Before the Widespread Black Lives Matter Protests, We Were Seeing a Call to Action to Address Systemic Racism. They Largely Went Unheard. With the Protests, Maybe Businesses and Leaders Will Listen. This was My First Request of a Corporation in 2020.

Hi @boxycharm! I’ve been a subscriber for at least six months. I really like what you do! Good brands that are good quality and full-size at that. I’ve gotten some really great things that I will replace when it’s time. I’m always looking for reasonably priced, cruelty free, preferably vegan cosmetics, skin care, and hair care. You are spot-on in that regard.

I’d like to give a piece of feedback, though. Every single one of my boxes has included at least ONE @tartecosmetics item. Personally, I like Tarte products. They check everything I’m looking for. Here’s the problem: Tarte may have cosmetics and skin care that meet my needs, but I’m a white woman with average coloring and skin care needs. Tarte has a dubious record in terms of embracing and celebrating diversity in cosmetics and even now utilizes MUAs repeatedly that are relatively average in terms of coloring and needs.

As of my writing this in my phone, of Tarte’s 9 most recent posts:

• 6 are of women, 3 are of products
• 1 woman appears twice, meaning they utilized 5 different women
• 3 of those women have blond hair
• 1 woman is a brunette
• 1 woman has dark brown hair

What do these 9 posts tell me? Tarte is disinterested in identifying or addressing inequities in the artistry of makeup. What would I like to see from Tarte and their MUAs? Diversity in race, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, size, and general appearance. There wasn’t an excuse for companies ignoring this feedback 6 months ago and there certainly isn’t a reason they can’t respond positively to this feedback now. Social distancing and Zoom meetings have not meant an end to the need for makeup. Plus, with mental health concerns escalating and monetary support needing to come to families of all shapes, sizes, and appearances, cosmetic companies can be an important, powerful part of that!

How about instead of a full-size Tarte product, we shift to a @beautybakeriemakeup or @sheamoisture product? Or maybe even consult with a stunning star MUA like @tess.daly?

Much love 💕 and looking forward to my next Boxy Charm box! 💁🏼‍♀️
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