In 2023, Alicia Keys elaborated on how her decision to give up makeup had a tinge of non-conformity. The “Empire State of Mind” singer told InStyle that her heavy makeup use also stemmed from her need to meet deeply ingrained societal beauty standards. So, Keys’ decision to forego cosmetic products also acted as a means to show her resilience against such strict guidelines. However, she later learned that her quest wasn’t about cutting everything out.
“What it’s about is, how do you want to express yourself, and what space do you want to claim for yourself? And what boundaries do you want for yourself?” the singer-songwriter clarified. When Keys began asking herself these tough questions, she couldn’t get a straight answer because she had grown accustomed to seeking external validation. Although it took some time, effort, and reassurance, Keys eventually got to a point where she knew what she wanted.
In her Glamour interview, the “If I Ain’t Got You” hitmaker noted that after giving up makeup, she reconsidered how music industry standards had led her to believe she needed to dress more glamorously to fit in with other artists. But, “That just wasn’t who I was and it will never be who I am. And even as I grow now, and can truly feel comfortable in multiple ways and styles, I still am who I am.” Thankfully, she has no regret about sticking to her guns all these years.