Essence Magazine's BESt Sellers List, 2007
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tabou82
Active member
Ok! I'm going to comment because I live in Birmingham and I am attempting to work at MAC in Saks. I think that individuals that choose those colors are maybe a little afraid to step out the box but in no way shape or form do I "loathe" them for it. If people have favorites then it's fine! I love MAC but honestly there isn't much diversity in the way of print advertising. Sure MAC features Black celebs (Mary J. Eve, Missy etc for Viva Glam and Eve Shocks) but for the majority of collections the cover model are oftentimes a caucasian so it can be hard to picture yourself in colors completely polar to what you are so very comfortable with. So it is quite plausible that some women of color gravitate toward more "safe" selections at the risk of not looking clownish or simply not achieving the same "look" as let's say a lighter complexioned person. Personally, I've seen some MAC MA's in a ghastly color selections that do absolutely nothing for their skintone but y'know it's a democracy and people are very much free to choose! Another thing to note, is that the two MAC counters in Birmingham have mostly white MA's who may or may not know which colors compliment Black women but from my experiences while shopping at the counters, I mostly hear white MA's offer amber lights & mythology, oh baby & Instant Gold and chestnut & Cork liner to Black customers. I don't really hear them offer other colors (now I don't spend every waking moment of my life at the counter) and it's such a shame because I think if Black women could see more Black women working at those counters and wearing an array of colors then the selections would definitely be different. In more urban places, where there are Black, Caucasian, Asian, Indian women as well as other ethnicities representing MAC, then women are more apt to step outside the typical color box and really rock out. I think that MA's should be cross-trained in all skin types and ethnicities (if possible) so every woman can say hey I can wear Electric Eel or some other dramtic color. Just my opinion! I am not defending Birmingham because it is a disgustingly stagnant and ultra-conservative place to live but I am defending those women (like my mom and aunts) who are more hesitant to wear something out of the ordinary because their employer may call them into the office for a chat. By the way, I love Amber Lights and Chestnut but I despise Oh Baby!
twobear
Well-known member
I think when black women are first introduced to MAC these are the colors that are most often recommended. I believe in some smaller markets (ie Birmingham) women may not be as apt to experiment with color than in larger markets (Atlanta, Chicago, etc.). I was in my hometown in South Carolina this weekend and I visited their counter to see what they have in stock that had long sold out in the Atlanta market. The MA's about screamed because I had a smokey green eye. They were so excited to see someone OF color IN a color. I think it is truly a shame! Those shades Essence put out are what I call "comfort" shades. Keeps you right in your comfort zone.
twobear
Well-known member
Quote:
How funny! We must have typing at the same time according to the timing of our post. We almost echo each other on our thoughts!
Originally Posted by tabou82
Ok! I'm going to comment because I live in Birmingham and I am attempting to work at MAC in Saks. I think that individuals that choose those colors are maybe a little afraid to step out the box but in no way shape or form do I "loathe" them for it. If people have favorites then it's fine! I love MAC but honestly there isn't much diversity in the way of print advertising. Sure MAC features Black celebs (Mary J. Eve, Missy etc for Viva Glam and Eve Shocks) but for the majority of collections the cover model are oftentimes a caucasian so it can be hard to picture yourself in colors completely polar to what you are so very comfortable with. So it is quite plausible that some women of color gravitate toward more "safe" selections at the risk of not looking clownish or simply not achieving the same "look" as let's say a lighter complexioned person. Personally, I've seen some MAC MA's in a ghastly color selections that do absolutely nothing for their skintone but y'know it's a democracy and people are very much free to choose! Another thing to note, is that the two MAC counters in Birmingham have mostly white MA's who may or may not know which colors compliment Black women but from my experiences while shopping at the counters, I mostly hear white MA's offer amber lights & mythology, oh baby & Instant Gold and chestnut & Cork liner to Black customers. I don't really hear them offer other colors (now I don't spend every waking moment of my life at the counter) and it's such a shame because I think if Black women could see more Black women working at those counters and wearing an array of colors then the selections would definitely be different. In more urban places, where there are Black, Caucasian, Asian, Indian women as well as other ethnicities representing MAC, then women are more apt to step outside the typical color box and really rock out. I think that MA's should be cross-trained in all skin types and ethnicities (if possible) so every woman can say hey I can wear Electric Eel or some other dramtic color. Just my opinion! I am not defending Birmingham because it is a disgustingly stagnant and ultra-conservative place to live but I am defending those women (like my mom and aunts) who are more hesitant to wear something out of the ordinary because their employer may call them into the office for a chat. By the way, I love Amber Lights and Chestnut but I despise Oh Baby! |
How funny! We must have typing at the same time according to the timing of our post. We almost echo each other on our thoughts!
