Another day, another beauty brand claiming to be inclusive while completely missing the mark. Recently, YSL Beauty(Yves Saint Laurent Beauty) found itself in the hot seat over its latest collection of liquid blushes. Marketed as “universal”. Universal shades that exclude certain skin tones? Check again.
Black women are tired of being left out of the so-called universal beauty conversation. When TikToker Golloria George, known for testing beauty products on deeper skin tones, tried on the blushes, it was clear that the product wasn’t designed for anyone with melanin. Yet, brands continue sending these products to dark-skinned influencers to try out, knowing they won’t work. Why do they keep doing this? Is it just to spark controversy and generate conversations around their products rather than actually addressing inclusivity issues? It’s frustrating, but unfortunately, it’s not surprising.
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The ongoing struggle for inclusivity in beauty
For Black women with darker skin tones, the beauty industry has often been a frustrating space to navigate. While some products work perfectly for lighter complexions, many women with deeper skin tones are left disappointed as products like the new Yves Saint Laurent blushes either appear chalky or fail to show up altogether. This situation is yet another example of how beauty brands frequently miss the mark when it comes to creating truly inclusive products for all skin tones, especially for those on the darker end of the spectrum.
In her viral TikTok video, Golloria pointed out the chalky, white base of the blushes, noting, “None of these are going to work on skin as dark as mine… Take it back to the lab.” Her observation resonated with many who echoed her sentiments of frustration. It’s hard not to feel sidelined when products marketed for “everyone” clearly exclude certain individuals.
False advertising
The irony here? YSL positioned these blushes as inclusive, featuring campaign images showcasing models with rich, melanated skin. However, let’s be honest—those images were likely retouched beyond recognition. The disconnect between the marketed visuals and the real-life experience of women like Golloria couldn’t be more glaring. Why is it that every time a beauty brand claims to cater to all, we’re left with products that aren’t made for us?
This kind of false advertising is damaging because it gives the illusion that the brand cares about catering to all skin tones. When in reality, it’s just a surface-level attempt to appear inclusive without making the necessary effort. It’s not about genuine representation—it’s about selling a narrative to seem progressive, even if the product itself fails to meet the needs of the people they claim to serve.
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This issue transcends just one product launch; it highlights a systemic problem plaguing the beauty industry. Despite its frequent proclamations of inclusivity. The industry continues to fail Black women. Creating truly inclusive products requires more than a catchy marketing slogan; it demands genuine commitment. That means hiring diverse teams at every stage of product development, testing on a variety of skin tones, and delivering honest marketing messages.
A call for accountability
YSL should have known better. This blush went through multiple stages of development, and not one person thought, “Hey, will this actually work on dark skin?” This lack of consideration points to a broader failure within the beauty industry. The absence of Black women in key decision-making roles results in products that overlook our needs and preferences.
Moreover, the silence from YSL in the wake of this controversy is equally troubling. Despite the outcry, the brand has yet to address the backlash, leaving many feeling dismissed. It feels like a slap in the face—a stark reminder that they are willing to profit from our money but unwilling to listen to our concerns.
Beauty brands must understand that diversity is not just a checkbox to tick but a vital component of their development and marketing strategies.
As Black women, we will continue to call out brands that fail to meet our needs and demand products that are genuinely inclusive. We deserve nothing less than to see ourselves represented in every facet of the beauty industry—from the formulation process to the final marketing campaign. Until brands like YSL recognise the importance of this, the conversation about inclusivity will continue, and we will not be silenced.
