Nicki Minaj is known for her mile-long lashes, her pastel pink lipstick and her extreme makeup. It's an artform. But for the cover of the April 2013 issue of ELLE, the rap vixen goes largely makeup-free.

No cause for alarm, Barbz. Minaj didn't ditch her mega false lashes on this cover. But she did tone it down, and we're guessing that this cover gave her the confidence to fire her entire stylist team and start over. She does rock it!

She also shows off her boobs in a zip down leather jacket, so you might not even notice that she ditched her makeup since you are staring at her tatas.

The ish hits stands on March 26, but the mag released the sexy images of Minaj and her platinum blond locks while wearing a raffia-like woven dress, black leather and a white graphic tee.

It wasn't easy for the 'American Idol' judge to ditch her cosmetic regimen for this cover makeunder. "When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a… like, I’m so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it’s hard," she admitted. "I feel that it’s become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol’ crazy lashes- you know, nothing – I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes."

Relax, Nicki. You look bee-you-tee-full!

She also shared her tip for women that want to command respect. "Even if you’re doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss," she said. "Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want and don’t allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, 'Okay, I can’t play games with her. I have to do right by this woman.' That’s what it’s all about."

While the diva wanted to be successful, rich and famous at first so she could buy her mother a crib, she now has a larger goal and her priors have shifted and she's considering the long-term and the Minaj progeny. "I’m thinking of a legacy that I can be proud of and wealth that my grandchildren can use to go to college. So world domination -- in terms of providing for my family – is absolutely my goal," she said.

Thinking ahead! Smart move, Miss Minaj!

In case you missed it, see more of Nicki's bodaciousness in the shots from the 'High School' video shoot.

Nicki Minaj April 2013 ELLE Cover
ELLE
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Nicki Minaj ELLE April 2013 Cover
ELLE
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Nicki Minaj April 2013 ELLE Cover
ELLE
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Watch the Nicki Minaj 'Freedom' Video

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