Alicia Keys No Make-Up Movement

We were taught to believe that “Beauty is only skin deep”, but how many of us really believe that?

How many of us can walk outside bare faced, no make-up or beauty enhancers, and be truly comfortable in our own skin!? The media continues to apply pressure on women by depicting or highlighting what “they” consider to be beautiful. Now majority of us are booking the next flight to Miami or Dominican Republic to manipulate our features in the name of “beauty”.

One celebrity is taking a stance against, what I consider artificial beauty, and is encouraging women to embrace their natural/ true selves.

“Before I started my new album, I wrote a list of all the things that I was sick of. And one was how much women are brainwashed into feeling like we have to be skinny, or sexy, or desirable, or perfect…”

Alicia Keys walked into her photoshoot like she would any other; hair tied up in a scarf, no make-up on, looking “raw”, as the photographer called it, and was suddenly asked to shoot just as she were. It was at that moment Keys realized the power in being organic and unrefined. The ability for one to get in touch with their true selves just by gradually removing superficial layering.

“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 currently began a no make-up movement, but how many of you are brave enough to face the challenge?

Me? Well I need my liquid eyeliner.

Racqui B.