Cosmetic Management Alumnae Speaks About How to Create Positive Change in the Makeup Industry
Cosmetic Management graduate and beauty specialist Leo Williamson and fashion and business program student Felicia Gunnis were featured in a Capital Current article addressing the need for drugstore cosmetic brands to be more racially inclusive in their product lines.
"Even when drugstore cosmetic brands do carry a shade that might suit a deeper complexion, often the undertone is wrong, or the preferred formula is not carried because of the sparse selection," said Leo. I think right now we’re really in a stage of performative activism. Many brands are saying they believe that inclusivity and diversity are important, but their products do not display that. It’s (not) genuine and it reflects through their commodities.”
“It’s always been a struggle finding darker shades especially by brands like Revlon, CoverGirl, Maybelline and so many others that are carried by drugstores,” said Felicia. "With the advancement of technology, there is no excuse for cosmetic companies to not promote diverse and darker-skinned models on their social media platforms."
Leo says that to see change, drugstore brands also need to promote and uplift Black voices by listening to them and giving them a platform.
Read more on "Drug store cosmetic brands failing to cater to many BIPOC consumers" in the Capital Current here.
Leo Williamson
Felicia Gunnis