup — The Difference Stuns

This year, the Miss Universe pageant will be running for its 74th year. Most contestants opt for makeup and hair extensions to enhance their beauty, but these accessories might actually add years to some of their looks.

For the upcoming Miss Universe, several women from different countries will participate in various challenges to earn the 2025 crown. Although the beauty they are judged on is often enhanced, over the years, past pageant winners have revealed what they look like naturally. Let’s have a look at the competition’s revised rules before checking the women out.

Miss Universe’s Inclusive Rules

According to its website, the Miss Universe Organization’s goal is to honor a legacy that celebrates women’s values, empowerment, and transformative journeys. Over time, its focus has shifted to highlight the deep, personal stories of each contestant, emphasizing that true beauty lies in their motivations, cultural diversity, kindness, leadership, and their ability to uplift others.

Its commitment is to transform lives, create prosperity, and serve humanity with equality and no distinctions. The organization’s president is Raul Rocha Cantu and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Anne Jakrajutatip.

In 2024, the organization changed its rules to be more inclusive by removing age limits for contestants over 18. Previously, the age limit for the pageant’s contestants was 28 years old. The competition also allowed married, divorced, and pregnant women to participate.

R’Bonney Gabriel, a Filipino-American fashion designer and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss Universe 2022, shared what she liked about the organization. She said, “What I love about Miss Universe is that they are always out first in line, looking for ways they can be more inclusive and better live up to the platform that they’ve designed for us.”

Gabriel added, “It’s a bold group of women in charge over here, and you know what, a lot of people tend to follow what we do — it’s nice to be a standard-bearer, and I’m proud that we get to do this.”

In 2025, the Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant in the Ivory Coast banned wigs, weaves, and hair extensions during its preliminary rounds to promote natural African beauty. Contestants are now required to compete with their own hair—whether braided or straightened—marking a significant departure from long-held beauty standards.

The new rules also include a lower entrance fee, increased age limit, and reduced height requirement to encourage broader participation. While some contestants welcomed the change as empowering, others expressed concerns over a loss of personal expression and the economic impact on the local hair industry.

The initiative has sparked national debate but received overwhelming support, with organizers considering its extension to the final round. Miss Universe has shed many of its outdated rules to embrace a more inclusive and modern vision of beauty.

Contestants are no longer judged solely on their appearance. The pageant now values intellect, communication, and achievement. Traditional symbols like the scepter, cape, and the ceremonial “Misses’ Oath” have also been retired.

These updates reflect a broader commitment to diversity and empowerment, positioning Miss Universe as a platform for women of all backgrounds to inspire and lead. While the organization is modernizing its rules, one industry secret was eventually revealed.

A Disturbing Pageant Trend

Cosmetic surgery is a widely accepted but seldom acknowledged part of the beauty pageant world. Some contestants have undergone enhancements such as breast implants, nose jobs, and even rib removal.

Ines Ligron, a top trainer in the Miss Universe circuit, openly admits that her protégés—like Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007—have had minor work done. Ligron insists she never encourages surgery, although she acknowledges she can’t prevent it.

The pageant scene evolved after Donald Trump acquired Miss Universe. The event shifted from male-centric fantasies to female-driven platforms. Ligron emphasized transformation over perfection, training women to exude confidence and intelligence.

While surgery wasn’t banned in 2008 when Ligron was interviewed, health risks and public backlash remained concerns. Ultimately, contestants like Mori and Azusa Nishigaki, a former Miss Universe Japan finalist, credited their success to both inner growth and external transformation—navigating a culture that increasingly values authenticity and polish.

The 74th Miss Universe pageant is set to be held in Thailand on November 21, 2025. In honor of this milestone, let’s take a look at the past 16 Miss Universe winners and what they look like with and without makeup.

Miss Universe 2009 — Stefanía Fernández, Venezuela

When Stefanía Fernández was crowned Miss Universe 2009 by the previous year’s winner, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela, she wore a full face of makeup. Her lips were painted, and she smiled during her crowning moment.

