Alicia Keys Stuck to Wearing Barely Any Makeup at the 2019 Met Gala and Looks Stunning
A fresh-faced, glowing goddess.
![Hair, Facial expression, Fashion, Beauty, Hairstyle, Skin, Dress, Event, Shoulder, Red carpet,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4rvyTDb9CfpCKe3jH9p3DN-1024-80.jpg)
In 2016, Alicia Keys decided to ditch the notion of needing to wear makeup to feel your best. Even for the biggest occasions, like her 2016 album cover, magazine covers, and every carpet for every award show she's walked since, she's proudly baring it all. I've tried Keys' no-makeup makeup approach before with the products her makeup artist at the time told me she used, and it is not easy. She stayed true to her natural, minimal makeup memo this evening at the 2019 Met Gala. And let me tell you, her confidence at an event where everyone else is wearing completely done-up, over-the-top makeup is truly inspiring.
On tonight's red carpet, it looks like she's wearing a sheen on her eyes for a subtle, light-catching shine, mascara, and a swipe of gloss or a balm of some sort. In terms of face makeup, her skin looks seemingly untouched—although, there might be a dab of highlighter on there somewhere to amp up her luminous glow. Either way, it's the most natural look of all looks tonight.
It would be wrong if we didn't talk hair. This fabulous style Keys is wearing so well was prepped by stylist Jawara with a good blow-dry and then diffused courtesy of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer professional edition ($400).
She looks regal, and doesn't need a trace of makeup. You, reading this right now, also don't need makeup either. Makeup is fun, fabulous, and empowering. And you should certainly have your way with it. But always remember that it's an added bonus to enhance your natural beauty—by no means is it a necessity. Even on the fanciest night of fashion, Keys is proof that this statement holds so much truth.
Sure, she has access to the top skincare experts in the business and definitely gets the most expensive facials on a regular basis. But that doesn't mean your skin can't look just as good. Stick to a regimen that works for you, and be consistent. Thank you, Keys, for this glowy skin red carpet moment that's making me get my ass off the couch right now to wash this makeup that's been on my face all day. Goodnight!
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES
Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
-
This Fake-It-Till-You-Make-It Product Is Key to the Clean Girl Aesthetic
For glass-like skin that glows from within.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
I Scrolled Through Over 1,000 Products in Nordstrom's Winter Sale—These 15 Are Worth Your Money
Happy shopping.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Rihanna Makes a Rich-Girl Coat Trend Feel Surprisingly Cool
Quite an accomplishment.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Zoe Saldaña’s Red Nails and New Ombré Hair Match Her $3,495 Shoes
The actor is a master of the monochromatic look.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
Billie EIlish’s Makeup Routine Is Surprisingly Wearable and Lasts for Hours
Her makeup routine is full of drugstore staples.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Drunk Elephant Recalls Three Best-Selling Skincare Products Following an Ingredient Mix-Up
Here's how to know if yours were compromised.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Burberry Beauty's All-Time Classics Finally Relaunched at Nordstrom
Here's how to shop reviewer-vetted products first.
By Halie LeSavage Published