Taylor Swift offered fans an uncommon look at her natural beauty this week, posting makeup-free studio footage as she celebrated “Opalite” reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
The 36-year-old pop icon shared personal behind-the-scenes clips on Instagram on Monday, February 23, showing herself collaborating with producers Max Martin and Shellback while creating the chart-topping track. In the first video, Swift appears without her classic red lipstick and winged liner, wearing her natural blonde curls as she records vocals.
The milestone represents a major moment for the 14-time Grammy winner. It’s only the second instance in her career where two songs from the same album have reached number one on the Hot 100—the last time was nearly 12 years ago with “1989,” released in 2014.
“I know that’s a lot of numbers but it all adds up to me being so thankful to the fans who helped make this happen,” Swift wrote in her caption, noting she was “bouncing off the walls” over the news.
Fans quickly filled social platforms with admiration for Swift’s natural appearance, expressing excitement at seeing her bare face and curls. Swift is typically seen with a polished glam look—red lips and perfectly styled hair—during appearances and studio sessions.
According to makeup artist Lorrie Turk, Swift frequently wears NARS Morocco lipstick as part of her usual makeup routine. Her glowing-skin staples, revealed in the Eras Tour docuseries, include Ouai St. Barts Body Cleanser, Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Cleansing Cream, Tata Harper Skincare Regenerating Cleanser, and Christophe Robin Delicate Volume Shampoo and Conditioner.
The Instagram upload also showcased moments from the “Opalite” music video shoot, where Swift sported brunette hair and 1990s-style outfits like a vintage Guess denim vest, striped shirt, and high-waisted jeans. In one behind-the-scenes moment, she told the camera she felt “so myself” in the retro wardrobe.
Swift wrote and directed the “Opalite” music video, with the idea coming to her during an October 2025 appearance on The Graham Norton Show while promoting “The Life of a Showgirl.” The video includes cameos from Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Lewis Capaldi, and Graham Norton—all fellow guests from that episode.
The 12th studio album, produced by Max Martin and Shellback, has been a commercial powerhouse. Swift’s fiancé Travis Kelce even contributed to a house remix—when EDM producer Chris Lake reached out via DMs, Kelce encouraged the collaboration, leading Swift to confirm on Instagram that “Travis is my in-house house guy.”
With the latest milestone, Swift has earned her 14th number one single, tying her with Rihanna for the third-most Hot 100 chart-toppers among women, behind The Beatles and Mariah Carey. Another track from “The Life of a Showgirl,” titled “The Fate of Ophelia,” previously spent 10 weeks at number one—her longest-running chart leader.
Swift debuted the “Opalite” music video exclusively on Apple Music and Spotify, offering fans an early look at the cinematic project before releasing it on YouTube two days later.
The behind-the-scenes clips capture Swift celebrating in the studio with Martin and Shellback, highlighting the genuine excitement and collaborative spirit behind the song’s creation. The candid, unpolished footage contrasts with the sleek finished track that rose to number one.
Social media users applauded both the accomplishment and Swift’s openness in sharing personal glimpses of her creative process. The makeup-free videos resonated with fans who appreciated seeing the artist at her most authentic, focused on her craft without the usual glamour of major releases.
Swift’s reflections on the importance of securing two number one hits from the same album highlight her ongoing bond with her fans, who have supported her across numerous musical eras and reinventions. The triumph of “The Life of a Showgirl” solidifies her standing as one of her generation’s most influential performers.
The celebratory post underscores Swift’s lasting impact on the music world nearly 20 years into her career. As she continues to break records and set new standards, the intimate studio footage offers a rare look at the dedication and artistry driving her success.