Indigowaters
Well-known member
In protest of the opinions on this board, tomorrow I will wear Chestnut, Amber Lights and Oh Baby.
But really, I like the combo minus the eyes if it's done subtly with colorful eyeshadow. Someone made a point that if you go too outside the box at work, it can be considered a "problem". I don't think I'll ever have that problem since I barely wear it at work, but I don't bash someone for a style they feel comfortable with. Everyone is not going to feel the same way about it, but if we all wore colors and someone went against the grain and wore "neutrals", wouldn't that be "stepping outside of the box"?
NLoveW630
Well-known member
I'm going to write Essence and tell them I want my money back, for not researching the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
I must share this with everyone..today I went to my local MAC counter. Most of the MA's I know but this one was seasonal from what she told me. Any way I explained to her, that I normally wear lipglass and that I felt like I wanted something new..so, I opted for a new lipstick..The first thing she did was reach for a gold lipstick..in mid air I stopped her and informed that gold is not my color and that I'm seeking a Pink or a Coral..she looked at me as if I said something to her in Greek and I know I don't speak Greek. She then told me in so many words..you are on your own, all that I know is that Gold "fits", your skin color..I was left there to find my own lipstick..I ended up getting CB96..when I handed it to her she just looked at me and asked me was I sure about that color.....................like I was making a huge mistake.......
I must share this with everyone..today I went to my local MAC counter. Most of the MA's I know but this one was seasonal from what she told me. Any way I explained to her, that I normally wear lipglass and that I felt like I wanted something new..so, I opted for a new lipstick..The first thing she did was reach for a gold lipstick..in mid air I stopped her and informed that gold is not my color and that I'm seeking a Pink or a Coral..she looked at me as if I said something to her in Greek and I know I don't speak Greek. She then told me in so many words..you are on your own, all that I know is that Gold "fits", your skin color..I was left there to find my own lipstick..I ended up getting CB96..when I handed it to her she just looked at me and asked me was I sure about that color.....................like I was making a huge mistake.......
MACa6325xi
Well-known member
Quote:
You did better than me, because I probably would have walked away if an MA did that to me. Why is "gold" the color that "fits your skin color." It's unfortunate, but people do bring their biases to work with them. You should complain to MAC via e-mail about how you were treated. WOC spend a lot of money on MAC and we need to demand to be treated with diginity and repect.
| Originally Posted by NLoveW630
I'm going to write Essence and tell them I want my money back, for not researching the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I must share this with everyone..today I went to my local MAC counter. Most of the MA's I know but this one was seasonal from what she told me. Any way I explained to her, that I normally wear lipglass and that I felt like I wanted something new..so, I opted for a new lipstick..The first thing she did was reach for a gold lipstick..in mid air I stopped her and informed that gold is not my color and that I'm seeking a Pink or a Coral..she looked at me as if I said something to her in Greek and I know I don't speak Greek. She then told me in so many words..you are on your own, all that I know is that Gold "fits", your skin color..I was left there to find my own lipstick..I ended up getting CB96..when I handed it to her she just looked at me and asked me was I sure about that color.....................like I was making a huge mistake....... |
You did better than me, because I probably would have walked away if an MA did that to me. Why is "gold" the color that "fits your skin color." It's unfortunate, but people do bring their biases to work with them. You should complain to MAC via e-mail about how you were treated. WOC spend a lot of money on MAC and we need to demand to be treated with diginity and repect.