Her long, dark hair was styled in spirals. Fernández’s simple yet effective makeup look was seen at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas on August 23, 2009.

In 2024, Fernández uploaded a candid photo of herself sitting in a car. She appeared just as gorgeous—if not more so—without heavy makeup. Her hair looked lighter and more blonde, and she wore a touch of lipstick.

She captioned the post by saying she’d promised herself to dress up a little. Her goal was to look her best, whether at home, running errands, or spending time with her child.

She also shared a sweet moment with her child, Liam, who once told her, “Mommy, your hair is beautiful.” The pageant winner encouraged her fans to have a productive week and asked God to guide them.

Miss Universe 2010 — Ximena Navarrete, Mexico

When Miss Mexico 2010, Ximena Navarrete, was crowned on August 23, 2010, by Fernández, she wore makeup and looked stunning as she celebrated her win at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2016, fans got a glimpse of her without embellishments in an Instagram photo where she posed beside another woman. She wore no makeup and had a bare lip, showing off her natural beauty.

Miss Universe 2011 — Leila Lopes, Angola

Angola’s Leila Lopes looked stunning when she was crowned Miss Universe by Navarrete. She wore makeup, including colorful eyeshadow, and had straightened hair at the Credicard Hall on September 12, 2011, in São Paulo, Brazil.

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she surprised fans by posting a natural look on Instagram. The two images showcased her curly hair texture and unfiltered beauty.

In the caption, Lopes admitted she had been eating more than she should during quarantine. However, she noted that she mostly followed her doctor’s healthy suggestions.

She said she preferred green smoothies made with avocado, spinach, celery, banana, and apple—or wholemeal sandwiches with various seeds, tuna pâté, and vegan cheese.

Miss Universe 2012 — Olivia Culpo, United States

Olivia Culpo was radiant when she won the 2012 Miss Universe title during the pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 19, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her hair was pulled back and styled up as she posed in a red gown.

In 2020, Culpo showed off a more natural look in a photo taken in bed. She looked cheerful and radiant, cupping her cheek with one hand as the other disappeared from view.

Miss Universe 2013 — Gabriela Isler, Venezuela

Gabriela Isler looked surprised yet thrilled when she received her crown during the 2013 Miss Universe competition in Moscow on November 9, 2013. At age 25, the Venezuelan television presenter emerged victorious among 86 contestants.

In 2021, she revealed her natural beauty with a makeup-free selfie on Instagram. The post highlighted how pregnancy had changed her skin—introducing freckles, dark circles, mild allergies, and stretch marks, despite using creams and oils.

Isler admitted that late-night bathroom trips and soothing her baby’s hiccups had become routine, and the dark circles were proof. She noted that her skin reacted to certain foods and products, but improved with proper nutrition, hydration, and personalized skincare.

Though she hesitated to share the stretch marks, she felt it was time to embrace her reality. “Perfection on social media isn’t real,” she reminded everyone, “this is.”

Miss Universe 2014 — Paulina Vega, Colombia

Paulina Vega was joyful when she was crowned Miss Universe 2014 during the 63rd Annual Pageant at Florida International University on January 25, 2015. Held in Miami, Florida, the event saw her wearing dark eye shadow and eyeliner.

In 2018, Vega showcased her natural beauty in a gym selfie. Lying down and smiling, she appeared just as radiant without makeup. Her caption read, “This morning after training! Can we all squeeze 20 minutes out of the day, right? Trust me, you’ll feel better 🤘🏻.”

Miss Universe 2015 — Pia Wurtzbach, Philippines

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 during the event at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 20, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although she captured the world’s attention with her glamorous looks, Wurtzbach looked even more beautiful in makeup-free selfies taken in London. Writing in her native language, she shared how she had been training at home during the pandemic to support her mental health and overall well-being.

Miss Universe 2016 — Iris Mittenaere, France

Iris Mittenaere was visibly emotional when she was crowned Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 65th annual event, which aired on January 29, 2016, from the Mall of Asia Arena. Like her fellow contestants, she was fully glammed up for the occasion.

