Girls get a lot of hate for wearing make-up. We get called “cake-face” and “fake,” with boys telling us they’ll take us swimming on a first date so they know what we really look like, but why does make-up have a bad reputation? And why are celebrities in the public eye beginning to wear no make-up at all?

Alicia Keys, a public figure, began this movement by not wearing any make-up to an award show this past year. This caused much controversy with viewers and she received many hate tweets saying she looked like a mess and to “put on some concealer.”

Despite the criticism, other celebrities have jumped on board with this trend including Kim Kardashian and Alessia Cara. Kim Kardashian is known for her elaborate makeup, so it’s shocking such a pop-culture leader, who has such high beauty standards, would follow a trend like this.

Alicia Keys has spoken on the controversy this trend has caused by stating, “Cause I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul…Nothing.” She also states in one of her new songs titled When A Girl Can’t Be Herself, “Who says I must conceal what I am made of/ Maybe all this Maybelline is covering up by self-esteem.”

The criticism these women have received for wearing no make-up makes it seem as if women wear make-up for the attention of other people. As if we are seeking approval by spending an hour each day putting on foundation and mascara.

I’m speaking on behalf of myself and the girls I know when I say, I do not wear makeup for other people.

Makeup has the ability to make women feel confident and for some, is considered art. I think celebrities going with these no makeup looks is a powerful movement to show men and other women that makeup is not worn to impress other people and is solely for yourself. This is not to say that if you’re one of those people that would prefer going to school with bronzer and winged eyeliner, that you’re wrong. If that is what makes you feel beautiful, then you should do that. People should feel comfortable in their own skin and if that means wearing no make-up at all that’s fine. You shouldn’t do something just because everyone around you is doing it or because you think you’ll be accepted.

The goal is not to tear women down, the goal with this trend is to embrace whatever makes you feel comfortable and I agree with Alicia Keys and her views on this topic. So in end, what makes you feel like yourself?