100+ Makeup Quotes for Instagram | Have Clothes Will Travel

Looking for some fun, inspirational makeup quotes for your Instagram? This post is here to help! From quotes by celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow to Elizabeth Taylor to Coco Chanel, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect caption to go with your fabulous makeup photos!

As I said in my previous quotes post, I’m not always the greatest at coming up with captions for my Instagram posts. However, having just the right quote to caption my photos and Reels can be all that I need. So, today, I’m sharing more than 100 makeup quotes so you never run out of Instagram caption ideas either!

I’d love to hear which of these quotes is your favorite in the comments at the end. Enjoy!

A smiling woman is pictured looking happy and excited. Text next to the image says, "Put on some lipstick and pull yourself together. - Elizabeth Taylor"

Share These Makeup Quotes and Instagram Caption Inspiration

Please feel free to copy and share these makeup quotes wherever you please – Pin these images to Pinterest, use them in Instagram captions, blog posts, you name it! If you want to tag me when you share the quote, I’d really appreciate it and love to give you a shoutout! Just tag my accounts below or link back to this blog post. Thank you!

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A collage of makeup-related images -- flaylays of makeup products, and models with full glam makeup done. Text in the center of the image shares a makeup quote: "if you're sad, add more lipstick and attack. - Coco Chanel"

123 Makeup Quotes for the Perfect Instagram Caption

1.) If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack. – Coco Chanel

2.) I believe that all women are pretty without makeup, but the right makeup can be pretty powerful. – Bobbi Brown

3.) To me, the essence of truly modern makeup is the freedom to be yourself, to express who you are. – François Nars

4.) Caring about beauty, it is necessary to start with the heart and soul. Otherwise, no makeup will not help. – Coco Chanel

An image of a model with colorful pink and blue eye makeup. Next to the image is text sharing a quote about makeup: "I believe that all women are pretty without makeup, but the right makeup can be pretty powerful. - Bobbi Brown"

5.) My dad used to say makeup was a shallow girl’s sport, but it’s not. It’s armor. – Courtney Summers

6.) I’m very proud of my skin and face, and I have no problem not wearing makeup. I don’t wear makeup because I feel like I need to cover myself up or because I don’t feel confident. I wear makeup because it’s fun; it’s like painting on my face. – Zendaya

7.) To me, being beautiful is just accepting myself. I feel beautiful when I’m wearing makeup; I feel beautiful when I’m not wearing makeup. – Manny MUA

8.) When I put on makeup, I’m not doing it to pander to antiquated patriarchal ideals of feminine beauty. I’m doing it because it makes me feel good. – Sophia Amoruso

An image of a female model at a high fashion photo shoot. Text imposed over the image shares a makeup quote: "Joy is the best makeup. But a little lipstick is a close runner-up. – Anne Lamott"

9.) I don’t wear makeup for others the same way I don’t decorate my house for others. This is my home and everything I do is for me. – Amanda Lovelace

10.) Lipstick is really magical. It holds more than a waxy bit of color – it holds the promise of a brilliant smile, a brilliant day, both literally and figuratively. – Roberta Gately

11.) Makeup is an art form for me. It’s a form of expression, and it’s such a cool way to get my creative juices flowing. – James Charles

12.) I’ve always believed that makeup is a form of self-expression and there is no shame in experimenting with it. – NikkieTutorials

A stock photo graphic shows text over a background of dried flowers and ripped strips of paper. The text says, "Lipstick is really magical. It holds more than a waxy bit of color - it holds the promise of a brilliant smile, a brilliant day, both literally and figuratively. - Roberta Gately"

13.) Makeup is not a mask that covers up your beauty; it’s a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside. – Michelle Phan

14.) I love natural beauty, and I think it’s your best look, but I think makeup as an artist is so transformative. – Marina and the Diamonds

15.) I’m a big believer in that if you focus on good skincare, you really won’t need a lot of makeup. – Demi Moore

