In the words of the incomparable Onika Tanya Minaj, “You can’t out do the doer.” I don’t think there has
ever been a better sentence to describe the journey of black women in beauty. Despite living in a world
that is undoubtedly largely controlled by European beauty standards, the very existence of black women
has changed cultural tides and laid the blueprint for future beauties and bombshells alike. And much like
the other numerous contributions that black women have made, they are largely unrecognized and often
given to others. So let’s take some time to this Black History month to give them the flowers they clearly
deserve.
With songs like Bootylicious and Booty Blaster workout plans, it’s hard to imagine a world without a love
for big butts. Modern day celebrities pay millions of dollars for bodies that would make Sir Mix-A-Lot
proud. This wasn’t always the case, especially for Sarah Baartman, a slave in the 1800’s who was
regarded as a literal freakshow due to her shape. Sparing the reader the gruesome details (altogether I
URGE you to do independent research), Sarah’s treatment life can be summed as inhuman. While the
white women around her donned bustles to compete with the newly popular silhouette, Sarah was used,
abused and, eventually in death, became a dissection project for Georges Cuvier. If that wasn’t sad
enough, Sarah Baartman’s life and her contributions to the world’s obsession with curves remains widely
forgotten despite her body parts remaining on display in the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Man) until
1974.
Life improved for black women after Sarah Baartman but not by much. Slavery had ended but segregration
had taken it’s place. With overt racism and discrimation running rampant, black women fought tooth and
nail for their place in society. One of the most notable places this fight took place was Hollywood and
Dorothy Danridge was one of the main contenders. Beginning as a club singer with her sisters, Dorothy
worked hard to rise as an entertainer, becoming a renowned solo singer and eventual actress on the big
screen, starring in movies such as “Porgy and Bess” and “Carmen Jones.” Much like other starlets at the
time, she became a beauty icon for her signature curled hair and bright statement lip. She even became the
first black woman to be nominated for the Best Actress at the Oscars, competing with the likes of Audrey
Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Judy Garland. However, her race prevented her career from truly blossoming
and often led to her experiencing backlash and dead-ends. Legend says that after she dipped her toe in an
all-white hotel pool in protest, the pool was drained and sanitized in the name of segregation. When asked
about how her race affected her career, Dorothy said “If I were white, I could capture the world.”
Fast-forwarding to more modern day fashion, black women are still being written over in history for their
cultural contributions. While “Insta-baddie” nail art is a common occurrence now, it was not made popular
until Florence Griffith aka Flo Jo broke out onto the scene as a two time silver Olympic medal winner in the
‘80s. Billie Elish is touted as a revolutionary for her style, which plays with the rejection of sexualization.
However, the framework for that can be traced back to Missy Elliot and even Grace Jones. Lil Kim has
inspired an entire era of beauty and fashion but that credit is often given to Kardashians. Speaking of the Kardashians, I’d like to plainly state so there can be no misinterpretation: Kylie Jenner did not create full lips; genetics did and black people were villainized for having them.
I would love to end this article by saying that times are now perfect but they’re not. Better, but not perfect.
Yes, we have had a black woman as a First Lady. But no, she did not receive the same reverence as
previous First Ladies. Michelle Obama brought a modern chicness to the Oval Office preferring colorful
monochromatic looks, which would help welcome a generation of young women to a style of corporate
attire that still felt relatable. Despite this and her actual social achievements, she still received MULTIPLE
criticisms on her appearance including comparing her to an ape in heels and for merely having her arms
out. Things don’t seem to have gotten any better with Kamala Harris as our Vice President, considering the
treatment she received by Vogue Magazine, who went against her will and chose a very unflattering and
some would say “white washed” photo of her for their cover.
This is just a very small snapshot of the contributions of black women to beauty and fashion, all of which
are largely attributed to the rest of society. Black women are still fighting for their place in history and in the
present. For example, black models (who are OBJECTIVELY LITERAL beauty icons) are often asked to
bring their own complexion products because most make up artists don’t carry the applicable products in
their kits. Naomi Campbell has gone on record as having to carry her foundation with her because she
knew that she would probably not be accommodated at shoots. Although I am not Naomi Campbell, I have
done some mini modeling and have been requested to bring my own complexion products. Let me tell you,
that is not the best boost of confidence in an already insecurity-inducing industry.
That’s why I was so excited when I saw the foundation shades at MUAH Cosmetics. These shades are
curated specifically for black and brown girls with dark, medium and all the shades in between. The
foundation comes in two formulas: a full beat for your Naomi Campbell’s of the world and a more natural
finish for the me’s. The shade inclusivity extends to their Beauty Stix which are great for contour and
concealing. I even managed to FINALLY find my perfect nude Luxury Lipstick in shade “Velvet Crush.”
These products are the perfect way for me to celebrate my skin and the women that came before me. I
hope you’ll also celebrate being a part of the blueprint of beauty and the “doers that can’t be out-done.”
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