We’re so used to seeing the ‘Genie in a Bottle’ singer glammed up with bright red lipstick and dak eyelashes [exhibit A, above], that it’s almost unnerving to see Christina Aguilera makeup free.

But she’s stunning.

Posing for the cover of somewhat infamous (think Kim K, Paris Hilton and Nicki Minaj) Paper magazine’s “Transformation 2018” issue, Aguilera told Paper that she’s at a point in her career where she wants to “strip it all back”:

Christina Aguilera has lived through many lifetimes — in her career, in her personal life and, of course, in her aesthetic. Her look has evolved from assless chaps and two-toned plaits to old Hollywood-inspired retro glam to the now-current deep necklines, slick-backed hair and minimal makeup.

Does this pivot to a more toned-down look mean she’s done with the drama?

“I’ve always been someone that obviously loves to experiment, loves theatrics, loves to create a storyline and play a character in a video or through stage,” she said. “I’m a performer, that’s who I am by nature.

“But I’m at the place, even musically, where it’s a liberating feeling to be able to strip it all back and appreciate who you are and your raw beauty.”

And that’s what she did:

Then, there was this dirrrrty piece of info:

While getting her eyes painted bright pink at our shoot, she shares an anecdote about one of several wigs her hairstylist has brought with him on set: a tousled, dirty blonde hair piece. Apparently, Christina had asked to borrow the wig…for the bedroom. “You were really good about it, you were a sport,” she tells him while the whole room laughs. “I think I wanted to go home and have sex that night and you were like, ‘Okay, don’t get her too messed up.’ I was like, no guarantees, thanks.”

But that doesn’t mean she’s dropping the makeup:

“I mean, I’m a girl that likes a beat face,” she added. “Let’s not get it twisted.”

Aguilera’s best beauty tip?

“Be fearless in breaking new boundaries and don’t be afraid to go against the grain of criticism along the way,” she said. “There’s always gonna be those trolls out there or people that have their own definition and ideals of beauty.”

So, for the rest of the photo series, Aguilera got creative. Kinda:

If you’re a fan, you can read the full interview here, otherwise let’s take it back to the ’90s:

[source:cnn&paper]