5 make-up brands by people of colour that embrace diversity and inclusivity, celebrate boys, trans, any skin tone, including one from YouTube’s Patrick Starrr
- Beauty brands are becoming more inclusive, and are launching collections and campaigns that celebrate diversity and the right to representation
- We take a look at five labels, from one created by Filipino-American beauty vlogger Patrick Starrr to another by Priyanka Ganjoo of Ipsy Glam Bag
There’s a whole new bunch of make-up brands launching collections and campaigns that celebrate diversity, inclusivity and the right to representation.
We take a look at five, from one created by a YouTuber with 4.3 million subscribers to another that celebrates South Asian culture and beauty.
Jessica Blackler, founder of Jecca Blac
Who? The London-based make-up artist with a background in film and television is the founder of gender-free, vegan brand Jecca Blac.
Why? Blacker felt that the needs of trans women were not being met or were being misrepresented by the industry. She decided to offer a judgment-free space for anyone who feels neglected by existing make-up brands.
Highlights: In 2020, Blacker and her team launched Trans Festival, an annual event that brings the transgender community and allies together in a celebration where they can learn about the brands supporting them and meet inspiring guests and activists.
Where can I get it? Jeccablac.com.
Amy Liu, founder of Tower 28
Highlights: Tower 28 claims to be the only make-up brand that fully complies with the US National Eczema Association’s list of no-no ingredients. Liu herself says that, since using Tower 28, she no longer needs steroids to control her eczema.
Where can I get it? Revolve.com and tower28beauty.com.
Sharon Chuter, founder of Uoma Beauty
Who? Nigerian-born Sharon Chuter is the founder, CEO and creative director of Uoma Beauty and she’s on a mission to redefine the rules of inclusivity and diversity.
What? Uoma Beauty offers a broad and revolutionary make-up range. Chuter’s African heritage is the pillar of a collection of products infused with fierce modernity and a fresh aesthetic that are suitable for all skin tones.
Why? Everyone has experienced being left out in some way. Uoma was created for those who have felt overlooked because of the colour of their skin, their sexual orientation, their bodies, hobbies or gender.
Highlights: In 2020, Chuter launched “Pull Up For Change”, a viral social media campaign that challenged brands to publicly share the number of black employees at their companies and identify their leadership roles.
Where can I get it? Uomabeauty.com.
Priyanka Ganjoo, founder of Kulfi Beauty
Who? New York-based beauty business veteran Priyanka Ganjoo is a notable name in the industry thanks to her work as general manager of the Ipsy monthly subscription service Glam Bag.
Why? Growing up, Ganjoo’s relationship with make-up was mainly determined by Eurocentric brands that took inspiration from South Asia without representing the diversity of its community. She created Kulfi Beauty as an alternative to those – one that would embrace and empower South Asians.
Highlights: In April 2020, the brand launched Kulfi Bites, a platform where people can share stories of relatable and inspirational South Asians.
Where can I get it? Kulfibeauty.com.
Patrick Starrr, founder of One/Size
Who? Filipino-American beauty vlogger Patrick Starrr has a YouTube channel that boasts 4.3 million subscribers, where he challenges the stigma surrounding men wearing make-up.
What? Starrr launched One/Size in 2020 with his motto in mind – that make-up is one size fits all – to encourage people to understand how beautiful they are through their vulnerability.
Why? Growing up, Starrr often felt excluded from make-up. He decided having his own brand would allow him to set his own rules – to allow anyone and everyone to feel part of a community, to redefine beauty standards and to elevate the voices of the under-represented.
Highlights: On top of his social media endeavours, Starrr is also the name behind The Beauty Coop, an influencer agency that helps emerging talent navigate the industry.
Where can I get it? Sephora.hk.
