Results: Alicia Keys Goes Without Makeup To Video Music Awards And Receives Criticism

In a quiet stand for gender equality, singer Alicia Keys went to the Video Music Awards last Sunday, wearing no makeup. She didn't make a big deal about it, and it was her personal statement on how our society has a double standard for women, expecting them to get all made up, and as such, shouldn't have garnered much attention. However, Twitter reaction was contrary. She was urged to "not take it too far", "put on at least some mascara" and all the way to suggestions that her choice to go without makeup is a "personal affront". Do you think if a woman chooses to not wear makeup to an event such as this, she should be called out on it?

Alicia's decision to not wear any makeup stems from the recent postings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter calling for women to "be brave enough to go makeup free". Do you think women in this day and age are "brave" to go out in public without makeup?

You may think it was not brave of Alicia Keys to go without makeup, but don't forget she is a part of a very critical industry. "Every time I left the house, I would be worried if I didn't put on makeup," she wrote. "What if someone wanted a picture?? What if they POSTED it??? These were the insecure, superficial, but honest thoughts I was thinking. And all of it, one way or another, was based too much on what other people thought of me." So she made a vow to appear without makeup every time she went out in public. Alessia Cara also made a vow to remove her makeup every time she sang her song "Scars To Your Beautiful" which is all about empowering young women to realize they are beautiful exactly the way they are, inside and out. She and Alicia Keys feel it is a small step in the right direction in this image obsessed industry and world we live in. Do you agree?

The fashion and beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that perpetuates the idea that if you don't look as good as the women on the magazine covers, you need to buy their products. Do you agree that it is time for us women (especially younger women) to quit obsessing about our looks, makeup and fashion, and allow our inner beauty to shine through?