In recent years, we’ve heard the term universal shade tossed around quite a bit in the beauty industry. Brands often label certain products, like lipsticks, blushes, or foundations, as being suitable for everyone. But does a universal shade really mean it can be worn by everyone, regardless of skin tone? Or is it just another buzzword that’s used to mask a deeper issue of inclusivity—or the lack thereof?
The Concept of Universal Shades
The idea behind a universal shade is simple: one product that flatters all complexions. Sounds great, right? On paper, it’s a dream come true. But in practice, things get a bit murky. In reality, no single shade can work for everyone in the same way. Our skin tones are diverse, and what looks gorgeous on one person might fall flat on another. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to beauty, but the industry often treats it that way.
So, who decides when a shade is truly universal? Is it the brands, the makeup artists, or influencers? And more importantly, what qualifies as “looking good” in a shade? Beauty standards are not only subjective but are also deeply influenced by media and societal norms. We’re often told what looks good through a limited lens—usually one that doesn’t consider the full spectrum of skin tones.
Golloria and the “Universal” Controversy
One influencer who’s been making waves in this conversation is Golloria, who recently sparked a heated debate simply by asking for a product that was truly universal and inclusive. Her question seemed simple: Why can’t we have products that work for all skin tones? But that question triggered backlash. Some critics accused her of being difficult, while others praised her for shedding light on a real issue.
It’s frustrating to see how asking for inclusivity, which should be a given, can spark controversy. But Golloria’s experience is far from unique. Many of us who’ve worked in the beauty industry or simply as consumers have faced similar frustrations. We’ve been sold the idea of a universal product, only to discover that it wasn’t designed with us in mind.
My Experience in Retail: Half the Products Weren’t Made for Me
This brings me back to my time working in retail for a top prestige beauty brand. As someone who worked directly with customers, I was expected to recommend and sell products that I, myself, couldn’t even wear. Half the products on the shelves weren’t created for people with my skin tone. I was limited to certain shades or formulas that didn’t always meet my needs.
Imagine working for a brand that prides itself on diversity and luxury, only to realize you’re excluded from the very thing you’re helping to promote. It’s a common experience for many of us with deeper skin tones. This wasn’t just a personal issue, either. Customers of color would come in, excited to try something new, only to leave disappointed because the brand didn’t offer anything that matched their complexion.
The idea of “universal” should mean everyone—not just a small slice of the market.
What Does Universal Mean to You?
At the end of the day, what should a universal shade mean? For me, it’s about creating products that work across a spectrum of skin tones—not a single product that everyone is expected to wear the same way. It’s about considering undertones, depths of color, and the diverse needs of people everywhere. It’s about true inclusivity, not just marketing buzzwords.
So, I want to ask you: what does universal mean to you? Is it possible for a single product to meet the needs of everyone, or should the beauty industry be focusing on creating a wider range of products that cater to different individuals? Let’s start an honest conversation about what true inclusivity looks like in beauty, because it’s long overdue.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep pushing the industry to be more than just inclusive in name, but in action as well.
Until next time, beauties—stay bold and stay you.