The growing discussion about inclusion in fashion and beauty reflects a significant cultural change. Once dominated by large corporations, the industry now sees a diversification of voices that redefine consumption patterns and interactions with fashion and beauty products.
Golloria George, a beauty influencer with more than 1.5 million followers on TikTok, recently expressed her dissatisfaction with the Youthforia brand in a video that has amassed more than 2.4 million views. In his series “The Darkest Shade”, George tests the darker shade of brand baselines to see if they match his complexion. According to George, Youthforia's darker shade was considerably lighter than the one advertised online, failing to match her skin tone.
George, known for her honest and critical approach to the beauty industry, didn't spare Youthforia in her video. This wasn't the first time that the influencer exposed inclusion issues in beauty brands. In 2023, when Youthforia launched the Date Night Skin Tint Serum Foundation, George and other creators like Christina Abiola pointed out that none of the 15 shades available adequately catered to darker skin. The reaction on social media was quick and intense, forcing Youthforia to issue a statement classifying the release as a “proof of concept”, promising to add more tones in the future. However, that explanation left many black and brown consumers feeling like an afterthought.
Fiona Co Chan, founder of Youthforia, responded to the criticism, acknowledging that the initial launch didn't align with the brand's mission to celebrate individual beauty. In a previously removed video, Fiona explained the difficulties encountered in finding models with darker skin tones, describing the process as “very stressful” and calling for modeling agencies to be more inclusive.
The growing discussion about inclusion in fashion and beauty reflects a significant cultural change. Once dominated by large corporations, the industry now sees a diversification of voices that redefine consumption patterns and interactions with fashion and beauty products. This transformation is crucial, as fashion and beauty not only shape aesthetic norms, but also influence social perceptions about identity and belonging.
Therefore, the struggle for broader and fairer representation goes beyond simple product choices; it is a social movement that seeks to dismantle stereotypes and prejudices. By questioning and overcoming regulatory standards, the industry can begin to redress the historic exclusions and marginalizations of diverse groups, promoting true inclusion in all spheres.
