No one can show off a take-me-as-I-am attitude, the way Alicia Keys did. Though a well-recognized name of music industry, there are some other reasons that made everyone talk about her. August 2016 marks the time when the world got a noticeable surprise with Alicia keys without makeup look. It was 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, where all the celebrities appeared with layered (with makeup) skin, colored lips and all the glitz and glamour. And we witnessed Alicia Keys in a no makeup look. Following her style, other celebrities too became a part of this #NoMakeup movement. Gabrielle Union was the first who appeared on snapchat in a no makeup look. Here is what she had to say, “No makeup, head wrap, hey Alicia Keys I see you.” Besides that, celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Adele, Gwenth Paltrow, Kylie Jenner and Beyoncé too have posted their gorgeous no makeup looks on Instagram.
source: eonline
Why Alicia Keys Opted for a No Makeup Look?
To explain her opinion, she wrote a promising essay in Lenny Letter in May 2016, that clearly explained her thoughts and motives behind opting for a no makeup look. The writing elucidates how insecure she used to be once. Stepping out of her place in a no makeup look was just like some nightmare. To her, it’s the fear of not being accepted by the society that leads us to hide ourselves under the cover of makeup. She further writes, 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.’
It all started off with a photoshoot for her new music album. She had to have a no makeup look for that. And that experience of simplicity and minimalism was the biggest source of realization. Here are her words about how she felt; ‘the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt’. She gained confidence to stay happy and satisfied in the skin, she is bestowed with. [Read here: Five Steps Know How: Perfecting your Everyday Makeup Look.]
How Inspiring is Alicia Keys No Makeup Look?
Her thoughts are truly inspirational. Quite interestingly, when she appeared on a morning show and defended her natural and minimal look, the hosts in the show (Bully Bush, Tamron Hall and Al Roker), all three were so influenced that they wiped their faces in the live show. Ever since, we have been watching her appearing on all big events (The Voice, X Factor, BET Awards, Democratic National Convention) in a minimal look. Not just this, you can see Alicia Keys without makeup on the cover of ‘Grazia’ and the September 2016 issue of ‘Ebony’.
source: dollupbeauty
How She Defends a No Makeup Look in her Songs?
Being an artist, she expresses her feelings in her songs. In one of her latest songs, “When a Girl Can’t Be Herself,” she convincingly writes, “Who says I must conceal what I’m made of / Maybe all this Maybelline is covering my self-esteem.”
What Makes Her So Beautiful Sans-Makeup?
Yeah! That’s the question that keeps haunting people’s minds. No, that seems impossible. But when it comes to Alicia, it does seem POSSIBLE. If we look at Alicia Keys age, she is 35. And to have this glowing and flawless skin at this age is a big deal. Normally the celebrities belonging to 30+ age, have to spend hours in the company of their makeup artists, before making any public or private appearances. But that is not the case with her. Alicia Keys skin is naturally beautiful and radiant.
source: people
How to Look Good Without Makeup?
If you too want to get a perfect no makeup look, you need to know what Alicia’s makeup artist Dotti has to say about the secrets behind Alicia keys natural and healthy looking skin (revealed in an interview to W Magazine).
Step#1: Balanced Diet and Exercise
A lot of Alicia Keys natural look depends on her balanced diet and regular exercising. Alicia strongly believes in using a healthy diet. She is not a pure vegetarian rather she opts for anything that is health-enhancing and glow-boosting. When you take care of your interior, it would automatically show off on the exterior. That’s what Dottie said to W Magazine,
“She knows you have to invest internally for your skin to look great externally. It’s also about how you process your energy.” Dotti further explains, “Alicia gets regular facials, does acupuncture and she eats healthy and exercises,”
source: cosmopolitan
Step#2: Ice Work
Alicia Keys skin does not reveal her real age. Regular ice work can be the reason. Using ice on your skin is the best way to tighten the skin. Application of ice on the skin improves blood circulation and brings blood towards skin. Alicia applies a freezing jade roller all over her skin. And ultimately her skin says, ‘Hey, I love you’. That might be the reason why no one could easily guess Alicia Keys age.
Step#3: Cucumber Mask
Dotti confirms the application of the pulp of cucumber all over Alicia’s face (away from eyes). It refreshes her skin and draws out all the heating elements from her skin.
Step#4: Facial Oils
The luminosity of Alicia Keys skin is also the outcome of application of all-natural facial oils. MV Organic skincare is a brand that Dotti applies on her. Besides, MV 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic, she also uses pure jojoba oil. Another great product by the brand is Instant Revival with Rose mist. It’s a remarkable product with exceptional glow boosting properties. Sometimes, using it alone adds radiance to her look.
source: pinterest
Step#5: Minimal Makeup Look
In one of her tweets, she wrote, Y’all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn’t mean I’m anti-makeup. Do you!” Yes, you’ll see her wearing makeup. But she always prefers a minimalist makeup routine. As Dotti explains it, “Compared to the world of makeup, there is minimal. She’s already powerful to look at, with those amazing Cleopatra-shaped eyes, and now we get to see them!”
Conclusion:
Alicia Keys is the symbol of women empowerment. She tried hard to make other women believe in their natural beauty. After announcing this no makeup movement, she had to face a lot of backlash by critics. But no criticism could have diverted her from her decision. Even today, she appears in her minimalist look.
