By: Lizzy Tetteh-Ocloo (’21), Staff Writer
African American women embracing the beauty of their skin tone has never been as powerful and influential as it is today. This, however, was not always the case for a majority of dark-skinned women. Lack of self-confidence among dark-skinned women is an issue that continues to taint the black community. From the colorism within our community to the racism encountered in larger society, dark-skinned women continue to struggle with self-confidence due to their complexion. Colorism causes lighter skinned black women to be viewed as more attractive than darker skinned women. This is often damaging to dark-skinned children who grow up having lower self-esteem.
However, black women have reached a huge milestone in the beauty industry thanks to Rihanna. Rihanna’s new makeup line, Fenty Beauty, has taken the beauty industry by storm. Rihanna has proclaimed how foundation diversity was a mission on her mind in the development of Fenty, and she has not failed with the 40 shades revealed in her line. At her launch Rihanna stated, “I just wanted things that I love. And I also wanted things that girls could fall in love with, of all skin tones.” Often the search for the right foundation shade is one that is daunting for women of darker shades. If it is not settling for a shade that is a couple hues too light, then it is reluctantly grabbing the darker shade that doesn’t have a perfect blend.
Fenty Beauty is also giving black women much-needed representation. Having such representation is empowering and plays an essential role in the conversation of black female visibility. The inclusion of women of all skin tones is refreshing to see in mainstream beauty.
