Alicia Keys Embraces Natural Beauty, Discards Makeup and Clothes as 'Armor'
Alicia Keys shares her empowering journey of shedding her 'armor' of clothes and makeup, discovering self-acceptance and redefining true beauty Learn the inspiring story behind her decision to embrace aging and unveil her authentic self
In a recent interview with The Cut, published on November 27, Alicia Keys, 42, discusses her perspective on true beauty and how her upbringing in the music industry influenced her decision to stop wearing makeup in 2016.
She told the publication, "I realized how much I conformed to societal beauty standards, which was something I hadn't previously considered. It made me aware that I didn't feel beautiful or comfortable without my makeup, styled hair, and fancy clothes. It was like I needed these things to feel worthy of being deemed beautiful. It made me question what lay beneath all of that and prompted me to have a self-reflective conversation about what truly makes me feel beautiful and what I needed to let go of."
Keys described the freedom she experienced after deciding to "remove the armor" she had been using as "protection." "I've realized that we are perfect as we are, even though there are days when we want to be different," she said. She also mentioned that it no longer matters to her whether she's dressed casually or elegantly; she's just being true to herself.
Alicia Keys Presley Ann/FilmMagic
In a later part of the interview, Keys talked about society's negative perception of aging. Instead of seeing it as something to be feared, she views it as empowering, understanding that aging involves mental and emotional growth as well as physical changes.
"I believe you become more beautiful as you age," Keys expressed. "Your heart opens up more, and you exude a stronger presence. I truly believe that as you embrace your wisdom, your true self, you become more beautiful."
Keys is back to wearing makeup again, but now uses it as a means to empower herself and highlight her natural beauty, rather than to hide and cover herself up.
Deal of the Day
33 Best Extended Cyber Week Deals on Amazon
Check out the deal
In 2020, she put her philosophy into action by launching Keys Soulcare, a beauty line offering skincare and makeup products. In an interview with Glamour UK in November of that year, Keys described the launch as "a dream come true."
"I've always struggled with my skin, especially when it comes to managing it and being in the spotlight," she admitted to the publication. "It's been a constant cycle of applying makeup to conceal the blemishes and scars, only for the hot lights to worsen them. I've felt the need to hide everything and it has made me extremely self-conscious."
