How the Beauty Industry Can Be More Inclusive
Embracing All Shades
As makeup enthusiasts and cosmetics lovers, we know the power of beauty products to make us feel confident, empowered, and ready to take on the world. But for too long, the beauty industry has centered its standards around a narrow definition of beauty, often leaving out those with darker skin tones. It's time for a change. Here's how the beauty industry can be more inclusive:
1. Decenter Whiteness
The first step towards a more inclusive beauty industry is to decenter whiteness as the default standard of beauty. For centuries, Western beauty ideals have dominated the global stage, but it's crucial to recognize that beauty comes in all shades. By embracing and celebrating the diversity of skin tones, we can create a more equitable and representative beauty landscape.
We need to see more dark-skinned models gracing the covers of magazines, walking the runways, and starring in beauty campaigns. While we’ve seen more dark-skinned and multicultural models featured, there still aren’t nearly enough. Representation matters, and when we see ourselves reflected in the beauty industry, it sends a powerful message that we are valued and beautiful just as we are.
2. Acknowledge the Beauty of Dark Skin Tones
It's not enough to simply include more diverse models in beauty campaigns. We must also actively acknowledge and celebrate the unique beauty of dark skin tones. From the rich, deep hues to the luminous undertones, dark skin is stunning in all its variations.
As a community of beauty lovers, we have the power to uplift and support one another. Let's use our voices and platforms to showcase the beauty of dark skin, to share our favorite products and techniques, and to inspire others to embrace their natural radiance.
3. Include Dark-Skinned Beauties in Product Development
One of the most significant ways the beauty industry can become more inclusive is by valuing dark-skinned beauties enough to include them in the product development process. For too long, many cosmetics brands have treated darker skin tones as an afterthought, offering limited shade ranges or formulas that don't cater to the specific needs of melanin-rich skin.
It's time for brands to invest in research and development to create products that work for all skin tones. This means conducting extensive testing on a diverse range of skin tones, listening to feedback from dark-skinned consumers, and formulating products with ingredients that nourish and enhance dark skin.
When we feel seen and valued by the beauty industry, it empowers us to embrace our unique beauty and to demand better from the brands we support.
A Call to Action
Change starts with us. As makeup enthusiasts and cosmetics lovers, we have the power to shape the future of the beauty industry. Let's use our voices to advocate for more inclusive beauty standards, to support brands that celebrate diversity, and to uplift and empower one another.
Together, we can create a beauty industry that celebrates all shades, that makes everyone feel seen and valued, and that empowers us to embrace our natural beauty. Let's continue to push for progress, to demand better, and to create a more inclusive and equitable world, one shade at a time.