16.) I love the confidence that makeup gives me. – Tyra Banks

An image of a neutral-themed eye makeup pallet with three makeup brushes. Text to the side of the image shares a makeup quote that reads, "Treat your makeup like jewelry for the face. Play with colors, shapes, structure -- it can transform you. - Francois Nars"

17.) Joy is the best makeup. But a little lipstick is a close runner-up. – Anne Lamott

18.) Makeup is the finishing touch, the final accessory. – Marc Jacobs

19.) Your eye makeup says so much about you and your style. – Laura Mercier

20.) I do put on a little makeup every day because it helps me feel put together. Mascara is essential. – Emma Stone

An edited graphic shows a woman brushing a makeup brush over her face. her skin is natural and glowing. Text next to the image shares a makeup quote for social media that says, "the most beautiful makeup for a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy. - Yves Saint Laurent"

21.) Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. – Shu Uemura

22.) Keep it simple. You don’t want to overdo it with too much makeup or crazy, over–the–top hairstyles. Let your natural beauty show through. – Heidi Klum

23.) Treat your makeup like jewelry for the face. Play with colors, shapes, structure – it can transform you. – Francois Nars

24.) The most beautiful makeup for a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy. – Yves Saint Laurent

An edited graphics shows two images in small squares; a young woman with curly hair smiling and posing, and a second image of makeup laid out on a tan background. Text next to the images shares a makeup related quote that says, "Makeup is the finishing touch, the final accessory. – Marc Jacobs"

25.) That’s one of the things I love about makeup. You can change your whole attitude by just doing your eyeliner or lipstick differently. – Beyonce

26.) I like to make the best of what I have. I’m not a supermodel, clearly. I’m not a makeup artist. I’m a real woman. – Victoria Beckham

27.) Makeup is about balance. When the eye makes a statement, the lips should be quiet. – Francois Nars

28.) Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick. – Gwyneth Paltrow

A graphic shows an image with text. The image is a closeup photo of an orange eye makeup look, with an orange daisy flower next to the woman's eye. Text on the image says, "Honey, I am going to my grave with my eyelashes and makeup on. - Tammy Faye Bakker"

29.) I believe in manicures, I believe in overdressing, I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. – Audrey Hepburn

30.) We, makeup artists, are a unique bunch of people; we don’t have the classic brain, the classic training, but we’re creative, so we figure it out. – Bobbi Brown

31.) If you don’t want to put on any makeup, try some fake eyelashes. They make your eyes pop and give you a little confidence boost. – Jessie James Decker

32.) I just like playing with makeup and clothes – so I really don’t feel like there are rules, and if there are rules, then I think it’s up to you to break them. – Kesha

An edited graphic shows makeup products laid out on a white background. Text imposed over the image says, "Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick. - Gwyneth Paltrow"

33.) Beauty is power, and makeup is something that really enhances that; it’s a woman’s secret. – Charlotte Tilbury

34.) Foundation should unify tone, but it shouldn’t take away the individuality of the skin. – Francois Nars

35.) Honey, I am going to my grave with my eyelashes and my makeup on. – Tammy Faye Bakker

36.) I can’t wear a little makeup. I have to wear a lot of makeup or no makeup. – Betsey Johnson

An edited graphic shows two images -- one of neutral-colored lipsticks lined up laying on a table, and another of a model replicating the iconic Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's photo. Text in the center of the image says, "I believe in manicures, I believe in overdressing, I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. - Audrey Hepburn"

37.) Girls have always wanted to be pretty, even in Egyptian times. Cleopatra wore all the eyeliner, you know. – Rita Ora

38.) If she likes makeup, let her wear it. If she likes fashion, let her dress up. But if she doesn’t like either, let her be. – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

39.) I love being super–tough, but if I need to put on a dress and do my hair and makeup, I can do that too. – Elizabeth Rodriguez

40.) The only way I’d be caught without makeup is if my radio fell in the bathtub while I was taking a bath and electrocuted me and I was in between makeup at home. I hope my husband would slap a little lipstick on me before he took me to the morgue. – Dolly Parton

An edited graphic shows text on a neutral colored background with small flowers. The makeup quote says, "girls have always wanted to be pretty, even in Egyptian times. Cleopatra wore all the eyeliner, you know. - Rita Ora"

