Colors of the Cosmetic Community

Fenty Model, Slick Woods. Source: : https://www.glamour.com/story/slick-woods-profile

Fenty Model, Slick Woods. Source: : https://www.glamour.com/story/slick-woods-profile

Mika Bonnick, Contributor

Cosmetic brands such as Fenty Beauty have raised the bar for diversity in the makeup community. From models of all sizes to the wide range in skintones, companies have shown us that it is far from impossible to create makeup that applies to everyone. Unfortunately, the brands that provide the diverse, quality products are charging you for that caliber. Products of Fenty Beauty are notably more expensive than brands such as Pixi Beauty. A bottle of Fenty Beauty foundation averages at $39.00, while Pixi’s Beauty Balm (foundation) averages at $22.00. Pixi’s foundation range is also significantly smaller than Fenty’s. Pixi’s Beauty Balm only has six different shades, compared to Fenty’s 50, this goes for their concealers as well. Diversity isn’t only limited to their makeup. The models that each company uses proves to differ as well. Fenty’s models include Hamila Aden, a Somalian-American model, who is known for being the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA Pageant, and Simone Thompson , also known as “Slick Woods, who is known for their gapped teeth, bald head, and tattoos. Models that have collaborated with Pixi such as Louise Rose and Promise Tamang are similar in body type have lighter skin tones. However Pixi is justified a bit when it comes to their products, because Fenty’s net worth is almost twice as much as theirs. The company has more funding, so they are able to formulate more inclusive cosmetics. However, Pixi beauty has been around 15 years longer than Fenty, which should’ve been more than enough time to look into creating more inclusive shades. The exemption Pixi is given for their limited shades does not transfer to their lack of diversity when it comes to their models. In my opinion, cosmetic brands should prioritize making products that appeal to everyone. I give cosmetics for people of color a 7/10.