We live in a world where citizens believe they are obligated to make decisions and label what is “right” and “wrong” for celebrities. For some time now, the beautiful Alicia Keys has sparked a lot of debate with her PERSONAL decision to wipe her hands free of wearing makeup. Why did she make this decision? Hmm. Let’s start with the fact that she is a grown woman and can make whatever decisions she may feel in accordance with herself and her life. Other reasons? She believes in the empowerment of women, especially since women today are pressured to conform to the beauty standards established within the entertainment business. Her decision was made not only for her, but women all around the world, those in the public eye, and for those living regular lives. Is Keys’ PERSONAL decision negative? Does her decision come with bad intentions? Did she ask the world for their opinion when she decided to move forward with her decision? NOPE!

Personal. Silent. Empowering.

For some reason, the entertainment business has shunned women of all shapes and sizes and colors for being who they are…women. We’re shamed for being ‘too’ skinny, ‘too’ fat, ‘too’ beautiful, or wearing ‘too’ much makeup, or not wearing ‘enough’ makeup. But the list goes on. But why? Aren’t we all beautiful just the way we are?

Keys is known for her songwriting, her piano playing, and her illustrious voice. The moment she decided to stop wearing makeup and embrace her natural beauty in the public eye, she’s shamed. It pretty much reveals just how cruel our world is, just how cruel people can be. Come on people. We have got to do better than this! Social media and society are to blame for ongoing gender inequalities. Why is it anyone’s business as to why you woke up and decided not to wear makeup? Why is it anyone’s business as to why you woke up and decided to wear a particular brand of shoes or pants? I mean, really...WHY?

Alicia Keys found a way to feel good about herself while also standing up for women constantly being shamed and shunned for being themselves…being women…being comfortable in their skin. We all deserve the same freedom as men…whether it be in the workplace, at home, or within other generally populated areas. You see, a lot of women today believe that wearing makeup on their faces every day makes them ‘prettier’ than their natural bare face. Why? We have social media, social platforms, and society to blame for this. The truth is that women REALLY have a fear of roaming around the public eye with a bare face, yet that bare face is a beautiful face. This is not to say that wearing makeup is a bad thing or it should not be worn, but more-or-so expressing that the prevalence of makeup has given the wrong idea and message to our beautiful women today. Makeup should not be a MUST. We should actually stand back and view our natural selves…understand it…love it…and embrace it! Keys’ message is a POSITIVE one, but society always finds a way to shame positive nature.

Always remember ladies in the name of hateful people and a society brainwashed by social trends, every single one of you are beautiful. Flaws and all!