Controversy for REAL.
Controversy Is Buzzing Around Alicia Keys’ Makeup-Free VMAs Look
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Some of us love makeup — the playful colors and transformative powers of makeup can be a way to express ourselves, change up our look and/or transform ourselves. Some people aren’t into makeup or decide to ditch the cosmetics for various reasons (like these celebs who aren’t afraid to go makeup-free). Whatever you personally think, it’s totally cool. What’s not cool is shaming others if they don’t conform to what you expect from them. Even if you’re not into what they’re doing, TBH, that doesn’t really matter — they’re probably not doing it for you. That’s why it’s so utterly cringe-worthy that Alicia Keys is facing controversial buzz around her decision to go makeup-free at this year’s VMAs.
Those who were not impressed decided to make their thoughts public (of course)…
This no makeup thing has gone to far. I'm talking to you @aliciakeys lol. #VMAs
— darlando (@itsmedarlando) August 29, 2016
"Alicia Keys is taking this no makeup thing too far. It's the #VMAs .. put on some mascara."
– @_KeLOLO
— .kelsey. (@KelsoLovelyy) August 29, 2016
Alicia keys and her fake ass feminist "don't wear makeup and love yourself" campaign needs to go
— emily (@emilywilsn) August 29, 2016
*sigh* Though this could justifiably spawn a million think pieces about what society demands of women’s appearances, Alicia brought it down to one simple tweet.
Y'all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn't mean I'm anti-makeup. Do you! 😘😘 pic.twitter.com/Mg0Ug9YA9q
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) August 29, 2016
“Y’all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn’t mean I’m anti-makeup. Do you!” Though she did go into more detail about her decision back in May in her essay for Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letter, saying, “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.”
This isn’t about shaming anyone who chooses to wear makeup, it’s about having the space to not HAVE to feel like you need to wear it. Want to wear makeup? Awesome! Don’t want to wear makeup? Awesome! Want to wear makeup sometimes and not other times? Awesome! Bottom line: It’s your choice, just like it’s Alicia’s choice, and whatever choice you make is… wait for it… awesome. Like Alicia said, “do you,” because you are beautiful inside and out.
Some are totally loving Alicia for it…
Alicia Keys… Clap! Clap! Clap!
— NATUJA TUNA (@emybsd) August 30, 2016
Alicia keys with or without make-up 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
— ©hris ©orleone ™® (@DatShitCrack) August 30, 2016
wow alicia keys is beautiful😢😍
— Pre (@Beautyfulllll17) August 30, 2016
While others are totally inspired…
Alicia Keys IS inspiring because in a world where girls are socialised into wearing makeup, not wearing it is an act of self confidence
— druzy (@druzyparker) August 30, 2016
I've decided I'm going to try to not apply makeup or any heat to my hair during the weekday. I call it "Alicia Keys-ing"
— Erica Guzman (@EricaNicoleg_) August 30, 2016
Again, makeup-fabulous or makeup-free, do you and be proud!
Do you go makeup free? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)