MACaholic76
Well-known member
Quote:
This is so right on. It's difficult though to pinpoint exactly what is to blame for the ALCOB (Amber Lights, Chestnut, Oh Baby) phenomenom.
I guess I'm blessed to work for a manager, who is white (she might want to throw in her Irish/Indian ancestry and blah blah blah, but she's white) and also happens to embrace diversity. When I say embrace, I mean really understand the beauty of our dark skin and the many shades in the color spectrum that truly flatter our complexions. She was actually one of the first women who helped me step out of my comfort box (naked lunch/soba or brown down pattern) and helped see how flattering other shades could be back when I was a customer. I have taken that in with me and really try to help other women of color in choosing and embracing colors that dont have to be necessarily loud, but flattering, and also HOW to apply and wear them so they look good.
But I also believe there is a lot of history behind the use of cosmetics in women of color communities, particularly african americans, that involves a huge mix of bad treatment due to stereotypes at cosmetic counters, lack of foundation shades (a never ending issue), accessibility, and so many other things. Then there is the whole taboo of wearing makeup period...some treat it like it's a sin, whore-ish, and whatnot. Its sad, especially when all men (brothers included) are sitting there drooling over all these celebrities who...yup, you guessed it, enhance their natural beauty with makeup. There is nothing wrong with that but I think it's a process that our communities are still learning. And, our communities are not unique to this...there are also lots of other groups of people (depending on demographics, ethnicities, nationality, race, class status) that probably go through the same things we do.
So, even though we all get aggravated with the pattern, I think we also have the power to educate one another when it comes to beauty, skin care, etc. I get thrilled when I see a woman of color come to my counter who's never worn make up and wants to look and feel beautiful. Whether I put on AL (I swear I try not to use it that much) or Sumptuous Olive or whatever, I think the final goal is to have her look in that mirror at the end and have her go WOW with a smile from ear to ear. Now that's what's up!!!
| Originally Posted by tabou82
Ok! I'm going to comment because I live in Birmingham and I am attempting to work at MAC in Saks. I think that individuals that choose those colors are maybe a little afraid to step out the box but in no way shape or form do I "loathe" them for it. If people have favorites then it's fine! I love MAC but honestly there isn't much diversity in the way of print advertising. Sure MAC features Black celebs (Mary J. Eve, Missy etc for Viva Glam and Eve Shocks) but for the majority of collections the cover model are oftentimes a caucasian so it can be hard to picture yourself in colors completely polar to what you are so very comfortable with. So it is quite plausible that some women of color gravitate toward more "safe" selections at the risk of not looking clownish or simply not achieving the same "look" as let's say a lighter complexioned person. Personally, I've seen some MAC MA's in a ghastly color selections that do absolutely nothing for their skintone but y'know it's a democracy and people are very much free to choose! Another thing to note, is that the two MAC counters in Birmingham have mostly white MA's who may or may not know which colors compliment Black women but from my experiences while shopping at the counters, I mostly hear white MA's offer amber lights & mythology, oh baby & Instant Gold and chestnut & Cork liner to Black customers. I don't really hear them offer other colors (now I don't spend every waking moment of my life at the counter) and it's such a shame because I think if Black women could see more Black women working at those counters and wearing an array of colors then the selections would definitely be different. In more urban places, where there are Black, Caucasian, Asian, Indian women as well as other ethnicities representing MAC, then women are more apt to step outside the typical color box and really rock out. I think that MA's should be cross-trained in all skin types and ethnicities (if possible) so every woman can say hey I can wear Electric Eel or some other dramtic color. Just my opinion! I am not defending Birmingham because it is a disgustingly stagnant and ultra-conservative place to live but I am defending those women (like my mom and aunts) who are more hesitant to wear something out of the ordinary because their employer may call them into the office for a chat. By the way, I love Amber Lights and Chestnut but I despise Oh Baby! |
This is so right on. It's difficult though to pinpoint exactly what is to blame for the ALCOB (Amber Lights, Chestnut, Oh Baby) phenomenom.
