Why R We Always Left Out?!

[Raerae]

opout:

Just a thought...

Have any of you thought of putting together a business proposal and starting a line of makeup geared towards women of color? Apparently there is an obvious need for the products. And maybe it's an opportunity for a savy individual to tap into a niche market that has been neglected up until this point.

And who would be better at knowing the challenges that women of color face, than someone that would use the product? I know it would have a lot more credibility than if someone like me were too try to convince an investor(s) about the need and income potential from maketing such a product.

Since I'm sure there is a need for more than just foundation. There is prolly new formula's of eyeshadows that could be developed to better show pigment on darker skin, or more colorlines that compliment darker skins, not to mention collections geared towards women of color with more useable shades and products.

Just thought I would pop in, since while I dont have the problems you all might have, I would totally freak if I woke up one day and no foundation matched my skintone, so something needs to be done.

*hugs* wish yah luck. Every woman needs good coverage, regardless of skincolor.

 

[Dreamergirl3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeganGMcD My skin is olive complected. Not YELLOW undertoned, Not PINK undertoned. Yellow undertones turn orange on me Pink turn pepto bismol. Just because my skin isn't super dark does not mean I am not olive. I am super tired of foundation.

I SO feel you on this one!!! A too-yellow foundation makes me look jaundiced, and a pink one..well, you said it best, "Pepto!"
There are a few cosmetic companies that are geared toward people of olive skintones, mostly Latin-based. But they're way overpriced.
Olives unite!

 

[Katura]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexypuma shopping for bras is such a pain! everytime i spot a cute bra, they don't have my size. they try to make me wear 34b. i am a 32c and 34b just doesn't fit properly! my boobs always come out of the cups. then they try to make me understand that the size is unusual but I am sure i am not the only one having this size so why can't we find bras???

Thank you!!! I'm a 32DD. TALK about impossible. I walked into victorias secret one day and they were like..."Uhm...32DD? Is that proportionally possible? I mean, we dont carry stuff that big and that small at the same time..." and me: "I'm standing right here! It's definatly possible!"

I hate grandma looking bras....ewwwy.

Thanks to the girls who posted sites for cute ones! I'll be checking them out!

 

[ceelovejay]

I second the fig leaves rec for bras. I'm a 38DDD right now, but when I was having children, I went as high up as a 40FF. Figleaves was a godsend. Also, Wacoal is a great brand for all sizes but they also sell pretty bras in bigger sizes. They're pricey but I love my Wacoals. lol

 

[MAC_Pixie04]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raerae opout: Just a thought... Have any of you thought of putting together a business proposal and starting a line of makeup geared towards women of color? Apparently there is an obvious need for the products. And maybe it's an opportunity for a savy individual to tap into a niche market that has been neglected up until this point. And who would be better at knowing the challenges that women of color face, than someone that would use the product? I know it would have a lot more credibility than if someone like me were too try to convince an investor(s) about the need and income potential from maketing such a product. Since I'm sure there is a need for more than just foundation. There is prolly new formula's of eyeshadows that could be developed to better show pigment on darker skin, or more colorlines that compliment darker skins, not to mention collections geared towards women of color with more useable shades and products. Just thought I would pop in, since while I dont have the problems you all might have, I would totally freak if I woke up one day and no foundation matched my skintone, so something needs to be done. *hugs* wish yah luck. Every woman needs good coverage, regardless of skincolor.

thats actually a career objective of mine, however as a 19 year old full time college student with two part time jobs, I have limited and time and resources to do it at this particular point. but after college, my mom's already agreed to put me through cosmetology and aesthetician school, and after that i'll be on my way. it's really frustrating to have to search for a foundation for your skintone, skintype and coverage needs and not be able to find one without either going completely out of your way or spending a ton of money.

 

[Beauty Mark]

I think a South Asian woman has slowly put out a line (very small) of makeup for various women of color. She's a makeup artist.

Sephora online used to have this brand of makeup called Maven, and it looked like it had a decent range of shades. I don't know what happened to it.

 

[ebonyannette]

^I saw that line but I didnt know what it was, Very Cool. I wonder how the quality is?
Im surprised that Mally Beauty doesnt have more complimentary shades for women of color as well. Seeing as how the developer is Asian.

 

[FacesbyNiki]

Hey, I just found this section!

 

[calbear]

In regards to starting your own line - the business side of starting your own line is just crazy. There seem to be a million lines out there right now that say they have shades for women of color but they really don't. SO the competition for shelf space at your local Wal-Mart is fierce. It's easier to be an established line and start a 'dark girl' section. The only problem with that - is the line will not bring in the money of it's lighter counterpart so if they have to sacrifice something either due to a slow economy or fierce competition - the 'dark girl' line is always the first to go. Which is why sooo many women of color would go back to find their favorite color and the whole line would be gone.

