Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys is poised to introduce her own beauty brand, marking more than four years since she pledged to embrace her natural appearance without makeup for red carpet events and photoshoots. Teaming up with the popular budget-friendly company Elf Cosmetics, the 39-year-old singer is collaborating on a new crᴜelty-free ‘lifestyle beauty brand’ that will primarily focus on skincare, inspired by her personal journey.
The brand’s statement emphasizes the fusion of Alicia’s skincare journey and her dedication to spreading positivity, aiming to initiate discussions about inner beauty, wellness, and connection. The brand promises inclusivity, authenticity, and a range of dermatologist-developed, crᴜelty-free products. The anticipated launch of the brand is slated for 2021.
However, Alicia faced criticism from beauty influencers following the announcement of her partnership with Elf Cosmetics. Influencers, including James Charles and Manny Gutierrez, expressed skepticism about Alicia’s involvement in the makeup industry, given her public shift away from wearing makeup. Their tweets prompted backlash from Alicia’s fans, who defended her decision, emphasizing her expertise in skincare.
Both James and Manny issued apologies to Alicia on Twitter, acknowledging their lack of research and understanding before criticizing the partnership. James admitted to making a ‘childish’ mistake and apologized directly to Alicia, expressing his excitement to support her brand. Similarly, Manny regretted his initial response and acknowledged Alicia’s potential to contribute valuable insights to skincare discussions.
Alicia’s upcoming brand launch marks a significant milestone in her journey toward embracing natural beauty and self-expression. Her decision to venture into the beauty industry reflects her passion for soulful, meaningful connections and her desire to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves. Elf Cosmetics’ Chairman and CEO expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting their commitment to accessibility and innovation in beauty.