I guess I'm blessed to work for a manager, who is white (she might want to throw in her Irish/Indian ancestry and blah blah blah, but she's white) and also happens to embrace diversity. When I say embrace, I mean really understand the beauty of our dark skin and the many shades in the color spectrum that truly flatter our complexions. She was actually one of the first women who helped me step out of my comfort box (naked lunch/soba or brown down pattern) and helped see how flattering other shades could be back when I was a customer. I have taken that in with me and really try to help other women of color in choosing and embracing colors that dont have to be necessarily loud, but flattering, and also HOW to apply and wear them so they look good.
But I also believe there is a lot of history behind the use of cosmetics in women of color communities, particularly african americans, that involves a huge mix of bad treatment due to stereotypes at cosmetic counters, lack of foundation shades (a never ending issue), accessibility, and so many other things. Then there is the whole taboo of wearing makeup period...some treat it like it's a sin, whore-ish, and whatnot. Its sad, especially when all men (brothers included) are sitting there drooling over all these celebrities who...yup, you guessed it, enhance their natural beauty with makeup. There is nothing wrong with that but I think it's a process that our communities are still learning. And, our communities are not unique to this...there are also lots of other groups of people (depending on demographics, ethnicities, nationality, race, class status) that probably go through the same things we do.
So, even though we all get aggravated with the pattern, I think we also have the power to educate one another when it comes to beauty, skin care, etc. I get thrilled when I see a woman of color come to my counter who's never worn make up and wants to look and feel beautiful. Whether I put on AL (I swear I try not to use it that much) or Sumptuous Olive or whatever, I think the final goal is to have her look in that mirror at the end and have her go WOW with a smile from ear to ear. Now that's what's up!!!
Indigowaters
Well-known member
Dang it! Where are your FOTD's? Quote:
| Originally Posted by MACaholic76
This is so right on. It's difficult though to pinpoint exactly what is to blame for the ALCOH (Amber Lights, Chestnut, Oh Baby) phenomenom. I guess I'm blessed to work for a manager, who is white (she might want to throw in her Irish/Indian ancestry and blah blah blah, but she's white) and also happens to embrace diversity. When I say embrace, I mean really understand the beauty of our dark complexions and the many shades in the color spectrum that truly flatter our complexions. She was actually one of the first women who helped me step out of my comfort box (naked lunch/soba or brown down pattern) and helped see how flattering other shades could be when I used to be a customer. I have taken that in with me and really try to help other women of color in choosing and embracing colors that dont have to be necessarily loud, but flattering, and also HOW to apply and wear them so they look good. But I also believe there is a lot of history behind the use of cosmetics in women of color communities, particularly african americans, that involves a huge mix of bad treatment due to stereotypes at cosmetic counters, lack of foundation shades (a never ending issue), accessibility, and so many other things. Then there is the whole taboo of wearing makeup period...some treat it like it's a sin, whore-ish, and whatnot. Its sad, especially when all men (brothers included) are sitting there drooling over all these celebrities who...yup, you guessed it, enhance their natural beauty with makeup. There is nothing wrong with that but I think it's a process that our communities are still learning. And, our communities are not unique to this...there are also lots of other groups of people (depending on demographics, ethnicities, nationality, race, class status) that probably go through the same things we do. So, even though we all get aggravated wth the pattern, I think we also have the power to educate one another when it comes to beauty, skin care, etc. I get thrilled when I see a woman of color come to my counter who's never worn make up and wants to look and feel beautiful. Whether I put on AL (I swear I try not to use it that much) or Sumptuous Olive or whatever, I think the final goal is to have her look in that mirror at the end and have her go WOW with a smile from ear to ear. Now that's what's up!!! |
Indigowaters
Well-known member
Well I guess by looking at this you can tell I can step out of the box every once in a while:
In this photo I used Cushy l/l, Honeyflower and Nymphette for a neutral lip because my eye makeup was "heavy". The only reason I used Cushy was to distinguish my face color from my lip color (both the same pigment) because I think it would look strange like lipstick was on my face rather than my lips. Anyone else have this problem?