41.) Whether I’m wearing lots of makeup or no makeup, I’m always the same person inside. – Lady Gaga

42.) To me, beauty and makeup and color is like the finishing touch on everything. – Marc Jacobs

43.) Creativity is your best makeup skill, don’t be afraid to experiment. – Pat McGrath

44.) Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world. – Marilyn Monroe

A social media style graphic shows a drawing of Marilyn Monroe in her classic white dress. Text on the graphic says, "Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I'm just a girl who wishes for the world. - Marilyn Monroe"

45.) Sometimes you just have to put on lip gloss and pretend to be psyched. – Mindy Kaling

46.) Fenty Beauty was created for everyone: for women of all shades, personalities, attitudes, cultures, and races. I wanted everyone to feel included. That’s the real reason I made this line. – Rihanna

47.) Have a better relationship with your makeup and take the time to learn what your products will do. – Sam Fine

48.) Black eyeliner. It’s standard. It’s all you need. It just makes the world a better place. – Marilyn Manson

A social media style graphic shows text in a box over a brown strip of color. The text is a quote about makeup that says, "The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural. - Calvin Klein"

49.) Bronzer is a booster. Choose a shade that’s one shade darker than your skin tone. It adds warmth and richness. – Sam Fine

50.) The notion that wearing makeup is anti-feminist is silly. Cleopatra pretty much invented the eyeliner, and she ruled a kingdom. – Natasha Scripture

51.) Makeup can only make you look pretty on the outside, but it doesn’t help if you’re ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the makeup. – Audrey Hepburn

52.) Just because you want to be glamorous, don’t be a sheep about your eye makeup. – Loretta Young

A graphic shows a text box overlayed on a background image of makeup brushes. The text reads, "I feel beautiful within makeup on, but when I do put on makeup, it just gives me this extra pop. - Cardi B"

53.) Good skin is the best foundation for your makeup. – Holland Roden

54.) I feel beautiful without makeup on, but when I do put makeup on, it just gives me this extra pop. – Cardi B

55.) I really believe less is more. When you get older, too much makeup can be aging, and when you’re young, you should enjoy the fact your skin is free from lines and wrinkles rather than overloading it with products. – Louise Nurding

56.) That’s the mistake women make – you shouldn’t see your makeup. We don’t want to look like we’ve made an effort. – Lauren Hutton

A graphic of text next to an image of a beautiful black woman with dots of foundation on her cheek. She's holding a tube of foundation in her hand. Text on the image shares a makeup quote that says, "I love the confidence that makeup gives me. - Tyra Banks"

57.) The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural. – Calvin Klein

58.) Makeup is malleable and mercurial: The biggest joy I have every day is the opportunity to create, to play, and to invent with something I’ve loved forever. – Pat McGrath

59.) But if you want to know who the scariest person in the group is, look for the one who’s been fighting zombies without smearing her eyeliner. – Mira Grant

60.) Perfect isn’t normal, nor is it interesting. I have no features without makeup. I am pale. I have blond lashes. You could just paint my face—it’s like a blank canvas. It can be great for what I do. – Amy Adams

A graphic of text and boho drawings of leaves and a little sun. Cursive text in the center of the image says, "Makeup can help you capture a moment. - Carine Roitfeld"

61.) Makeup can be used to express yourself… Those experiences should not be limited to women. Everyone should be free to be as colorful as they want to be. – Ian Thomas Malone

62.) I’m not saying that putting on makeup will change the world or even your life, but it can be a first step in learning things about yourself you may never have discovered otherwise. At worst, you could make a big mess and have a good laugh. – Kevyn Aucoin

63.) What I love most about makeup is that you can’t get attached to one thing, one idea, or one approach—and once you’ve achieved perfection, you have to wipe it all off and start over the next day. – Pat McGrath

64.) Makeup can help you capture a moment. – Carine Roitfeld

A social media style graphic features a tube of red lipstick next to text that says "Every woman deserves a man to ruin her lipstick, not her mascara. - Charlotte Tillbury"

