Taylor Swift's Best Makeup-Free Moments That Turned Heads
Throughout Taylor Swift's transformation from country singer to billionaire Chiefs WAG, the singer-songwriter has sported stunning makeup looks ranging from bold and colorful to grunge-inspired and smokey. Her classic red lip and cat eye combo have reigned supreme as her signature look, with fans being able to replicate Swift's standout pout with her favorite lip colors. While we're big fans of this beauty evolution, Swift has also turned our heads with her handful of makeup-free moments over the years.
The "Cruel Summer" singer opened up to Elle about the beauty routine that's contributed to her stunning bare-faced moments, revealing in her personal essay that she hasn't always taken care of her skin. "After my teen years and early twenties of sleeping in my makeup and occasionally using a Sharpie as eyeliner (DO NOT DO IT), I felt like I needed to start being nicer to my skin," the singer-songwriter wrote in 2019. "I now moisturize my face every night and put on body lotion after I shower." While Swift has been otherwise tight-lipped about her beauty hacks, it's no secret that the superstar is beautiful with and without makeup.
Taylor provided a glimpse of her natural beauty in a BTS video
Taylor Swift had a head-turning moment back in 2008, revealing her natural beauty in a behind-the-scenes video from the creation of her "Picture to Burn" music video. She wore little-to-no makeup when talking about the project's director and pyrotechnics, though some segments saw the singer in a video-ready full beat. "What I like most about shooting videos is that I look a lot different in the 'Our Song' video than I do in the 'Tim McGraw' video or then I do in the 'Teardrops On My Guitar' Video,'" a young, makeup-free Swift explained. "I use it as a way to play dress up, because I never really grew out of that."
The singer-songwriter was a natural beauty in a throwback selfie
The next glimpse of Taylor Swift's natural appearance comes from a throwback selfie shared to Instagram by Ed Sheeran in April 2025. The two collaborators posed with their heads together in the snapshot, with Sheeran making a scrunched-up face while an eyeliner-free Swift looked slightly concerned. The "Shape of You" singer explained that the carousel of photos came from his 2015 mobile device, which inspired his track "Old Phone." Given that Sheeran and Swift have been long-time friends and collaborators, this casual, makeup-free photo is a nice blast from the past.
She rocked a no-makeup look during an LA outing
Back in January 2016, Taylor Swift was spotted going makeup-free during an LA outing. The singer dressed in a simple black hoodie and grey Superdry leggings to go to the gym with her long-time friend Selena Gomez, who's had a stunning transformation of her own. Swift looked especially laid back when photographed by paparazzi with her hair pulled back into a ponytail and her face clear of makeup, with the star's post-workout appearance being a refreshing and authentic vibe.
The superstar went for minimal makeup when out with friends in 2016
The next look comes from September 2016, with Taylor Swift unexpectedly taking a minimalist beauty approach for a night out in New York City. The pop star wore a navy maxi dress from Tommy Hilfiger and tan sandals as she was pictured with former celebrity couple Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik. Swift's natural blonde brows were on full display in the paparazzi snapshots, with the star reminding us that it's okay to embrace your natural brows with a no-nonsense routine.
Taylor shared a low-key selfie with her beloved cat
Taylor Swift took to Instagram to share another minimal beauty look in June 2018, posing with her cat Meredith Grey ahead of her first United Kingdom stadium show. The snapshot shows the pop star cuddling with her Scottish Fold and laying on her arm, wearing little to no makeup and a fitted black shirt. "Just over here daydreaming about playing Manchester tomorrow," she captioned the selfie, adding the two hearts emoji. While it's great to see superstar Swift rocking a bare-faced look, we also love the heart-warming cat owner moment.
The singer went for a casual look when writing Getaway Car
Taylor Swift similarly went for a minimalist beauty approach when penning the songs for her sixth studio album "Reputation." A behind-the-scenes video, which was originally released by AT&T as part of the album's promotional roll-out, shows the Pennsylvania native collaborating with producer Jack Antonoff on the hit track "Getaway Car," with Swift wearing her short, wavy hair in a casual ponytail while she goes makeup-free in Antonoff's studio. The self-filmed clip provides insight into the celeb's creative process while also giving fans a look at her pared-backed beauty. No matter the occasion, Swift always manages to turn our heads with her makeup-free moments.
Taylor gave us a pared-back look in music video credits
Fans of "The Man" might recognize the next makeup-free moment from the hit song's music video, as Taylor Swift featured a behind-the-scenes look at her prosthetic-featuring drag transformation in the MV's credits. Her pre-transformation appearance is seemingly au-naturale, with her pale brows and vanilla skin being front and center. The musical icon credits makeup artist Bill Corso for the gender-bending cosmetics, but we'd love to know the secret behind her clean and clear complexion. No matter the occasion, it's obvious that Swift always manages to turn our heads with her makeup-free moments.