Alicia Keys has perfectly embodied her throwback song “Girl on Fire”and has set new standards for “A Woman’s Worth.” She has undeniably been sporting a powerful, “no makeup, no problem” look. Within the past couple of months you have probably seen her promoting her new gig on The Voice, as a coach, or most recently on the VMAs with her iconic performance. With Keys’ recently popular media presence, she is making a strong statement in Hollywood and everywhere.
In a medley of speaking and singing, Keys recited a poem at the 2016 VMAs. This poem touched on what it means to support one another; it was a denunciation of hate felt throughout the world and an enticement for men and women to live equally. From the applause and standing ovations after her performance, it’s evident that Keys has invited people to start thinking differently.
Thinking differently is what sparked Keys’ movement to #nomakeup. With her outlook on feminism, it’s no doubt that Keys wants to embrace her individuality, and does not feel like makeup is necessary for that. She claims in Lenny Letter that she was constantly worried about being perfect while growing up. She did not like her frizzy hair and she would receive comments that encouraged her to be more “feminine.”
Keys claims she lost herself for a long time and wanted to blend in, causing her to eventually have an identity crises. Since Keys’ music on her newest album is “real and raw” she felt the need and enthusiasm to be her authentic self, makeup-less. Keys ends her piece in Lenny Letter stating, “Cause I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.” Keys has adopted a completely new form of thought and is finally comfortable in her own skin.
Young women are constantly targeted in the media to be perfect. However, it is important to note that this said “perfectness” should stem from an individual’s own self-love and passion. While Valley celebrates Alicia Keys for taking a #nomakeup stance, we understand that women can also feel most confident while rocking makeup. In any case, everyone can gain the courage to make a statement from Keys’ fearless, naked face.
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