Her made-up face was also seen on February 7, 2017, when she visited “Extra” in New York City. However, in 2021, she revealed her natural side in a photo where she wore a paper crown and went makeup-free.

Miss Universe 2017 — Demi-Leigh Tebow, South Africa

Demi-Leigh Tebow, formerly Nel-Peters, was ecstatic when she won the Miss Universe title on November 26, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For her crowning moment, she received a different tiara than the one awarded in past years.

In 2024, Tebow shared an Instagram video where she removed her makeup.

The clip featured an audio excerpt from her book, “A Crown That Lasts: Untangle Your Identity from Your Label.”

Miss Universe 2018 — Catriona Gray, Philippines

Catriona Gray looked like a goddess when she was crowned on December 17, 2018, in Bangkok. She was photographed beaming, her mouth open in joy as she held onto her bouquet.

In 2019, she revealed a different side by sharing a makeup-free selfie on Instagram. In the caption, Gray wrote, “This is the skin I wake up in every day. I love playing with makeup and being glam, but I’ve also grown to love the skin I wake up in acne scars, moles and all.”

She added, “I too have days where I don’t feel confident, or my insecurities are louder… but that’s okay. Loving yourself as you are is a journey, but it’s a journey worth taking.”

Miss Universe 2019 — Zozibini Tunzi, South Africa

After a one-year gap, the crown returned to South Africa with Zozibini Tunzi. She appeared humble, with her hands clasped in gratitude at a press conference following the Miss Universe Pageant on December 8, 2019, at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a 2021 Instagram post, Tunzi showcased her natural hair in a short trim. Sharing fun selfies, she highlighted her bushy eyebrows and beauty spots around her nose and mouth.

She wore a black headwrap in the photo set, striking a variety of expressive poses.

Miss Universe 2020 — Andrea Meza, Mexico

Andrea Meza wore a striking red dress when she took the stage at the 69th Miss Universe competition. The crowning ceremony took place on May 16, 2021, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In 2021, Meza shared her makeup-free look online. Her Instagram post highlighted how makeup can dramatically alter one’s appearance, as she appeared noticeably younger in the unfiltered images.

Miss Universe 2021 — Harnaaz Sandhu, India

Harnaaz Sandhu had long eyelashes and still wore makeup when she addressed the press after winning the 70th Miss Universe Competition on December 12, 2021, in Eilat, Israel.

Later that year, she appeared in a video filmed in Chandigarh, India, sitting in the backseat of a car. Without heavy makeup, her natural eyes were clearly visible as she smiled and flashed the peace sign.

Sandhu captioned the post, “When you see the world through serene eyes, you generate peace wherever you go❤️🙏🏻.”

Miss Universe 2022 — R’Bonney Gabriel, United States

As previously mentioned, Gabriel was crowned during the 71st Miss Universe competition held at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023, in Louisiana. She wore deep red lipstick and was captured gesturing upward with one hand.

In a 2024 video, Gabriel revealed more of her natural side.

On her way to Taiwan, she shared footage of her in-flight meals, accommodations, skincare routine, dinner, and more.

Miss Universe 2023 — Sheynnis Palacios, Nicaragua

Sheynnis Palacios was visibly emotional when she won the 72nd Miss Universe crown at the Gimnasio Nacional José Adolfo Pineda on November 18, 2023. The event was held in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Fans saw her more natural appearance in Instagram posts from 2020 for World Dog Day. She posed, laughed, and cuddled her dogs—Bruce, Brownie, Koda, and Simba—showcasing her fresh-faced beauty.

Miss Universe 2024 — Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Denmark

The current titleholder, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, was crowned at the 73rd Miss Universe competition. Her crowning took place at Arena Ciudad de México on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City.

Though she looked stunning during her crowning, Theilvig appeared almost doll-like in a 2022 photo. Lying on what looked like a bed, she wore a pink sweater and faced the camera directly.

The Miss Universe pageant has undergone a transformation that celebrates natural beauty, personal growth, and inclusivity. These inspiring women prove that authenticity, not perfection, truly shines.