Chappell Roan Is Unrecognizable In Makeup-Free Selfie

As Grammy week heats up, Chappell Roan is taking a moment to reflect on her whirlwind year, all while embracing her natural beauty.

On Wednesday, January 29, the 26-year-old breakout star shared a stunning makeup-free selfie on Instagram, showcasing her radiant complexion, bright blue eyes, and signature crimson curls.

Letting her wild locks cascade over her shoulders, Chappell Roan kept things casual in a navy-blue graphic sweatshirt, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the best statement.

Chappell Roan Embraces Natural Beauty In Makeup-Free Selfie Ahead Of The Grammys

In a second snap, she added a bit of edge, rocking black sunglasses while giving the camera a playful pout.

With the biggest night in music just days away, Roan opened up about her emotions leading up to the Grammy Awards, where she’s both performing and nominated for multiple awards.

“It’s Grammy week. I am very emo. My heart feels warm and fuzzy with all the support I have been given this past year,” she captioned her post. “I hope you can understand that this has been incredible and scary and spiritual and confusing.”

The singer, who went viral in 2024 with hits like “Good Luck, Babe!,” “Casual,” and “Hot to Go," expressed deep appreciation for her fans.

“Ultimately, I am grateful for every one of you who gave my music a little spin and showed your ass up to shows and festivals. I love the performance we’re preparing for you all.”

A Year of Growth And Gratitude

The rising pop star has been captivating audiences since 2015, not only with her infectious music but also with her bold, theatrical makeup looks.

Dubbed the "Midwest Princess," Roan has built a passionate following by embracing her individuality while delivering feel-good anthems that deeply resonate with the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

Though her 2024 queer anthem “Good Luck, Babe!” catapulted her into the spotlight, there’s a deeply personal story behind the signature white face paint that has become a defining part of her artistry.

Reclaiming The “Clown” Label

Roan revealed that growing up in a conservative area with little LGBTQ+ visibility deeply influenced her signature look.

“The white face is very important. There’s a reason why I do the white face,” she explained. “I grew up in a place where there wasn’t a lot of gay people that were out, proud, and safe.”

She recounted how boys at her high school would mock LGBTQ+ people by calling them “clowns”—a slur meant to demean their self-expression and boldness. “They would say that gay people are ‘loud’ and ‘obnoxious.’”

Instead of letting those words hurt her, Roan flipped the script, embracing the label and making clown-inspired makeup her artistic signature.

In an episode of Hulu’s "Face of Music" series, Roan opened up about the meaning behind her iconic white-painted face and how it ties into her personal journey of identity and self-acceptance.

“I am in love with makeup, and I’ve done it for myself my whole life and career,” Roan shared, per Pop Sugar, as she walked viewers through recreating her album cover look. While her makeup choices may appear playful and theatrical, they hold a much deeper significance—one rooted in defiance and empowerment.

Chappell Roan’s Makeup Is a Symbol of Self-Expression

Roan’s transformation from potential ridicule to resistance is a testament to her unwavering authenticity. Her makeup choices are not just aesthetic; they serve as declarations of identity, self-expression, and pride.

By reclaiming what was once used against her, Roan has created a bold artistic identity that resonates deeply with fans, especially those who have felt out of place or silenced.

As she continues her meteoric rise, Roan is proving that being unapologetically yourself is the most powerful statement of all.

Chappell Roan’s Grammy Night

Roan is set to take the stage at the Grammys, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Cynthia Erivo, and Sabrina Carpenter.

She’s also one of the night’s biggest nominees, earning nods in major categories, including:

• Best New Artist
• Record of the Year for "Good Luck, Babe!"
• Song of the Year for "Good Luck, Babe!"
• Best Pop Solo Performance for "Good Luck, Babe!"
• Album of the Year for "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Queen"
• Best Pop Vocal Album for "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Queen"

As she gears up for the biggest performance of her career, Roan is staying grounded, celebrating her journey, and embracing every moment, with makeup or no makeup.

The Grammy Awards air live on Sunday, February 2, 2025.