News Anchors Without Makeup: The Faces Behind the Headlines

When you turn on the TV to watch the news, you always see camera-ready, polished professionals, with perfect makeup that makes them look positively glowing. Sometimes it’s hard to even remember that behind those bright studio lights and busy news sets are real people who don’t always look like that in real life.

So let’s take a look at some of our favourite news anchors, who have built careers on credibility, poise, and presence, but they’ve also embraced their natural selves in an industry that can be heavy on the glam. Whether it’s a selfie posted with no filter or a brave moment on air, here are some of the women in news and media who have reminded us that authenticity looks good on everyone.

Katie Couric: Keeping It Real

Katie Couric has been a trusted name in American journalism for decades. And while she’s known for her bright smile and polished demeanor, Katie has never been afraid to show the real her. She once took fans behind the scenes of her beauty routine on YouTube and has since posted plenty of fresh-faced selfies on Instagram. For Katie, sharing her bare face is less about “courage” and more about connection—and we love her for it.

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Lori Stokes: Radiant at Any Age

Lori Stokes has graced morning news in New York for years, and she does it with style and warmth. Off camera, she’s just as captivating. A makeup-free photo she shared on social media had fans in disbelief—not just because she looked beautiful, but because it was hard to believe she was in her late 50s. Her natural glow speaks for itself.

Gretchen Carlson: Empowerment First

Former Miss America and seasoned journalist Gretchen Carlson knows the power of appearance—and of making a statement. She once went makeup-free on her Fox News show to highlight the importance of female empowerment. Her message was clear: real strength doesn’t require concealer.

Jemele Hill: Freckles and Gratitude

Sports journalist Jemele Hill has always been vocal and fearless, and her no-makeup moment was no different. Posting a fresh-faced selfie on her birthday, Jemele celebrated her freckles and her gratitude—proof that vulnerability can be a kind of power.

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Savannah Guthrie: Sunshine and Freckles

Savannah Guthrie brings smiles to morning routines across America, and even without makeup, she beams. Her bare-faced vacation selfies show off her freckles and remind us all that beauty isn’t about the brushstrokes—it’s about being present in the moment.

Demetria Obilor: Fresh and Fearless

Demetria Obilor’s Instagram caption said it best: “f r e s h.” The Dallas-based anchor isn’t shy about embracing her natural beauty. Her stripped-down selfie didn’t need any explanation—the confidence said it all.

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Hoda Kotb: Embracing the Vulnerable

When Hoda Kotb went makeup-free on The Today Show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, she called it “the real deal.” She admitted it made her feel self-conscious—and in doing so, made countless viewers feel a little more seen and accepted in their own skin.