
A creative writer with a voracious appetite for fashion, beauty,…
Back in 2016, Alicia Keys took a stand that sparked conversations around the world when she decided to ditch makeup and embrace a natural look, dubbing it her “No Makeup Movement.” It was a bold move in an industry where the spotlight often emphasizes a polished, well-made face. Seven years later, it appears that the multiple-award winner has softened on this stance, dazzling in doll-ups, which, as expected, have sent tongues wagging.
But first, why did she quit makeup?
In her 2016 essay penned in the now-defunct Lenny Letter, Keys challenged the idea of beauty standards, especially the pressure on women to conform to a certain look, and how it can affect self-esteem. Her message was clear: you’re beautiful just the way you are. Alicia Keys stated that she was tired of covering up, highlighting quitting makeup as a move of self-liberation. She reiterated this in a June interview with Page Six, stating: “I went through my own experience of really feeling rebellious about what people were telling me, what the world, society was telling me, what I was supposed to look like…” And for her, ditching cosmetics was a step in the right direction.
Why did Alicia Keys start wearing makeup again?
Ahead of the opening night for Alicia Keys’ autobiographical Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen, she spoke with Vogue about her feelings for makeup while preparing for the night’s event. “I’m at a point in my journey now where I’m able to see my power. Getting ready is all about feeling good, and I love the getting ready part. The affirmation ‘I own my power’ is something I’m carrying with me in the beautiful, celebratory evening,” Keys said. She also mentioned the inspiration behind her look for the night created by celebrity makeup artist, Ayako Yoshimura. “Hell’s Kitchen takes place in the ’90s, so we had a lot of fun exploring the clothes and the vibes of that era, which were so good, so fresh, and had that masculine, powerful New York energy,” she says. “So that’s the inspiration for my look. A super fresh, unbelievable version of cool NY sh*t.”
How wearing makeup is a sign of healthy self-esteem
While some online have expressed displeasure over Alicia Keys’ decision to wear makeup again, I think it’s good for her. This decision to leverage cosmetics doesn’t translate to “covering up.” As she told Vogue, she is “now able to see my power.” This power remains whether or not she has makeup on. Here’s the thing: the fact that Alicia Keys started wearing makeup again depicts control and self-confidence — an era every woman should strive to enter. It also communicates self-awareness, and that she has learned to master the ropes of her femininity. And here, she knows there are no rules.
In addition, her simple take (she favors understated makeup looks) on this big move proves that she calls the shots. She isn’t carried away by the feel-good euphoria of beauty as we know it. This decision is not about not fitting in or meeting other people’s expectations—it’s about expressing herself in a way that makes her happy. Perhaps, this is the reason for her thoughtful beauty brand, Keys Soulcare that creates products that not only nourish the skin but also the soul.
When a person decides to wear makeup because they enjoy it, it’s a sign that they’re comfortable with who they are. It’s like saying, “This is me, and I’m going to enhance what I already have because it makes me feel good.” In that way, makeup for Ms. Keys has become a tool for self-expression and reflection of a positive self-image. Now that’s what I call a self-aware Queen.
Featured image: Ramon Rivas via @aliciakeys/Instagram
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A creative writer with a voracious appetite for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture. As one who's passionate about the advancement of the woman, creating content that inspire smart style and living, and positive lifestyle changes is a calling I take seriously. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