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“There’s a part of me that loves shoes, enjoys dresses, appreciates makeup, and craves a good book. I think this is true for many women. But society often pressures us to only showcase certain aspects of ourselves.” – Inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Family dinner conversations have a way of taking unexpected turns. While discussing grooming practices, I mentioned how historically, women’s shaving has often been used to maintain a visually youthful and docile appearance. My 11-year-old son quickly chimed in, “Mom! So I can run around without a shirt, but Lila can’t?!” Clearly, my point hit home.
With the recent buzz around women and feminism, the media has been abuzz with discussions about how we explain these issues to our daughters. In the entertainment world, Alicia Keys made headlines by launching her #nomakeupmovement, proudly revealing her makeup-free face on her latest album cover. In her essay “Time to Uncover,” she shares a powerful realization: “I don’t want to hide anymore. Not my face, my mind, my soul, my dreams, or my struggles.” This message of empowerment resonates deeply with many.
I personally don’t wear makeup often. In fact, it’s more surprising when I do take the time to put on a face for an audience. My hair is another testament to my carefree style—usually wild and in need of a wash, but I can throw it up in a messy bun that somehow works. I spend about 80% of my time in workout gear, so if success were measured by appearance, I’d be in trouble. But that’s where I draw parallels to my own life.
Alicia’s message transcends just her unfiltered look. She has stripped away layers of protection to reveal her truth: the beautiful and the challenging. She has discovered the immense strength that comes from truly listening to herself and refuses to let societal expectations dictate her choices. Her transformation is about claiming her power and embracing authenticity.
Stella Bugbee, writing for New York Magazine, also noted Hillary Clinton’s choice to appear makeup-free at a post-election press conference after months of adhering to a polished political image. Bugbee states, “Liking lipstick doesn’t disqualify us from being feminists or pursuing a career, but there’s undeniable power in rejecting vanity.”
The themes of empowerment and freedom are prevalent. Individual choice should trump societal norms.
I’m not advocating that women stop wearing makeup or shaving; rather, I encourage a reflection on what motivates our choices. Rosie Molinary, author of Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance, argues that beauty norms are inherently political: “If you’re obsessed with them, you’re oppressed.”
When I’m rushing to get ready for work and my 9-year-old daughter comments, “Mom, you care too much what people think,” I often feel compelled to justify my choices. How do I show her that my appearance is often a professional decision? I dress differently for teaching than I do at home or when coaching at our CrossFit gym. I embrace my multifaceted nature and am comfortable revealing various sides of myself. This doesn’t mean I’m hiding my true self at work.
It’s tempting to ditch the makeup and embrace Alicia’s spirit by throwing on a scarf to hide my messy hair while belting out empowerment anthems, but personal grooming is just the tip of the iceberg. My choices should reflect my power and freedom daily. Responses like “just because” or “that’s how it’s always been” are no longer sufficient.
For now, I’ll continue shaving and occasionally wearing makeup because that’s my personal choice. I don’t need to let my legs resemble my dad’s to make a feminist statement. Instead, I’ll strive to be more conscious of the motivations behind my daily decisions. I’ll start by critically examining my role as a woman in today’s culture, where plenty of issues are waiting for our attention. So, Alicia, let’s uncover some truths together.
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Summary
In this post, I discuss the empowerment I feel when I choose to go makeup-free, drawing inspiration from Alicia Keys’ #nomakeupmovement. I reflect on societal beauty standards, the importance of individual choice, and how my grooming decisions reflect my multifaceted identity. Ultimately, I encourage a deeper understanding of why we make the choices we do, particularly as women navigating cultural expectations.