Taylor Swift offered fans a rare look at her natural beauty this week, posting makeup-free clips from the studio while celebrating “Opalite” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The 36-year-old pop icon shared personal behind-the-scenes videos on Instagram on Monday, February 23, showing her collaborating with producers Max Martin and Shellback as they worked on the track. In the first clip, Swift appears without her usual red lipstick and winged eyeliner, wearing her natural blonde curls as she lays down vocals.
The accomplishment is a major milestone for the 14-time Grammy winner. It marks only the second instance in her career where two songs from the same album have reached the top of the Hot 100—the last time being with “1989,” released nearly twelve years ago 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 said in her caption, noting that she was “bouncing off the walls” with excitement.
Fans quickly filled social platforms with compliments about Swift’s natural appearance, thrilled to see her fresh-faced and curly-haired. Swift typically appears publicly and in professional settings with her signature red lips and styled hair.
According to her makeup artist Lorrie Turk, Swift frequently uses NARS Morocco lipstick as part of her standard beauty routine. The products that help keep her skin radiant were highlighted in the Eras Tour docuseries and 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 post also included scenes from the “Opalite” music video shoot, where Swift sported brunette hair and 1990s-inspired outfits such as a vintage Guess denim vest, striped shirt, and high-waisted jeans. In one behind-the-scenes moment, she told the camera that she felt “so myself” in the nostalgic style.
Swift wrote and directed the “Opalite” music video, with the idea coming to her during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025 while promoting “The Life of a Showgirl.” The video features appearances from actors Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith, as well as singer Lewis Capaldi and host Graham Norton—all of whom were guests on that episode.
The 12th studio album, created with Max Martin and Shellback, has become a massive commercial success. Swift’s fiancé Travis Kelce even contributed to a house remix—after EDM producer Chris Lake reached out via DMs, Kelce encouraged the idea, leading Swift to confirm on Instagram that “Travis is my in-house house guy.”
With this accomplishment, Swift now holds 14 number one singles, tying with Rihanna for the third most among women, behind only The Beatles and Mariah Carey. Another song from “The Life of a Showgirl,” “The Fate of Ophelia,” earlier topped the chart for 10 weeks—her longest-running No. 1 to date.
Swift premiered the “Opalite” music video on Apple Music and Spotify, giving fans an early preview of the cinematic project before releasing it to YouTube two days later.
The behind-the-scenes videos capture Swift celebrating in the studio with Martin and Shellback, showcasing the genuine enthusiasm and teamwork behind the making of the track. The candid, unpolished moments contrast with the sleek final version that reached No. 1.
Social media users praised not only the achievement but also Swift’s openness in sharing personal glimpses of her creative process. Fans resonated with the makeup-free footage, appreciating the chance to see the star in a natural, down-to-earth setting as she focused on her craft.
Swift’s reflections on the importance of having two chart-topping songs from one album highlight her ongoing bond with fans, who have supported her through multiple artistic transformations. The success of “The Life of a Showgirl” further solidifies her as one of the defining artists of her era.
The celebratory post underscores Swift’s lasting impact on the music industry nearly twenty years into her career. As she continues breaking records and setting new milestones, the intimate studio footage offers fans insight into the dedication and artistry driving her ongoing achievements.
