Interesting article about makeup on WOC.

Nov 19, 2015

Teodora R.

Even tho I'm obviously not a woman of color,I just thought this was so interesting and had to share it... (hope I put it in the right category)
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ninamohan/I-got-a-glam-look-at-five-different-makeup-stores-and-this-I#.deaP5AVrb

Nov 19, 2015

Alexis C.

SA, essentially if you're anything other than white (whether it's European or American) you're considered a person of color. I'm not sure what you mean by "white Latinas"?

Teodora, what an interesting article! I've heard that being a WOC and getting your makeup done (or even finding your own makeup to use) can be annoyingly difficult because a lot of these makeup artists don't really know how to work with/play up features and skin tones that are darker than their own. It really shows that if you're serious about becoming a makeup artist you should know how to work with WOC as well (:

Nov 19, 2015

Teodora R.

@Alexis : Totally agree! It also depends on the country where you live...For example here,in Serbia,there are prolly just 1% or even less ppl of color,so they can't even find foundation shade,not even a close one...So I guess a MUA here not knowing how to do makeup on a woc is understandable,but in the USA for example its just weird to me how ppl still are not skilled enough,as I saw a lot of ashy foundation tones on this girls face and it just isnt flattering.Bare in mind that the ppl that did her makeup are all considered profecionals-not to be a party pooper,but I expected more...
I remember Shelly had posted a similar topic not long ago,the one about beauty standards in Korea,so just thought I should share this too,hope you girls find it interesting atleast :)

Nov 19, 2015

Amber B.

As A WOC this is my daily life and in sucks. It's very hard to find makeup to match me most of the time I have to "make it work" plan. I've gotten my makeup done a few times(one at Mac, Sephora, & Nordstroms). Each time having a different look not really something that I want. No bold lips, patchy gray looking foundation and gold eyes (while I love gold) it shouldn't be a default look. It sucks that when I walk in to my favorite drug store and there is 1001 shades of beige but 1 darker shade labeled deep. When I first started wearing make up I keep it very safe per what the MUAs and both Mac and Sephora told me. Brown/gold eyes simple natural lip ect. Until I started to educate myself and branch out like: Hey I WANT BARBIE CAKE FACE TOO!! If I need help from a MUA I often bring picture of myself and some of my favorite products as a guide of what I want.

Nov 19, 2015

Roz X.

I'm inclined to share your curiousity, SA. My half-Mexican friend is as pale as me and she does not *personally* define herself as a WOC...yet still embraces both of her parents' cultures. I respect her feelings, but I don't want to derail such a helpful thread. I look forward to seeing if this has helped other members of the forum. :)

Very interesting article, Teodora. The photo swipes and her humor in conjunction with her tips make this a must read. I learned quite a bit myself!

I find some of the choices the MUAs made for "glam"... strange. The MAC makeover was creepy and changed her skin completely, but she is quick to point out this was the MUA poor choice, and not fault the brand. Clearly she relates product line favs, but wow, what a cop out on some of their lip and eye choices for a look that was to be "bold" and for "evening"!!

My friend/stylist did some work for "Dancing with the Stars" and they specifically chose her because they wanted someone with impressive experience working on WOC. I honestly feel like some of the choices/work fell seriously short and hope this serves as an eye opener as a whole. Thank you for sharing!

Nov 19, 2015

Roz X.

Amber, you are rightfully frustrated. Even drugstore brands with huge, global parent companies, offer very few deep shades...despite the knowledge that a huge amount of their customer base is being excluded.  

Nov 19, 2015

Teodora R.

SA,just to be sure,I wasnt trying BY ANY MEANS to be racist,or what not. Be sure that I'm not that type of person,on the contrary that kind of behavior sickens me. English is not my first language,so if there's any other term for women with darker than the average-of-all-the-skintones skintone,feel free to correct me. I just don't want this thread to end up as some racy whatever,that was so not the point.

Nov 19, 2015

Roz X.

Teodora, there is absolutely no need to defend yourself. The woman who wrote the article specifically says that she is a "Woman of Color" and she identifies as such...as do many many members here on the forum who benefit from information you have kindly and thoughtfully shared here.

SA, I wouldn't take it upon myself to define what constitutes a WOC; I merely was sharing my frend's personal self-views.

I agree with Teodora that this thread's purpose and intention is to be helpful rather than serve as an exact definition of what and what does not constitute WOC. I am sorry if you feel that you are perhaps confused with what you feel comfortable identifying yourself as, but I would not approach this valuable article or topic from a defensive stance.
We are a family here of sorts that respects women and men of every color...and so perhaps the focus should remain there. I wish you a lovely day.

Nov 19, 2015

Roz X.

Exactly, Teodora!! That's what kind of look I was expecting. Ugh..that model is stunning. I thought they'd rock her out of the box...haha
Even the eyes, they played it SO safe. For me, a wing is dramatic and glamorous, but they really took a route that left much to be desired. I'm glad the woman was able to find a look she felt beautiful in because that's what it is all about. No good if the outside isn't a reflection of how we feel on the inside.  :)

Nov 19, 2015

Taylor G.

I love this article. Very enlightening but also disappointing that so many do not know how to deal with darker skin tones. Perhaps it could be related back to the "white washing" of Hollywood.

Nov 20, 2015

Ari M.

WOC isn't just about skin color it's about race
So there are white Latinas who shouldn't be using the term WOC
I'm a WOC not just because I'm brown but because I'm Asian

Nov 20, 2015

Tiffany B.

Preach Jacqueline. So obviously I agree with Jacqueline. "that's simply not true, and on some level another form of stereotyping. A professional makeup artist should know how to work with every skin type and tone, and unfortunately some just don't, so I can understand the trepidation; however, the way I see it, the 'proof is in the proverbial pudding,' so it's not wise for anyone to assume a skill level based upon the color of the artist's skin. " <--- so true and I see it often. @Teodora thank you for sharing. Now as a makeup artist for mac I am truly appalled by the application the artist chose for this beautiful woman.

Nov 20, 2015

Amber B.

Tiffany I am not. Not to say there aren't some amazing MUAs at Mac but the 3 times I got my makeup done there by various ppl. I always end up looking crazy. The last time I went the young lady was like you look absolutely amazing. reminiscent of Kelly Rowland. So I was excited!! When I looked in the mirror I LOOKED LIKE A CLOWN. I was mortified.

Nov 20, 2015

Tiffany B.

Amber I'm sorry to hear that you had that experience not only once but three times. Unfortunately as Jacqueline stated above not every artist know how to work with every skin type and tone. As I stated above, the application that this young lady received was less than satisfactory.