Selena Gomez’s Fresh-Faced Selfie Radiates Self-Love

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 21 September 2023

Listen, I know Selena Gomez isn’t actually a wizard. But there’s something about her ability to stun no matter what she’s doing or how she’s feeling that suggests her magical powers may not be a complete Disney Channel fabrication.

A few days ago, the “Single Soon” singer made headlines when she posted a makeup-free selfie with BFF Taylor Swift. They let their natural hair and skin textures do their thing—and fans were honored to be treated to the fresh-faced, beachside snap. But little did we know, the Rare Beauty owner had much more in store.

In a captionless selfie apparently uploaded straight from her couch, Gomez proved once again on Tuesday that she can do no wrong when it comes to beauty. In true superstar fashion (this is what it means to be the most-followed woman on Instagram, after all), the wordless message extended some wisdom to each of her 429 million and counting followers: It’s more than okay to just be ourselves.

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In the snap, Gomez’s dark curls frame her face, a little bit of frizz creating an au natural halo. With her eyes staring straight into the camera—you can see the screen’s light!—and a slight pout on her product-less face, she looks more than naturally gorgeous. Embracing makeup-free skin is a trend I can truly get behind.

Naturally, the Only Murders in the Building actress’s post was met with rave reviews from fans and fellow celebrities. “Love this,” commented Michelle Pfeiffer (a natural beauty icon in her own right). Sarah Paulson echoed the Scarface star’s sentiment with a simple “beauty.”

And, because Gomez never stops giving, she also offered a second pared-down snap (this one was giving no-makeup makeup) in her Instagram story… followed by a ravishing, full-glam look complete with a pink corset top, pink lips, and diamond jewelry.

Selena, I’ll say it for all of us: Thank you for the bare-faced inspiration.

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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.