Alicia Keys has always been as beautiful as she is talented, but anyone watching her on The Voice or at any of her many public appearances might have noticed she’s looking a bit…different these days. That’s right, 35-year-old the singer, pianist, and songwriter who once appeared in ProActive and Givenchy ads isn’t wearing a drop of makeup on her very familiar face.
Now, clearly she’s still as stunning as ever—but in a world and industry where just about everyone (no matter how naturally gorgeous) cakes themselves in foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, lipstick, and about 10 other types of cosmetics, it’s a rare and notable move that draws attention and begs some questions.
Keys, for her part, is ready with answers. “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.” She added, “I swear it is the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt.” Truly wonderful.
In interviews, she’s explained how this new tack and acceptance of herself came about thanks to a photoshoot where the photographer saw her makeup free and decided that was the strongest image possible. Since then, she’s been on a journey. “I found my way to meditation, and I started focusing on clarity and a deeper knowing of myself,” she wrote in Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letter. “I focused on cultivating strength and conviction and put a practice in place to learn more about the real me.”
Sure, it may not sound all that revolutionary for a woman to face the world sans makeup. Billions do every day. Yet, in a world where our expectations for celebrities are so high that some post #nomakeup Instagram selfies while clearly wearing makeup, it’s refreshing and empowering to see one famous person happy to show herself as she is. Applause!