This is all beside the points of getting the money for start up, getting your name out there, establishing a client base in the already crowded makeup field. (especially now that only about three companies own all the big makeup lines so they have the capital to crush you AND QUICKLY)

It really sucks - I've taken to getting my serious mixing on to get the perfect shade. (I know when Iman started modeling she had to do this since most MUA's didn't have a shade suitable for her)

 

[calbear]

sorry double post ;-)

 

[lsperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebonyannette ^I saw that line but I didnt know what it was, Very Cool. I wonder how the quality is? Im surprised that Mally Beauty doesnt have more complimentary shades for women of color as well. Seeing as how the developer is Asian.

I’m an NW45. I thought the same thing --- woman of color would have complimentary shades for women of color. So, back in January 2006, after seeing a presentation she did on QVC, I ordered a set of hers – two eyeshadows and a blush in “rich” [rich is her term for dark or deep.] I was very disappointed when I received it – they were so light and looked ashy on my skin. I gave it to my NC30 niece and she looked fantastic in it. So, I guess “rich” is anyone with a skintone of NC30/35 or lighter. Also, around the 1st of Sept, I received the “Mally Beauty Fall 2006 Color Collection - Runway Diva” -- another of her eyeshadow/blush kits [I forgot I had originally ordered the auto-delivery plan.] These colors are also too light and the finishes are matte and ashy. I gave the kit to my niece. Needless to say my niece loves me. [I called QVC to cancel the Spring 2007 kit.]

Also her concealer in “rich” looks white under my eyes. Had to send it back. Hopes this info helps about her product line. I’ve learned my lesson about ordering anything off QVC because I should’ve noticed none of their “women of color” models’ skintones are darker than an NC or NW 30/35. I wrote them about that and now when they make their presentations, they have started saying the colors are for “lighter skin African-American women”.

 

[Me220]

I've heard about a brand that's targeted toward African-American women, called Ada Cosmetics. It's mineral makeup, mostly foundation and blush, with different undertones and colors. They provide sample kits: I haven't got one yet just because I don't wear foundation regularly. I like that the blushes are named after prominent women of color.

There's also MilanMinerals. I haven't tried it, but I've heard postive things about it. And the website is very helpful. HTH a little. I'm thinking of trying the mineral makeup thing.

 

[lsperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Me220 I've heard about a brand that's targeted toward African-American women, called Ada Cosmetics. It's mineral makeup, mostly foundation and blush, with different undertones and colors. They provide sample kits: I haven't got one yet just because I don't wear foundation regularly. I like that the blushes are named after prominent women of color. There's also MilanMinerals. I haven't tried it, but I've heard postive things about it. And the website is very helpful. HTH a little. I'm thinking of trying the mineral makeup thing.

Oooohhhh! I visited both websites and bookmarked them. The colors look promising. I gave up on mineral makeup after trying several different shades of Bare Mineral Bare Escentuals. No matter what shades I mixed together, I never could get a match – too dark, too light, etc. And besides, I don’t like playing that much with make-up to find something that works for me. I’m dependent on foundation because I have blotchy skin. And I tried experimenting with mineral makeup because I work outside a lot – in the Fall/Winter, it doesn’t matter, but in the Summertime [with a hard-hat on] liquid make-up tends to run down my face when I’m in 95 degree-90 percent humidity weather visiting construction sites. So let us know about the samples and colors. I’m interested.

 

[ebonyannette]

Yes I agree with you on that Isperry, QVC and HSN use lighter skinned women of color and pass it off as "dark" and Im like if thats dark then what am I?!!! I think they do it on purpose because like Calbear said its not really "economical" for them to make shades for darker people.

And also its like the "token" just so that darker people dont feel excluded its like "see theres something for everyone" knowing good and well it wont fit alot of people but they focus on the ones it will work for I guess.

Thanks Me220 for the links!!

 

[lia_matos]

Another mineral cosmetic brand that should be considered is Alima , they have a lot of foundations colors , from the ghost-pale girl to the darkest-ebony one.

