My Thoughts: Alicia Keys #NoMakeup Challenge

I had to join the conversation and discuss the #NOMAKEUP Movement.

If you know me, you know I have NEVER been a fan of makeup! I could never get my eyeliner just right or blend my foundation perfectly. IDK, but I have watched hundreds of youtube makeup/beauty tutorials but my face is NEVER THAT BEAT!

"I felt powerful because my initial intentions realized themselves. My desire to listen to myself, to tear down the walls I built over all those years, to be full of purpose, and to be myself! The universe was listening to those things I'd promised … — "I felt powerful because my initial intentions realized themselves. My desire to listen to myself, to tear down the walls I built over all those years, to be full of purpose, and to be myself! The universe was listening to those things I'd promised myself, or maybe I was just finally listening to the universe, but however it goes, that's how this whole #nomakeup thing began." -Alicia Keys

The No Makeup face is my everyday look and now it is becoming a trend! First, Kim Fields had a "Beatless Brunch" where she invited her Real Housewives of ATL castmates to fellowship over a meal and celebrate their natural beauty. She did ask them ahead time to attend the event wearing minimal to no makeup. Kenya Moore was very vocal about how offensive Kim's no makeup request was and how this brunch was a jab to the whole group.

I have followed Alicia Keys, 15X Grammy Winner and Mom, on Instagram for a couple years now and I'm a HUGE fan of her music. She has recently started her personal #nomakeup journey vowing to not wear makeup during photoshoots or performances. Alicia Keys wants to stop meeting the expectation of perfectIon and wearing a mask. She has received so much backlash and negative feedback from this stance.

I think people are misconstruing the message that Alicia Keys and Kim Fields are trying to convey. I have read comments stating that Alicia Keys can go without makeup because she is prettier than the average woman! WHAT?!? Yes, Alicia Keys is gorgeous, bi-racial and light-skin; however let's not forget she is human and still struggles with insecurities and expectations put on her because of her career. If anything she has more pressure to be ON and perfect. These two women aren't raising the standard and shaming makeup wearers. This movement isn't to throw another persons ideals of beauty at you. They are creating a message of self-love and acceptance! Your bare face is beauty! Period. Yes, you can choose to wear makeup, contour your nose, and apply fake lashes. But, don't forget you were created in GOD'S IMAGE. You were beautiful before the bronzer and concealer.

"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!" -Alicia Keys

It seems like Alicia Keys and I are on the same journey. Let's create a YOUTH GENERATION that has a strong self worth. They are secure in their abilities first and image second.

Let's focus more on Building our SOUL instead of Marketing Our FACE!

Here is my #nomakeupchallenge photo: