Pictures of Selena Gomez now: Why she looks so different in 2026

Pictures of Selena Gomez now: Why she looks so different in 2026

You’ve probably seen the photos from the Golden Globes this week. Selena Gomez didn’t just show up; she basically hijacked the entire red carpet conversation. Looking at pictures of Selena Gomez now, it’s impossible to ignore how much has changed since her Disney days or even her Revival era. She’s 33 now. She’s a wife. She’s a billionaire (on paper, anyway, thanks to the Rare Beauty juggernaut).

There is this specific "newlywed glow" people keep talking about, and honestly, it’s not just PR fluff. When she walked out at the Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026, hand-in-hand with Benny Blanco, the energy was just... different. Soft. Confident. She was wearing this custom Chanel velvet gown that apparently took over 300 hours to make. It had these white feathered flowers that looked like they were blooming right off her shoulders.

But if you look closely at the candid shots—the ones where she isn't posing—you see a woman who has finally stopped trying to fit into the "pop princess" mold.

The Golden Globes 2026 and the Old Hollywood Shift

The most recent pictures of Selena Gomez now show a heavy lean into what stylists are calling "Soft Goth" meets "Old Hollywood." Her hair is currently a sharp, chin-length bob with vintage finger waves. It’s a far cry from the long, beachy extensions we saw for years.

Why does this matter? Because fashion is usually the first sign of a total brand pivot. By pairing a deep burgundy lip with that monochromatic Chanel look, she looked more like a classic film star than a chart-topping singer.

  • The Look: Custom black velvet Chanel.
  • The Detail: 200 embroidered elements made of silk organza and feathers.
  • The Vibe: Mature, untouchable, yet somehow more approachable than ever.

She was there because she’s a powerhouse in the TV world now. Only Murders in the Building just got renewed for Season 6, and this time, the trio is heading to London. If you saw the pictures of her laughing with Martin Short and Steve Martin, you know that’s where her heart is. She’s found a "safe space" in acting that music never quite gave her.

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Life as a Married Woman: The Benny Blanco Factor

The internet had a meltdown when Selena and Benny tied the knot back on September 27, 2025. Honestly, some people are still catching up. Their wedding in California was kept surprisingly quiet for two of the biggest names in the industry.

Now, every time a new photo drops, fans are dissecting their body language. At the Globes, Benny was wearing these wild diamond-encrusted loafers and no undershirt under his suit. It’s a chaotic style that somehow balances out Selena’s refined elegance.

In the latest pictures of Selena Gomez now, she looks relaxed. There’s a photo of her whispering to Benny on the red carpet that went viral within minutes. It’s that "inside joke" energy. She isn't sucking in her stomach or looking for the "perfect" angle as much anymore. She’s just... there.

Rare Beauty and the "No-Makeup" Makeup Era

You can't talk about how Selena looks now without mentioning Rare Beauty. The brand is about to hit 1,500 Ulta Beauty stores on February 1, 2026. That’s a massive expansion.

Most of the selfies she posts lately aren't the high-glam, filtered shots of 2018. She’s been leaning into the "skin-first" approach. She’s been very open about how her lupus and kidney transplant have affected her weight and her skin.

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"I went a long time without the support I needed because I didn't understand what I was feeling," she recently shared on the Rare Impact blog.

That honesty reflects in her visual brand. She isn't hiding the "imperfections" that trolls used to tear her apart for. The pictures of Selena Gomez now often feature her in her own Soft Pinch Liquid Blush or the new Brow Harmony gel, looking like she just woke up. It’s a strategic move, sure, but it feels authentic because we’ve seen her struggle in real-time.


What’s Next: London and the Linda Ronstadt Biopic

If you think her current look is permanent, think again. The upcoming projects she has lined up are going to require some serious physical transformations.

  1. London Bound: With Only Murders Season 6 filming in the UK, expect a lot of "London Girl" street style photos to surface soon. Think trench coats, boots, and probably some heavier layers.
  2. The Linda Ronstadt Biopic: This is the big one. Selena has been prepping to play the legendary singer, which means we might see a return to those 70s-inspired curls and retro silhouettes.
  3. Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel: She’s executive producing and guest-starring as Alex Russo again. The promo shots for this have already started hitting, and the nostalgia is hitting hard for anyone who grew up in the late 2000s.

Why her 2026 look is a middle finger to body shamers

For years, every time a bikini photo or a paparazzi shot of Selena surfaced, the comments were toxic. People obsessed over her "new body."

In 2026, she seems to have reached a point of "radical acceptance." The pictures of Selena Gomez now show a woman who is comfortable in her 30s. She’s acknowledged that she doesn't have a "teenager's body" anymore, and she’s okay with that.

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The Chanel dress she wore to the Globes was body-hugging and unapologetic. She isn't wearing oversized hoodies to hide anymore. She’s reclaiming her image on her own terms, which is probably why she looks "better" than ever—it’s the confidence, not the couture.


Actionable Insights for Fans and Followers

If you’re following Selena’s journey or trying to emulate her current "2026 aesthetic," here is how to break it down:

  • Prioritize Skin Health: Her current "glow" is less about heavy foundation and more about hydration. Check out the Rare Beauty expansion at Ulta next month for the "Selena’s Most-Loved" kits if you want her specific routine.
  • Embrace the Bob: Short hair is having a massive moment in 2026, and Selena is the poster child for it. If you’re looking for a change, a chin-length cut with soft waves is the move.
  • Support the Cause: A huge part of her public image now is the Rare Impact Fund. One percent of all her makeup sales go toward mental health services. Supporting the brand is essentially supporting the advocacy she talks about in every interview.
  • Watch the Evolution: Keep an eye on the Only Murders Season 6 set photos. They usually leak early on social media and will give the best preview of her next fashion era.

The shift in Selena Gomez's appearance isn't just about aging or changing stylists. It’s a reflection of her moving from "surviving" her 20s to "thriving" in her 30s as a businesswoman and wife.

Check the Rare Beauty website or the Ulta app starting February 1 to see the new campaign imagery, which features some of the most "raw" and unedited professional pictures of Selena Gomez now to date.