Today, I want to take you on a journey that many brown girls like me can relate to – the search for ideal makeup in both Western countries and right here in our home turf in Asia. It’s a quest that often feels like searching for a unicorn – finding makeup that truly caters to diverse skin tones and celebrates our unique beauty.
Let’s dive deep into the struggles we face with whitewashed foundations and concealers, the lack of brown makeup options that leave us frustrated, and the judgmental incidents we’ve faced at beauty salons. But don’t worry, it’s not all gloom and doom! We’ll also explore the triumphs and propose solutions for a more inclusive and accepting beauty world.
Shades That Don’t Reflect Our Beauty
In Western countries, the beauty industry’s limited range of foundation shades is disheartening, leaving us feeling invisible and marginalized. Brown girls come in a spectrum of stunning tones, but it seems like the makeup industry only recognizes a fraction of our diversity. From drugstores to high-end brands, it’s a struggle to find the perfect match for our skin tone, making makeup shopping a daunting experience.
We find ourselves blending different shades, mixing products, and hoping for the best, all in an effort to achieve a seamless look that feels like a true representation of who we are.
Navigating The Lack Of Brown Makeup: Close To Home In Asia
One would think that in Asia, where brown skin is more common, finding makeup that complements our unique features would be easier. However, the reality is that many local brands still fall short in providing diverse shades, leaving us feeling left out of the beauty landscape.
Instead, we are bombarded with a plethora of products designed for lighter skin tones, perpetuating the notion that fair is more desirable. The lack of representation in the beauty industry, even in our own region, sends a clear message that our beauty is not valued, and it’s time for a change.
Judgment At Beauty Salons: A Heartbreaking Reality
Now, let me share a couple of incidents that left me feeling judged and misunderstood. Visiting beauty salons should be a relaxing experience, but for many brown girls, it can quickly turn into a judgmental encounter. From the moment we step in, we are met with inquisitive glances, as if our brown skin is a curiosity that needs to be examined. The worst part is when beauticians assume they know what’s best for us without even bothering to ask. Countless times, I’ve been recommended whitening treatments and creams, even when I didn’t ask for them. As if my brown skin needed fixing or lightening to be considered beautiful. It’s disheartening to feel like we have to explain and defend our natural skin tone, which should be celebrated and embraced just as any other.
Uplifting Brown Beauty: The Need For Awareness and Acceptance
It’s high time we address these issues and raise awareness about the beauty of diversity. As brown girls, just like anyone else, we deserve to find makeup that celebrates our unique skin tones and makes us feel seen and valued. We should not feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards that don’t represent us. The beauty industry has a long way to go, but our voices can make a difference.
Moving Towards A More Inclusive Beauty World
Moving towards a more inclusive beauty world is not just a distant dream; it’s a mission we can all embark on together. As consumers, we hold immense power in our choices, and supporting brands that prioritize diversity and representation can create a ripple effect in the industry. Let’s support brands that embrace diversity and cater to all skin tones. By raising our voices and choosing products from inclusive brands, we send a strong message that representation matters. Supporting brown-owned beauty brands and demanding diverse shade ranges can make a significant impact.
Furthermore, when we visit beauty salons, let’s express our preferences and needs clearly. Educate them about the beauty of our brown skin and discourage whitening treatments that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Beauty salons should be safe spaces where we feel empowered and celebrated.
Lastly, we can join hands with like-minded individuals to advocate for policies that encourage diversity and representation in the beauty industry. Pressure on the industry to adopt more inclusive practices, including diverse advertising and hiring models, can lead to significant change.
Embrace Your Beautiful Brown: It’s Time To Shine
So, my fellow brown beauties, let’s embrace our uniqueness and wear our skin with pride. Let’s demand makeup that truly reflects our beauty, not just in Western countries but also right here at home. By coming together and pushing for change, we can create a beautiful world that celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone with open arms. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and redefine beauty standards for generations to come! Let’s uplift brown beauty and celebrate the richness of our diverse skin tones because we are beautiful just the way we are.