Welcome back to Fifty Shades of Nude!!! There has been a lot of criticism recently when it comes to the lack of variation of skin tones for face makeup (foundation, concealer, face powder, etc.) in the cosmetic industry. The beauty industry is failing people with dark skin. It is impossible for complexion makeup lines to consist of one color of 'nude'. There are thousands of different skin tones, and don't forget about individual undertones too! It wasn't until 2017 when superstar Rihanna released her makeup line with high-end brand Fenty Beauty consisting of 50 different shades of foundation where other makeup brands finally started to question their own range of foundation tones. This has been called the "Fenty Effect" as noted by Genelle Levy from global news (February 2020). Many high end and drug store companies have received backlash since the release of Rihanna's Fenty line for their lack of range and while many companies and have only since expanded their ranges because of this so-called "Fenty effect" for if they would not have expanded their ranges they would have lost a lot of business, because at this point... there is no absolutely reason not to.
Once again I find it absurd that it has taken up until 2017 for changes to be made in the beauty industry in order to be inclusive of all tones and undertones that are non-white. There are still cosmetic companies that have yet to expand their range of tones. That is not okay. Let's just talk briefly about the fact that this was not even considered by makeup brands until there was a threat of loosing money. Anyone can wear makeup, when was it decided that there are only three skin tones? Who decided that? Why did people (white people) actively encourage it (by continuing to buy companies products) and ignore it?And why has it taken so long for this notion to change???
If Rhianna hadn't taken the initiative to start this chain reaction of change (although it is mild and slow), who knows when this small change would have happened. I want to emphasize again that this only happened THREE YEARS AGO....THREE. Its mind boggling how much white privilege can evoke a sense of control and power when it comes to this notion that "white is better," especially when it comes to these big companies and their products, and for what? This phenomenon just further exposes the systemic roots of racism everywhere. If these companies really wanted to profit and make the most money, you think they would want to have an insane range of colors to make sure that everyone CAN buy their products, but no they are going to uphold ancient values that have continued to make their mark on men and women of color everywhere. Next time you go to the store to buy makeup, I suggest looking at the brand and their company morals before investing and supporting a companies who continues to uphold the values of systemic racism.
-HV
You are spot on Hannah...