There comes a point in a woman’s life when we’re no longer living for attention, validation, or applause, but simply living to be happy and at peace with our choices. We’re simply doing what feels good instead of what looks good. With mainstream media constantly showing us how the “perfect” woman should look, I could only imagine being a celebrity and having to be in the spotlight at all times under constant scrutiny. In honor of National #NoMakeUpDay we are shining a light on one of our favorite natural Queens, Alicia Keys. She has sparked the no make-up movement by using her platform to inspire, educate and empower girls and women that we are enough with or without make-up.
Alicia Keys is a music icon, activist, mother and judge on my favorite TV show, The Voice. She is sharing her truth and using her voice to speak on the importance of being real with who she’s becoming and choosing happiness rather than perfection. In a recent interview with Allure she says, “I am all about woman’s right to choose. I think a woman should do anything she wants as it relates to her face, her body, her health. Whatever mode of expression that empowers you, that’s what you should do. What I am not down for is this ridiculously high, unrealistic expectation about appearance that we as women are held to.”
I think make-up can be self-expression. I have no intention to shame anyone at all who chooses to wear it.
It all began last year when she did a photoshoot for her latest album and showed up to the set straight from the gym in a sweatshirt, head scarf and fresh face. The photographer loved how she looked and felt her images should be just as real and raw as her music. Alicia Keys said she was uncomfortable at first, but agreed and said the pictures made her feel more comfortable in her skin. She wrote on Lenny Letter, “I felt powerful because my initial intentions realized themselves. My desire to listen to myself, to tear down the walls I built over all those years, to be full of purpose, and to be myself! The universe was listening to those things I’d promised myself, or maybe I was just finally listening to the universe, but however it goes, that’s how this whole #nomakeup thing began. Once the photo I took with Paola came out as the artwork for my new song ‘In Common,’ it was that truth that resonated with others who posted #nomakeup selfies in response to this real and raw me.”
I’m not a slave to make-up. I’m not a slave to not wearing makeup either.
I’ve always been a fan of Alicia Keys, but by her going against the grain to redefine society’s beauty standards she’s beyond empowering. She has definitely encouraged me to be bold and rock my fresh face today! I used to be one of those girls, who would not be able to leave the house without make-up, but the older I’ve gotten the more I don’t care what people think. It’s a beautiful feeling becoming exactly who you thought you could be. I hope today and everyday you’re living your best life and owning your truth. Continue to embrace your journey and let your light shine from within, because you are enough.
Are you celebrating National #NoMakeUpDay? Share with us below how you’re striving to redefine beauty.
What’s Next?
Read how the NaturallyCurly team is rebelling against beauty standards and celebrating body positivity.
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