A few years ago, Alicia Keys became one of the most popular celebrities that stood against makeup use. Born in January 1981, Alicia Keys wanted to show the world that women can be beautiful without makeup. Since then, Alicia Keys no makeup photos have appeared in almost every fashion magazine.
The American singer has no problem appearing at a huge event like the Grammy Award ceremony, or anything else without wearing makeup.
Career Journey
Born in January 1981, Alicia is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is a classically trained pianist and began composing songs at the early age of 12. When she was 15 years old, she signed to Columbia Records. Because of disputes with the label, she signed with Arista Records later on and released her debut album, Songs in a Minor.
The album sold more than 12 million copies, spawning hits like Fallin. Alicia won five Grammy Awards with her debut album. Her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys was even more successful, producing three hit singles.
In 2004, she released her duet single My Boo with Usher, which became her second Number 1 single. In 2005, she released her first live album, Unplugged, becoming the first woman with an unplugged album debuting at Number 1.
Over the years, she has collaborated with many artists, including Jack White for the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and Jay Z for the mega-popular song Empire State of Mind about New York City.
She has sold more than 90 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
Why Did She Stop Wearing Makeup?
For Alicia Keys, things started changing in the mid-2010s. Things changed dramatically in 2016, for a photo shoot. Usually, people put on a lot of makeup for getting in front of the camera. But shooing for her new album, Here, Alicia appeared with no makeup.
She was inspired to go makeup-free indefinitely. Looking back at that moment, she said in an interview with Glamour UK that it was a big change for her.
Alicia said, “Makeup was a big thing for me; I had been wearing it since I was, like, 16-ears-old. And then, as I got into the music world, it was what you did every day to do your television, or to do your shoot. So, I did it because I thought that’s what you’re supposed to do. And I realized I became addicted to it; I didn’t feel comfortable without it”.
But then, she revealed that during that shoot, she felt “the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt”.
She wrote a powerful essay about it in an open Lenny Letter (a feminist forum created by Lena Dunham and Jennifer Konner).
She continued, “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”.
After wearing no makeup for several red carpet events, she shared her decision to wear makeup again. But in her own way, Alicia said, “I am not a slave to makeup. I am not a slave to NOT wearing makeup either. I get to choose at any given moment. That is my right”. You can consider this natural-look beauty as the most empowering woman in the non-makeup movement.
Alicia has also launched her own lifestyle and beauty and cosmetics brand, Keys Soulcare. The skincare line includes inclusive and cruelty-free products.
Alicia Keys No Makeup Pictures
The Real Alicia Keys
Brace yourself, we are starting with some Alicia Keys no makeup photos. As we said before, the famous singer is one of the biggest supporters of the without makeup trend. Let’s start with her signature no-makeup hairstyle.
Keeping It Real
Fans love Alicia for many reasons. But one of the biggest is that she keeps it real. Trying to motivate others, Keys has done something few celebrities can say, and that is to stand against the beauty standard of Hollywood.
Working Out
As you can see, there is no difference between no makeup pictures taken at an event and those in a casual setting. Just look how glowing and beautiful she looks after a gym session. Alicia is a true natural beauty.
Empowering Women
Since starting the no-makeup trend, Alicia has continued to speak at events and voice her opinion about beauty standards. She tries to motivate, inspire, and empower women to follow their own paths. Everything in life is a choice. You are the one making it.
That Smile
Let’s say it like it is. With a smile like that, who needs makeup? Alicia Keys is one of the most beautiful natural beauty in the world. Her smile is her best accessory. No makeup can make her look any more beautiful than that smile.
Selfie Time
Alicia Keys constantly posts photos and stories on Instagram and social media. She gives fans access to her true self, her real identity. And it is beautiful.
No Makeup
Here is another photo of the American singer at home, wearing absolutely no makeup. In the world of influencers and fashion icons, Alicia is a true inspiration for ladies around the world.
Chilling At Home
We continue our Alicia Keys no makeup pictures list with another one of the singers enjoying life at home. Just look how relaxed she looks. Not a care at all.
Keep Glowing
Trying to motivate more and more women, Alicia often shares inspirational quotes and pictures on social media. She captioned this Instagram photo with “Keep glowin’ baby. Let nothing interfere. A message for all of us today”.
Fashion Icon
How many celebrities have you seen in a cocktail dress without any makeup for a photo session? Well, Alicia Keys is one of the few that show it is possible.
Performing Without Makeup
When Alicia Keys started her no-makeup trend, she didn’t limit it to everyday life. Instead, she goes to events, and even performs without any makeup. What an inspiration.
The Picture That Started Everything
It is only fitting that we finish off our Alicia Keys no makeup pictures list with the photo that started everything. This is the original photo from that 2016 photo shoot that Alicia made for her album, Here.
