Selena Gomez's Makeup-Free, Messy Hair Selfie Radiates Self-Love

She didn't caption the photo, but her smile says it all.

Selena Gomez smiles at the premiere of 'Lola.'
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's no doubt about it: Selena Gomez is madly in love. With her career, her boyfriend, and—most importantly—her own self.

After announcing her latest single, "Love On," on Thursday, February 15, the 31-year-old posted a snap to her Instagram Story that radiated all the warm fuzzy feelings. In the photo, she isn't wearing a dab of makeup (a semi-surprising move for a makeup brand founder) and her hair's natural waves have a mind of their own. The most telling part of the snap, however? Her giant smile—this woman is happy.

Selena Gomez smiles in a makeup-free selfie.

Selena Gomez's is free of makeup and full of happiness in a new selfie.

(Image credit: @selenagomez on Instagram)

Gomez is a noted fan of the makeup-free social media post. This time, it feels especially endearing. Though she didn't caption the photo, her smile says it all. Wearing a cozy gray sweater, Gomez grins in a way that seems like the camera isn't even there—or that it just happened to catch her in this precious and truly fancy-free moment. Viewers could easily clock her perfect eyebrows and long lashes, but only after noticing how contented she looks.

While there's a thrill to catching an Instagram Story before it's gone forever, it's always a bummer when something doesn't make the feed for Gomez. Boyfriend Benny Blanco and her friends always leave comments worth revisiting. When she posted a separate series of au natural photos last month, she was met with a series of heart-eye emojis from her beau. The producer has also shared photos of Gomez sans makeup to his story, with that same messy hair and grin stealing the show.

Selena Gomez smiles while promoting Rare Beauty's bodycare line.

Selena Gomez celebrates the launch of Rare Beauty's Find Comfort Body Collection in January 2024 (with makeup).

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The "Single Soon" singer is a huge believer in self-acceptance, and has long taught her millions of fans to give themselves grace in a world of consistently glammed-up selfies.

“Being in the public eye from such an early age certainly comes with a lot of pressure. It’s hard to feel comfortable when you feel like everyone is watching, judging and commenting on the way you look,” she previously told Glamour UK. “Self-confidence is still something I work on daily, but when I stopped trying to conform to society’s unrealistic standards of beauty, my perspective entirely shifted.”

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.