10 Gorgeous Actresses Who Got Downright Ugly for the Big Screen (PHOTOS)
Actresses can spend hours having their hair and makeup done in order to get into character, but the extra time doesn't always equal extra glam. In fact, for some roles, the results of all that prep work can be drab, disgusting, or downright terrifying. And that's no easy feat for makeup artists transforming gorgeous gals like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston.
Still, embracing a character that isn't easy on the eyes can be a good thing come awards season, as Oscar winner Charlize Theron learned when she took on the lead role in Monster. Regardless of motivation, these 10 actresses aren't afraid to go blah or blech for a big role. When the movie makeup comes off, however, their real beauty shines through.
Image via Universal Pictures
Charlize Theron
Theron was almost unrecognizable as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. Her transformation included shaving her eyebrows and putting on dentures and prosthetic eyelids, not to mention packing on 30 pounds. It was worth it. Theron won an Oscar for the role.
Charlize Theron Offscreen
One of Hollywood's most beautiful leading ladies, the South African star's beauty secret is skipping blowdryers when she's not headed to red carpet events to give her locks a break.
Felicity Huffman Offscreen
Despite her good looks, Huffman doesn't see herself as a knockout -- and she's fine with that. "Beauty can make you powerful in a way that isn't good for you," she has said.
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Jennifer Aniston Offscreen
Aniston has said that her biggest beauty regret is bleaching her eyebrows once for a magazine cover. The stunning star is widely considered one of the most loveable -- and beautiful -- women in Hollywood.
Olivia Wilde Offscreen
Wilde says the secret to her good looks is her eyebrows, and grooming them is her top beauty priority. She welcomed a son, Otis, with longtime love, Jason Sudeikis, in 2014.
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Salma Hayek Offscreen
The Mexican-born beauty learned the secret to flawless skin from her grandmother: "Never wash your face in the morning," the actress has said. Her beauty and cosmetics line, Nuance, is available at drugstores nationwide.
Mariah Carey Offscreen
The actress, singer, and mom of twins mixes mint extract into her gloss for naturally plump lips, though we're sure that isn't her only beauty secret.
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Anne Hathaway Offscreen
Oscar-winning Hathaway credits her glowing skin in part to Bikram yoga and a plant-based diet. She's also been known to rock short hair with style and panache, something not all starlets can do and still look good.
Kaley Cuoco Offscreen
Cuoco says she can't live without four products: Deodorant, lip conditioner, cologne, and nasal spray. "People get congested at night!" she has said.
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Drew Barrymore Offscreen
Now mom to two girls and founder of her own cosmetics line, Flower Beauty, Barrymore is all about cleansing. She washes her face three times a day. "Fall asleep with your makeup on and you'll wake up doomed," she has said.
Emma Thompson Offscreen
The award-winning British actress has said Botox and plastic surgery are "psychotic," a fact that makes some fans love her even more!
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Rooney Mara Offscreen
Her unique look and talent has made Mara a rising star in Hollywood. She credits her glowing skin to her top two beauty must-haves: eating well and always wearing sunscreen.