Is the Beauty Industry Really Inclusive? Let’s Get Real

Hey love,

We gotta talk. You know how beauty brands have been hyping up diversity, saying they’re all about inclusion, BIPOC representation, and celebrating all skin tones? 

Illustration of diverse hands coming together, symbolizing unity and inclusion in the beauty industry

Well, turns out some of them were just talking the talk, not walking the walk.

The Problem: DEI is on the Chopping Block

Recently, a lot of big companies—Walmart, Amazon, Target—have started quietly pulling back on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Some brands that were all about “amplifying Black voices” in 2020? Yeah…crickets now. And because of that, a lot of Black and Brown beauty entrepreneurs and employees are getting the short end of the stick.

But Wait…Didn’t We Make Progress?

Yes and no. We did see more shade ranges, more Black-owned brands hitting shelves, and more representation in marketing—which is amazing. But real inclusivity isn’t just about slapping a few deeper foundation shades in a lineup or doing a “Black History Month” campaign. It’s about:

☑️ Who’s making the decisions in these companies?

☑️ Are Black and Brown beauty founders getting the funding they deserve?

☑️ Are these brands sticking to their promises, or was it just a trend?

The Good News: Some Brands Are Still Holding It Down

Not all hope is lost, bestie! Some brands, like E.l.f. Cosmetics and Lush, are still pushing for real inclusion. They’re working with diverse creators, keeping prices accessible, and standing behind their values.

What We Can Do

Listen, we hold the power. Our coins matter. If we want true inclusivity in beauty, let’s:

💰Support brands that actually care – Buy from BIPOC-owned businesses when you can.

📞Call out performative actions – We see you, fake allyship.

🤝Hold brands accountable – If they were loud about DEI before, why are they silent now?

At the end of the day, beauty should be for everyone, not just when it’s convenient. Period.

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