The YSL blush controversy sparked an important conversation about inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry, particularly when it comes to creating makeup products that work for women of color. The incident began when Golloria George, a popular TikTok user known for testing foundations and blushes on her dark skin tone, reviewed Yves Saint Laurent’s latest range of blushes. What followed was not just an avalanche of online reactions but a broader discussion about how certain products, particularly blushes, often fail women with deeper complexions.
What Is The YSL Blush Controversy?
Golloria George, who built her platform advocating for better shade inclusivity for Black women, shared her review of YSL’s new blush range in a TikTok video. She swatched five shades from the collection and found that none of them complemented her deep skin tone. In her video, she pointed out that all the blushes seemed to have a white base, making them unsuitable for her complexion. George’s critique wasn’t just about her personal disappointment but highlighted a larger issue: many mainstream beauty brands still do not consider the needs of women with darker skin when developing products.
The specific shade that caught the most attention was Lavender Lust, a pale lavender-pink colour. While this shade appeared somewhat flattering on lighter models, it did not translate well on darker skin tones, leaving a white cast instead of the intended soft glow. This misrepresentation led to a backlash from women of colour, who felt excluded by the shade choices and formula of the product.
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Why Brown Girls Should Take Note
For women with darker skin tones, the YSL blush controversy serves as a cautionary tale when shopping for blush. It highlights the importance of paying attention to the base colours of blushes. The controversy is a reminder that blushes typically have different undertones or “bases,” which are critical in determining how the product will appear on various skin tones.
White-Based Blushes: Blushes with white bases, like the ones in the YSL collection, can often leave a chalky or ashy look on darker skin. These types of blushes work better for lighter skin tones, where the white pigment blends seamlessly. However, on medium to dark skin tones, these blushes do not offer the same payoff, resulting in a dull or unnatural appearance.
Blue and Orange-Based Blushes: For women with medium to dark skin tones, blushes with orange or blue bases tend to work best. Orange-based blushes complement warmer undertones commonly found in brown skin, providing a natural, sun-kissed look. Meanwhile, blushes with blue bases, often found in deeper pinks and purples can offer a more vibrant and flattering pop of colour on darker skin, without the risk of a white cast.
Would you ever try such a blush colour similar to the YSL one?