Additional Coverage:
- A ‘Shark Tank’ beauty brand was criticized for lacking deep foundation shades. It tried to fix it and made it worse. (newsbreak.com)
**Youthforia Encounters Backlash over Controversial Foundation Shade**
Youthforia, a beauty brand known for its innovative approach to cosmetics, is now at the center of a growing controversy over its latest foundation shade. The product, intended to expand the brand’s inclusivity to cater to deeper skin tones, has instead sparked a heated debate within the beauty community. Critics have condemned the darkest shade in the range, labeled “shade 600,” for its unrealistic appearance and lack of suitable undertones, with some comparing it unfavorably to “tar.”
This backlash comes after Youthforia previously faced criticism for not offering a diverse enough range of foundation shades for individuals with deeper complexions. The brand’s attempt to address this oversight with shade 600 has been met with disappointment and frustration from those it aimed to serve.
Content creator Golloria George was among the first to voice concerns, dubbing the product “tar in a bottle” in a candid review. George emphasized the significant absence of appropriate undertones in the formulation, a crucial aspect of creating a foundation that truly matches and enhances naturally deep skin tones.
The reaction from the beauty community has been swift, with fans and other content creators rallying to demand greater inclusivity and sensitivity in the development of cosmetic products. Many have pointed out the challenges that individuals with deeper skin tones face in finding suitable makeup options, underscoring the importance of genuine representation across the beauty industry.
Adding to the controversy, Youthforia reportedly struggled to find a model to represent shade 600 in their marketing materials, further drawing criticism for their approach and highlighting the disconnect between the brand’s intentions and the realities of product development and representation.
In response to the mounting criticism, the founder of Youthforia has taken the dramatic step of making her Instagram account private, seeking refuge from the widespread backlash.
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for brands to engage with and listen to all segments of their consumer base, ensuring that attempts at inclusivity are both meaningful and respectful. The conversation ignited by Youthforia’s controversial foundation shade underscores the ongoing struggle for representation in the beauty sector and the critical need for brands to foster authentic connections with their audiences.