65.) I grew up in a makeup chair. And to see the women around me getting ready was so aspirational. It’s about mothers and daughters, a girl watching her mom at a vanity table. – Drew Barrymore

66.) We’re just so lucky as women to be able to wear [makeup]. If you’re having a bad day, you can change that. – Gwen Stefani

67.) Makeup transforms me. I feel like I’m in disguise when I walk my dog without makeup on. – Maye Musk

68.) Makeup ignites a psychological transformation of both the wearer and the observer. – Richard Phillips

Text over a silhouette of palm tree leaves says, "I will not retire while I've still got my legs and my makeup box. - Bette Davis"

69.) Cosmetics is the science of a woman’s cosmos. – Karl Kraus

70.) Put on some lipstick and pull yourself together. – Elizabeth Taylor

71.) Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God in people. – Dita Von Teese

72.) I fought a killer and didn’t even smudge my makeup. – Rose Pressey

A pair of red stiletto heels and red lipstick with text imposed over the image that says, "Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God in people. - Dita Von Teese"

73.) Every woman deserves a man to ruin her lipstick, not her mascara. – Charlotte Tilbury

74.) Makeup can make a woman look more beautiful at every age. ― Francois Nars

75.) The right tools are just as important as the makeup itself. ― Bobbi Brown

76.) Makeup can contribute to our success. – Sahara Sanders

Three images -- a pink lipstick, a woman's lips, and a pink rose -- with a box of text across the center that says, "Thanks, but no thanks, I need my makeup, Honey. - Matthew Leeth"

77.) I feel good in makeup, and it helps create a character. – Josephine Langford

78.) I feel more confident if my makeup looks good. – Ellie Goulding

79.) I will not retire while I’ve still got my legs and my make-up box. – Bette Davis

80.) Makeup is part of my daily routine. It’s the time in my mornings when I can concentrate on me, and me alone. Giving yourself the kind of attention is so important – and is something that is definitely glossed over by too many women. – Kat Von D

A graphic shows a camera-film style collage of images of makeup, makeup brushes, and a woman applying makeup. Text across the top of the graphic shares a makeup quote that says, "Makeup can give you the confidence to... change your job, move abroad, get a pay raise. - Charlotte Tilbury"

81.) Makeup is no different than clothes and accessories – it’s embellishments for your face. And it also gives you creative freedom. You get to have that moment in front of the mirror every morning and give yourself self-love. You’re making yourself up beautiful, which is essentially self-love. – Michelle Phan

82.) Makeup should be just a frame for the eyes. When you lay on all the bright-colored goop and slather white under the brows the eyes themselves are lost in camouflage. Just accent whatever God has given you with a subtle hand. – Joan Crawford

83.) Remember that true beauty comes from within – from within bottles, jars, compacts, and lipstick tubes. – Jeffree Star

84.) That’s why I began doing makeup in the first place: I was hoping that through helping people see the beauty in themselves, I could try and find it in me. – Kevyn Aucoin

Red, pink, and orange crushed powders on a white background, with a box of text across the center that reads, "Makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident. - Bobbi Brown"

85.) Color is key to making your makeup pop and having your unique look stand out amongst the rest. – Jeffree Star

86.) And who’s to say a little mascara doesn’t make you feel more confident when you pop it on and look in the mirror? – Christina Aguilera

87.) I don’t think I could live without hair, makeup, and styling, let alone be the performer I am. I am a glamour girl through and through. I believe in the glamorous life and I live one. – Lady Gaga

88.) Makeup, lipstick, nail polish, high heels, sexy lingerie are all some of the tools that can help keep the portal of sensual into your relationship opened. – Lebo Grand

A flatlay of makeup brushes around a block of text in the center that says, "The biggest beauty myth is that everyone looks better without makeup. That's not true. Makeup is important. - Aerin Lauder"

89.) Any woman can look her best if she feels good in her skin. It’s not a question of clothes or makeup. It’s how she sparkles. ― Sophia Loren

