What Is True Inclusivity Within The Beauty Industry?
A beauty company has been criticized for releasing a foundation that resembles black paint, raising questions about real inclusivity.
True inclusivity within the beauty industry involves embracing and celebrating diversity. This means ensuring that products and company practices reflect and cater to various identities and needs.
Fenty Beauty and Haus Labs are great examples of beauty brands promoting true inclusivity. They have done a lot to change the game by having a wide range of shades for different skin colors.
The Youthforia Scandal
TikTok never fails to bring it to our attention when a brand doesn't work towards being inclusive. Some videos go viral, leaving companies with no alternative but to produce more shades.
Influencers expressed their concerns towards beauty brand Youthforia, saying they were not inclusive enough. The range of shades they offered was not up to the standard of other brands in the United States.
With constant protest from the audience, Youthforia decided to listen and promote true inclusivity within their products by adding darker shades.
When the foundation range was released, people were not happy.
Content creator, Golloria, tested the two darkest foundations in the release (shades 590 and 600). Golloria concluded that there could have been at least ten more shades between the two. There was no undertone or depth to work with the darkest one. She compared the foundation to actual black paint and said the skin tone wouldn't suit anyone.
Others in the comment section defended the artistry of cosmetics, saying the foundation should be mixed with another to achieve the desired skin tone.
Influencers took on the task and mixed the deepest shade with a whiter one. The result left a gray color to work with instead of a true dark-skin undertone. People wondered if Youthforia did this out of spite, being fed up with people asking for more, while others saw this as a cruel marketing scheme.
Beauty of All Colors, Shapes, and Sizes
Youthforia serves as an example of a failed attempt to be inclusive. Whether this was a marketing tactic to gain more sales or not, Youthforia received negative attention.
Since the incident, there is more awareness of true inclusivity within the industry due to people speaking out. Until now, there has been no response or apology from the Youthforia team.
We hope that beauty standards for greater inclusivity shift, making everyone feel welcome and seen.
Connect with Facebook