Nykhor Paul is tired of white makeup artists not getting it right when it comes to darker skintones.
On a recent Instagram post, she wrote, “Dear white people in the fashion world! Please don’t take this the wrong way but it’s time you people get your $hit right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don’t have to do anything but show up wtf! Don’t try to make me feel bad because I am blue black! It’s 2015, go to Mac, Bobbi Brown, Makeup forever, Iman cosmetic, black opal, even Lancôme and Clinique carried them plus so much more.”
She continues, “… There’s so much options [out] there for dark skin tones today. A good makeup artist would come [prepared] and do [their] research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing it’s insulting and disrespectful to me and my race it doesn’t help, seriously! Make an effort at least! That goes for NYC, London, Milan, Paris and Cape Town plus everywhere else that have issues with black skin tones.”
” Just because you only book a few of us doesn’t mean you have the right to make us look ratchet. I’m tired of complaining about not getting booked as a black model and I’m definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people, shit we started fashion in Africa and you modernize and copy it! Why can’t we be part of fashion fully and equally?”
Well, shots fired! I also wonder: when will the fashion world get it? When will the catwalks and front rows stop being so exceedingly white washed?
I certainly sympathize with her plight. Makeup artists (and hairstylists) should know how to do a whole range of skin tones and hair styles. It’s sad that this continues to be an issue in fashion and worldwide.
What do you think?
I agree with her point. It definitely is ridiculous that some beauty services don’t cater to the needs of women of color. I remember one incident where I was away for a weekend in California at a beautiful resort. I was attending a function and wanted to have my makeup done professionally at the “world class spa” which was highly rated and reviewed. I called them up and inquired about their services and ability to work with darker tones. She assured me they had experience with women of color. Upon arriving there for my appointment, I looked over their selection and hunni….that pale ass, caked up foundation she was trying to use was NOT touching this here face. They may have had the color for contouring use, but you could tell, they wouldn’t have had a clue. I happily went back to my room and beat my face with my own supply. Things need to change.
I saw this post this morning and she’s right! There is no excuse for professional makeup artists not to have a wide range of colors for all skin tones.
Seriously, it’s like all the new age advances we make as a society don’t mean jack – mentally, we’re still stuck in the Dark Ages!
I am glad she spoke up!
Just like white people to change the conversation. Instead of focusing on the unprepared professionals, they want to point the finger at the dark chick. For them it never gets old….
You know vogue haven’t said anything about this situation. If It was a white lady, it would be news. Haute Couture not hiring black models is oke according to vogue. what are these magazines even doing to help these models.