90.) I do mascara, I do lipstick, I do eyeliner and a little powder, and I fill in my eyebrows because mine are a little thin… I love makeup. – Tori Bowie

91.) The biggest beauty myth is that everyone looks better without makeup. That’s not true. Makeup is important. – Aerin Lauder

92.) On stage, you can get away with more, so I definitely use that to my advantage and go bolder with fashion, hair, and makeup. I love a smoky eye and long lashes. – Kelsea Ballerini

A flatlay of various makeup items on a pink background. Text over the image shares a makeup quote that says, "I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny. – Coco Chanel"

93.) I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny. – Coco Chanel

94.) How obvious can it be? … The purpose of makeup is to defy the degradations of time, and time is just a synonym for death. ― Dean Koontz

95.) Smile, it’s natural makeup. ― Khalid Masood

96.) The makeup is simply an extension of the personality and colors, clothing, makeup all express something. ― Gene Simmons

Makeup brushes lay next to a six-pan eye shadow pallet. Text on the image says, "I don't think I could live without hair, makeup, and styling, let along be the performer I am. I am a glamour girl through and through. I believe in the glamorous life, and I live one. - Lady Gaga"

97.) There are no rules in makeup. If there were, I’d break them anyways. ― Jaclyn Hill

98.) A little makeup, a touch of rouge, a dash of henna – and you are an angel. ― Richard Le Gallienne

99.) Makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident. ― Bobbi Brown

100.) If the magic’s in the makeup, then who am I? ― Gwen Stefani

101.) It’s not your makeup but how you are made up. ― Tapan Ghosh

102.) I’m enjoying trying all different shades. Makeup isn’t something I’ve worn a lot of in my life. ― Lupita Nyong’o

103.) Lots of women buy just as many wigs and makeup things as I do … They just don’t wear them all at the same time. — Dolly Parton

104.) It’s all about makeup. — Joe Torre

A flatlay image of makeup items around a center block of text that says, "What red can do for the spirit, it can also do for the face. - Sophia Loren"

105.) When you put your costume on and you get your hair and your makeup done [for a role] and you stare in the mirror you feel like a different person. — Michael Shannon

106.) I realize as you age the less makeup you wear the younger you look. — Halle Berry

107.) All my makeup tricks are from modeling jobs! It’s my favorite part of the job – learning new tricks! — Erin Heatherton

108.) Makeup is such a weird concept. I’ll wake up in the morning and look in the mirror. ‘Gee, I really don’t look so good. Maybe if my eyelids were blue, I’d be more attractive. — Cathy Ladman

109.) It’s never boring in makeup. — Dave Bautista

110.) Makeup can give you the confidence to…change your job, move abroad, get a pay raise. — Charlotte Tilbury

111.) There are endless ways to enhance beauty. You never know when you will find your perfect lipstick – unless you keep experimenting. – Pat McGrath

112.) Some people think wearing powder ages them, but try it anyway. For me it mattes my makeup and blends it well. – Marcia Cross

113.) Maybe it’s not Maybelline. Maybe you were just born with it. – Mandy Hale, ‘The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass

114.) For makeup, I prefer to keep it simple for the daytime. – Chiara Ferragni

115.) I swear to God; happiness is the best makeup. – Drew Barrymore

116.) We know grooming is important for people. To get their hair done, to get makeup and things like that – that makes a person feel better. – Kenneth Williams

117.) A makeover is the rebranding of a human being. – Mokokoma Mokhonoana

118.) When my makeup is done, I look in the mirror and hope I always wear makeup. I hope I’m 70 and still popping on fluffy lashes and highlighter. – Kris Slade

119.) She kisses the children goodnight, leaving lipstick on their foreheads and a trail of Chanel No.5. – Camilla Gibb, ‘Sweetness In The Belly’

120.) Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty. – Coco Chanel

121.) What red can do for the spirit; it can also do for the face. – Sophia Loren

122.) Thanks, but no thanks. I need my makeup honey. ― Matthew Leeth

123.) Good skin is the best foundation for your makeup. – Holland Rodeng

Which of these makeup quotes is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!