Boss Women in the Beauty Industry

In industries such as beauty and fashion, typically femme associated lifestyles, you would think that women run them. Unfortunately, just like the rest of the business world, some women just receive the short end of the stick. It is also saddening to see that on top of women being discriminated against, women of color are often overlooked as well. It stems from a common phenomena known as intersectionality, or the idea that marginalization occurs ten fold the more the cards are stacked against you based on race, socioeconomic status, sexuality, gender identity, etc.

I find this to be most unfortunate for women who are working hard to create beautiful, breath taking products but receiving next to none of the credit they deserve. For instance, take in the idea of the market for lip products. Kylie Jenner has taken the world by storm (Get it, cause her daughter is named Stormi? Don’t worry I hate myself too) with her matte lip kits. They sell out in minutes, which I find interesting being that they are the worst makeup products on the market. Kylie Jenner is a prime example of a white woman, born into a famous and rich family finding success due to her hard work of course, but also her name. Now think of Rihanna, an international popstar and proud woman of color who created Fenty Beauty. There was significantly less buzz about her products, but still they sold out. Lastly, think of Pat McGrath. She is a renowned make-up artist, and voted on her influence by like likes of Vogue Magazine and more. Despite this, there is little to no social media buzz concerning her newest products, and excellent line of lipsticks.

I find it necessary to speak on this amazing business woman and promote some of the best lipsticks I’ve ever used. A Jamacian native, English woman who worked her way up in the industry since the 1990’s, Pat McGrath, is an inspiration, and a true talent. She worked as a small business woman on the side of her day job in order to keep herself afloat and build her brand in the meantime. She grew with no training or education in the field, and only a love and drive for making beautiful make up for colored women.

After releasing her makeup line in 2015, McGrath found success in the beauty industry, but nearly that of the social media uproar that Kylie Jenner received despite Pat’s superior products. I highly suggest looking more into this amazing talent, and search farther than social media buzz for good products.