 

[L281173]

Why R We Always Left Out

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebonyannette Arggh!!! I have a gripe about cosmetics companies. I always read and hear these rave reviews on a product and then I go to get it and they dont make my shade! Whats up with that?! how hard is it to make colors for darkers skin tones? It obviously must be VERY difficult because only a few brands have make up for dark skin tones worth buying. Its pretty upsetting to have your hopes up for a particular foundation or product only to go to the counter and they either look at you with that "we have nothing for you look" or they "just try" their darkest color on you, knowing good and well it will do nothing but make me look ashy. I mean things are getting better, and honestly alot of companies have come a long way but I think alot of dark skin women dont wear make up because of the hassle of trying to find their shade or when they do find their shade its a formulation that breaks them out. I know plenty of people like that young and old. Why cant cosmetics companies get their acts together? So thats my gripe for the day, if anyone has any comments or suggestion I would appreciate it

There are many great black owned cosmetics lines out there.

http://www.lachaecosmetics.com

http://www.azaniacosmetics.com

http://www.aularale.com

http://www.elessiacosmetics.com

http://www.veramoorecosmetics.com

http://www.whenwewerequeens.com (My cousin owns the line known as Cinderella's Wishes)

http://www.astartecosmetics.com

http://www.dudleyq.com

http://www.astartecosmetics.com

http://www.milanminerals.com (great mineral based cosmetics)

http://www.greatfacecafe.com

http://www.lewouricosmetics.com

http://www.moccacosmetics.com

 

[Bootyliciousx]

Yeah I think overall the cosmetic market usually tragets non ethinic women. A lot of the stuff out there caters to non ethnic women. I also think we are more hestiant, speaking for myself, to try color, or bring dark bold colors. Its hard to find eyeshadows and blushes that look good on us. You know, but I think when it comes to drugstore brands that are targed toward African American, Indian, and Ethnic women tend to be way better than normal drugstore makeup and can even compete with department makeup because its pigmented and textured nicely.

 

[Bootyliciousx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by L281173 There are many great black owned cosmetics lines out there. http://www.lachaecosmetics.com http://www.azaniacosmetics.com http://www.aularale.com http://www.elessiacosmetics.com http://www.veramoorecosmetics.com http://www.whenwewerequeens.com (My cousin owns the line known as Cinderella's Wishes) http://www.astartecosmetics.com http://www.dudleyq.com http://www.astartecosmetics.com http://www.milanminerals.com (great mineral based cosmetics) http://www.greatfacecafe.com http://www.lewouricosmetics.com http://www.moccacosmetics.com

ohhhhhhhhhhhho thankyou Sascha Cosmetics or Sasha Cosmetics, besides there foundations, are for ethnic women. There foundations are not good.

 

[Beauty Mark]

I wonder if it has to do with a money/power thing. These are generalities, because I know there are exceptions, but I wonder if the more mainstream brands in the US tend to make cosmetics that don't suit darker skins because most of the money is concentrated among a paler (read: white) group. The people with more money are more likely to buy extravagances, so makeup companies cater to them.

I also wonder if the people who are making makeup are predominantly white, so they're not as in tune with issues of making cosmetics for POC. I'm not saying that I think they decide to not make the cosmetics, but they may just be unaware of the different issues. To some extent, it is fair enough, because I've experienced POC makeup artists who aren't Asian who don't know how to deal with finding my foundation color or playing up my eyes.

 

[BinkysBaby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beautiful1 Becca Is My Holy Grail I Loveeee Her Line! And She Is Not Even Black, She Is Australian! Now Check That Out! She Hit It Right On The Head With Not Only Her Foundations, Her Powders, Lip Glosses, Everything! She Has Rocked It Out For All Skin Tones There Are A Number Of Foundations For Darker Skinned Women, The Problem Is That People Only Go With The Obvious And A Lot Of Times They Don't Have It Right! There Is Another Holy Grail Line That I Found Just Rocks Like Fire It It Is Called Gerda Spillman, Another Line That Has All Skin Tones. I Had The Privilage Of Being Turned On To This Cream Foundation When I Was Doing Some Fashion Shows. Gerda Spillman Is Pricey But She Got The Darker Colored Foundations Down To A Science (Another Woman Who Is Not Black) I Don't Wear MAC Foundations Because I Find That They Don't Wear Well, On Myself Or On Other People That I Am Doing Make~up On (Plus With MAC You Have To Mix And Match The Foundations To Get The Perfect Match And Not Only That Black Women Tend To Have Different Things Going On With There Skin, So Our Skin Most Of The Time Calls For More Than 1 Foundation To Be Used). I Have Been Doing Some Extensive Research On Darker Toned Foundations So I Will Do My Best To Keep Everyone Posted!

Yes, yes, yes!!! You hit the nail right on the head. I was just introduced to Becca about a month and a half ago at Sephora. I was a little apprehensive to try it but it is awesome. The application is smooth and effortless and it blends so beautifully.

For a long time, I used only MAC studio tech and studio fix but the the studio tech is so heavy. And everytime I used it, I broke out with tons of pimples. I do have very acne-prone skin so I don't want to blame it on MAC but with Becca I never break out.

Oh, and Estee Lauder Double wear is great too. Especially if you have acne-prone skin and oily skin. And it's transfer-resistant. There are only a few dark colors but they do have my color (I'm NW 45).

Becca is the bomb!