Alicia Keys Explains Controversial No-Makeup Appearance at 2016 MTV VMAs

Alicia Keys surprised her fans and fellow artists after she attended the recent 2016 MTV Video Music Awards without wearing any makeup. After her decision to go all-natural at the event attracted mixed reactions, the "Girl On Fire" singer took to Twitter to clarify her stance about cosmetic products.

At the event, Keys went onstage to present the Best Male Video award to Calvin Harris. She also paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. through a poem and a song. Aside from these, another factor that caught the attention of viewers was the artist's no-makeup look.

For many people, Keys' decision to not wear makeup even at her public and televised appearances is very empowering, especially for women. Some even said that Keys is starting a revolution to change the perception of beauty.

Others, however, are not so supportive. During and after the MTV VMAs on Sunday, some individuals blasted Keys for not wearing makeup. Some of them said that she should get off the stage while others doubted the no-makeup trend.

Due to the buzz generated by her appearance, Keys took to Twitter to clarify her stance on makeup. According to the artist, her decision not to wear cosmetic products doesn't necessarily mean that she is against wearing makeup. She also implied that the trend is all about being yourself.

Keys' decision to ditch wearing makeup started in May when she wrote an article for Lenny Dunham's Lenny Letter. In the article, she talked about doing her first album cover photoshoot barefaced, as instructed by a photographer named Paola. This inspired her to make a commitment to not wear makeup wherever she goes. This was the reason why she always sports an all-natural look even in her television appearances such as on The Voice.

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Alicia Keys