The Lack of Diversity in the Cosmetics industry: The industry's inability to cater to dark skin explored.

Abstract

This thesis focuses onindividuals, mainly African Americans, who usecosmetic products, with an emphasis on the effects of the lack of color diversity. Through discrete online interviews, I explore their perceptions of the past and current state of the cosmetics industry, its awakening toinclusivity for all, and their feelings based on underrepresentation in the beauty industry. The cosmetics industry is not an area of research the average person would go to seek information regardinginequality. However, it is a voidthat exists and may continue if it is not addressed. The beauty industry today lacks diversity and inclusivity within cosmetics brands. It would do well to recognize and emulate the way a line such as Rihanna's Fenty Beauty footsteps offers an evenly spread gradient of shades to fit all skin tones, as frequently, this does not happen. For example, Beauty Blender, a well-established company known for its cosmetic tools that are staples in women of all races makeup collections, recently released their first skin product. The product was a makeup foundation with a range of 32 shades. However, within this seemingly wide range, only six shades are designed for women with a medium to dark skin tone. To add insult to injury, when confronted about the shade range by disappointed consumers via Instagram, Beauty Blender representatives responded by not understanding the problem at hand. I quote "@sherrilltan86 we hear you but the image on trend moods post has a wacky filter and doesn't give a true representation of our shade range" (Wischhover 2018). However, when the official launch of the product took place, the shade range was in fact accurate. Many other brands are also responsible for not catering to deeper skin. Because of this, individuals with skin tones on the darker end of the shade spectrum are unable to use many advertised products. I feel this problem stems from the predominant, media-fueled stereotypes and often subconscious views of colorism. I conducted a study through the use of on paper interviews that examines the effects of the lack of diversity in the beauty industry on ethnicities and individuals with deep skin tones could aid in future progress to encourage inclusivity and diversity. The result displayed a disapproval for the past and currents examples of diversity and inclusion.