I’ve probably invested more money into my makeup collection than into my clothing collection, but it also seems like the more makeup I buy, the more I can appreciate a fresh face. Sure, there’s nothing more I love than spending the better part of an hour getting full glam, but there are also days where I put on a little moisturizer and head out the door feeling just fine.
Alicia Keys took the no makeup look to a whole other level by attending the VMAs last night without wearing a stitch of makeup. The idea of walking onto a red carpet with no makeup on may seem terrifying to others (including myself) but Alicia slayed the look. Watch her give an emotional speech in honor of the 53rd anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech sans makeup and tell me she doesn’t look absolutely radiant.
Not only did she look incredible, but even more important, she looked so happy. I mean, look at that smile.
It wasn’t that Alicia didn’t have enough time to get ready — she made the conscious decision to stop wearing makeup as of late. She wrote about it in a Lenny Letter, and in that essay she writes that she stopped wearing makeup to uncover herself and stop trying to fit societal expectations.
“[Being photographed without makeup on was] the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt,” she wrote. “I hope to God it’s a revolution. 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.”
In photographs of her at the VMAs, it looks as though she took a spoolie to her brows and dabbed on a little clear lip balm or gloss, but other than that, she’s completely bare-faced.
Alicia Keys also took to Twitter earlier today to explain that just because she chooses not to wear makeup doens’t mean she’s against it, allowing us girls who can’t survive without concealer and highlight to let out a sigh of relief.
I’ll still continue to wear makeup because I like it and my skin isn’t nearly as flawless and radiant as Alicia’s, but man, is she inspiring. .
[via Instagram]
Image via Youtube
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Cristina Montemayor
Cristina is a Grandex Writer and Content Manager. She was an intern for over two years before she graduated a semester early to write about college full time, which makes absolutely no sense. She regretfully considers herself a Carrie, but is first and foremost a Rory. She tends to draw strong reactions from people. They are occasionally positive. You can find her in a bar as you're bending down to tie your shoes, drinking Dos XX and drunk crying to Elton John. Email her: [email protected] (not .com).
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