BY: MARIAH ESPADA
In the age of Anastasia brow kits and Kardashian contouring, it is rare to come across a female figure that embraces a makeup-less look, especially on a red carpet or televised event. Despite today's idea of female beauty, 15 time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Alicia Keys has chosen to go against the grain, taking her makeup free pledge all the way to NBC's televised show, The Voice.
This past September, the world had plenty to say when Keys made a bold statement, strutting down the MTV VMA's red carpet without a trace of facial cosmetics. While many supported Keys' decision to showcase her imperfections, others believed a little concealer wouldn't hurt. The world's opposition to a female showcasing her under eye circles, blemishes, and freckles attests to how society's obsession with physical perfection has resulted in makeup being a multi-billion dollar industry.
Keys' husband, Swizz Beatz supported his wife's endeavors by defending her VMA actions via Instagram. He asked his followers to recognize her personal decision as just that: personal to her. Rather than focusing on her every move, Beatz urged everyone to concentrate more on themselves as he promoted #naturallove.
Similar to her husband's beliefs, Keys has insisted that her decision to leave the eyeshadow palettes behind is not an "anti-makeup" movement, but rather a choice to "do her." After shooting the cover of her new album with a fresh, bare face, Keys said she felt, "the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt." It was this unexpected moment that motivated Keys to share her new liberating life choice with the world.
Y'all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn't mean I'm anti-makeup. Do you! 😘😘 pic.twitter.com/Mg0Ug9YA9q
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) August 29, 2016
Keys has explained that going makeup free has not only boosted her self confidence, but also affected her music in a positive way. The fresh faced look is transpiring in her music, creating an all around more honest, authentic and vulnerable sound.
"I just feel in a new space as an artist, as a woman, as a creative person, as a mother," said Keys in an interview. "I just feel like I'm in my skin, and I'm liking it here."
Whether or not you agree with the R&B's singer's choice to leave the mascara behind, Keys is effectively changing the way women embody confidence across the country. It is her desire to accept the natural that has promoted a positive change in the minds of many.
Keys' motives go beyond the classic makeup free selfie—she is embracing an authentic lifestyle and is encouraging all women to join her in the revolutionary journey of a real, raw, and unfiltered life.
Cover: ZOLTAN TOMBOR | FAULT MAGAZINE via (modelhouse).
