Taylor Swift gave fans a rare glimpse of her natural beauty this week, sharing makeup-free footage from the recording studio as she celebrated “Opalite” reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
The 36-year-old pop superstar posted intimate behind-the-scenes content to Instagram on Monday, February 23, showing herself working alongside producers Max Martin and Shellback during the creation of the hit song. In the opening video, Swift appears without her signature red lip and winged eyeliner, sporting her natural blonde curls while recording vocals.
The milestone marks a significant achievement for the 14-time Grammy winner. This is only the second time in her career that two songs from the same album have climbed to the number one spot on the Hot 100—the last album to accomplish this feat was “1989,” which came out 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 wrote in her caption, adding she was “bouncing off the walls” about the achievement.
Fans immediately flooded social media with praise for Swift’s natural appearance, with many expressing delight at seeing the singer’s bare face and curly hair. Swift typically maintains a polished look featuring red lipstick and perfectly styled hair during public appearances and professional recordings.
According to her makeup artist Lorrie Turk, Swift often wears NARS Morocco lipstick as part of her go-to beauty routine. The products Swift uses to maintain her glowing complexion were revealed 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 featured clips from the “Opalite” music video shoot, where Swift donned brunette hair and 1990s-inspired costumes including a vintage Guess denim vest, striped top, and high-waisted jeans. In one behind-the-scenes clip, she told the camera she felt “so myself” in the retro look.
Swift wrote and directed the “Opalite” music video herself, with the concept striking her during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025 while promoting “The Life of a Showgirl.” The visual features cameos from actors Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith, along with singer Lewis Capaldi and host Graham Norton—all fellow guests from that episode.
The 12th studio album, produced by Max Martin and Shellback, has proven a commercial juggernaut. Swift’s fiancé Travis Kelce even helped bring a house remix to life—when EDM producer Chris Lake reached out via DMs, Kelce encouraged the collaboration, prompting Swift to confirm on Instagram that “Travis is my in-house house guy.”
With this latest achievement, Swift has secured her 14th number one single, tying her with Rihanna for the third-most chart-toppers among women, behind only The Beatles and Mariah Carey. Another track from “The Life of a Showgirl,” titled “The Fate of Ophelia,” previously spent 10 weeks atop the Hot 100—her longest-running number one.
Swift premiered the “Opalite” music video exclusively on Apple Music and Spotify, giving fans a first look at the cinematic production before releasing it to YouTube two days later.
The behind-the-scenes footage shows Swift celebrating with Martin and Shellback in the studio, capturing the genuine excitement and collaborative energy that went into creating the track. The raw, unfiltered moments stand in stark contrast to the polished final product that topped the charts.
Social media users praised not only the achievement but also Swift’s willingness to share such personal moments from the creative process. The makeup-free clips resonated with fans who appreciated seeing the artist in her most authentic state, working on her craft without the typical glamour associated with major music releases.
Swift’s openness about the significance of having two number one hits from the same album demonstrates her continued connection with fans, who have supported her through various musical eras and creative reinventions. The success of “The Life of a Showgirl” cements her status as one of the most successful artists of her generation.
The celebration post serves as a reminder of Swift’s enduring influence in the music industry, nearly two decades into her career. As she continues to break records and set new benchmarks, the intimate studio footage offers fans a glimpse into the dedication and artistry that fuel her ongoing success.