 While working on the album , ideas began to circulate concerning Rihanna 's image , extending into her music videos . She asked American music video director Chris Applebaum to send her " something " to work on . Def Jam representatives were expecting Applebaum of the treatment . In response , Applebaum hurriedly made a treatment for the video , one of his first ideas being the silver body paint that Rihanna is seen in . Applebaum was doubtful whether Rihanna would embrace the idea , but her " positive response " following a letter the director sent to the artist ensured its approval . Makeup artist Pamela Neal mixed a silver paint that would give Rihanna such a look . During the session , the paint was re @-@ applied between takes to ensure she was completely covered . The set was closed to Rihanna , Applebaum and a camera assistant . Rihanna also contributed her own ideas towards the video shoot , suggesting to Applebaum that she dance en pointe , an idea which he accepted . 