In this photo I used Cushy l/l, Honeyflower and Nymphette for a neutral lip because my eye makeup was "heavy". The only reason I used Cushy was to distinguish my face color from my lip color (both the same pigment) because I think it would look strange like lipstick was on my face rather than my lips. Anyone else have this problem?
MACa6325xi
Well-known member
Indigowaters, I love that FOTD. I think I'm going to have to get Honeyflower lipstick. What colors are you wearing on your eyes and cheeks? You look beautiful.
I'm curious to know what other MAC counters in other cities are selling to WOC?
I'm curious to know what other MAC counters in other cities are selling to WOC?
Indigowaters
Well-known member
Thank you!!! Go here: http://specktra.net/showthread.php?t=57946 Quote:
| Originally Posted by MACa6325xi
Indigowaters, I love that FOTD. I think I'm going to have to get Honeyflower lipstick. What colors are you wearing on your eyes and cheeks? You look beautiful. |
MACaholic76
Well-known member
Indigo, that FOTD looks like HOTNESS! I love the lip combo. Honeyflower is one of the only 2, yes 2, lipsticks that I own. It's so purrty!
Oh I have so many FOTDs but I used to post them all on MakeupAlly (no longer post there...dont even ask :roll
. I did post a couple of looks on here but I'm too shy to post again. Hehehe.
Oh I have so many FOTDs but I used to post them all on MakeupAlly (no longer post there...dont even ask :roll
Indigowaters
Well-known member
Thank you! *runs to MakeupAlley* Quote:
| Originally Posted by MACaholic76
Indigo, that FOTD looks like HOTNESS! I love the lip combo. Honeyflower is one of the only 2, yes 2, lipsticks that I own. It's so purrty! Oh I have so many FOTDs but I used to post them all on MakeupAlly (no longer post there...dont even ask :roll
|
MACaholic76
Well-known member
Quote:
Naw girl, like I said, I deleted all my stuff outta there!
| Originally Posted by Indigowaters
Thank you! *runs to MakeupAlley* |
Naw girl, like I said, I deleted all my stuff outta there!
L281173
Well-known member
Quote:
I will be sending comments to them on this issue. I think that black women need to adopt rich wild color into their makeup pallettes
| Originally Posted by NLoveW630
I'm going to write Essence and tell them I want my money back, for not researching the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I must share this with everyone..today I went to my local MAC counter. Most of the MA's I know but this one was seasonal from what she told me. Any way I explained to her, that I normally wear lipglass and that I felt like I wanted something new..so, I opted for a new lipstick..The first thing she did was reach for a gold lipstick..in mid air I stopped her and informed that gold is not my color and that I'm seeking a Pink or a Coral..she looked at me as if I said something to her in Greek and I know I don't speak Greek. She then told me in so many words..you are on your own, all that I know is that Gold "fits", your skin color..I was left there to find my own lipstick..I ended up getting CB96..when I handed it to her she just looked at me and asked me was I sure about that color.....................like I was making a huge mistake....... |
I will be sending comments to them on this issue. I think that black women need to adopt rich wild color into their makeup pallettes
Twinkle_Twinkle
Well-known member
I want a backup of Honeyflower now. It is so pretty.
Quote:
Quote:
| Originally Posted by MACaholic76
Indigo, that FOTD looks like HOTNESS! I love the lip combo. Honeyflower is one of the only 2, yes 2, lipsticks that I own. It's so purrty! Oh I have so many FOTDs but I used to post them all on MakeupAlly (no longer post there...dont even ask :roll
|
NLoveW630
Well-known member
Now see where were you Ms. Indigowaters yesterday?? I would have gotten that lipstick Honeyflower..I don't wear lipsticks, I'm a lipglass junkie..I'm trying to be a big girl now so, I need some help in that area..HELP!! any suggests ladies..on lovely lipstick shades..
