Yesterday, Alicia Keys did something almost unthinkable for a celebrity. She attended a red carpet event – the MTV VMAs no less – without a scrap of makeup on her face. For the second time.

It’s a lifestyle decision the singer announced a few months ago in a Lenny Letter, after she was photographed bare faced for her album. Not only did she find it empowering, but also started a movement, causing many others to share their own #nomakeup selfies.

“Cause I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing,” she wrote.

Since then, Keys has been true to her word, including going about her work as a coach onThe Voicesans makeup. It’s earned her much praise from fans and critics alike for her ‘bravery’ to challenge societal expectations.

But after she stepped onto the red carpet last night, the reaction from many was quite different. It seems not everyone is impressed by her decision – and plenty took to social media to say so.

Alicia Keys needs to shut up about her no makeup bullshit.

— ….. (@mimi_afc) August 29, 2016

This is horrible, let the woman live pic.twitter.com/ER5wvXrdSr

— Jack Mull (@J4CKMULL) August 29, 2016

I agree. You look good without make-up. It’s not brave. It’s good skincare, and dentistry, and genes. https://t.co/JYHh8QeRo6

— Lindsay Campbell (@ihardlyevrtwat) August 29, 2016

In since deleted tweets, one user called Alicia Keys and the no-makeup movement “annoying and imaginary” while others were offering makeup ‘advice’ to Keys including that she should have worn concealer.

Alicia keys did look like a hobo but I respect the no make up shit! That shit itchy & it take too long!????

— Krys (@thatkryssy) August 29, 2016

Alicia Keys and this no make up thing is BORING, cause true say when you had severe acne you wasn’t on any no make up shit

— alanta. (@agjxcv) August 29, 2016

The older Alicia Keys isn’t as pretty.. or is it cos she got no make-up on?! ????

— Cing’fansba Ndim (@Xookza) August 29, 2016

Fortunately there were plenty more who loved Keys’ refreshing attitude to makeup.(Post continues after gallery.)

VMA 2016 red carpet fashion

I love @aliciakeys no make up look. Showing girls its beautiful to be you is one of the greatest things to teach them.

— Glenna (@Glenna_mac) August 30, 2016

I love Alicia Keys’ no make up deal. It’s her choice. Now, let’s hope this doesn’t turn into yet another “pit women against women” ploy.

— Tomris Laffly (@TomiLaffly) August 30, 2016

Alicia keys is absolutely glowing w her no make up thing I don’t understand how she’s actually being berated for it let the woman live lolll

— Yas (@wheresyasmin) August 30, 2016

Keys has since responded to those criticising her decision, delivering a powerful response to end any confusion about what she’s trying to achieve.

Y’all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn’t mean I’m anti-makeup. Do you! ???????? pic.twitter.com/Mg0Ug9YA9q

— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) August 29, 2016

As she says, whether you wear makeup or not is not the point. The important part is whichever you choose, it’s exactly that – your choice. And Keys has made hers.

Image: Getty.