Skip to main content
Working as a black woman in the beauty industry

24 October 2020

Working as a black woman in the beauty industry

We have always aimed to create makeup and skincare for all shades and concerns

One of the few positives to come out of 2020 is a global awareness of the historic and present struggles of Black people and a commitment from many to end racism. To celebrate Black History Month UK, we want to authentically support the Black beauty community and shout about its talent and achievements. We have always aimed to create makeup and skincare for all shades and concerns and this month we have created a schedule of events to showcase incredible content from Black beauty creators. Check out the activity on @makeuprevolution on Instagram and TikTok.

At the heart of Revolution, we have an incredible team of people. From designing Revolutionary products to listening to our creative and wonderful community, there’s someone on it! To celebrate Black History Month 2020, I spoke to 3 amazing members of our team [and myself] about their roles at Revolution, the beauty industry and what it means to them to be a black woman working in beauty. Here’s what we had to say…



Eboni

New Product Development Assistant

New Product Development

What do you love about working in the beauty industry?

I became obsessed with beauty when I started watching make-up tutorials on YouTube when I was in Sixth Form so working in a role where I get to experiment with make-up products every day is the dream. My favourite part of working in the beauty industry is hearing and seeing people’s reaction and excitement to products I have developed from the very initial concept stage. I love that our business is fast paced, reactive and that there are no rules.

What do you love the most about your role?

My favourite part of my role is that I have involvement in the full product life cycle. From brainstorm meetings, presenting new product ideas, selecting shades for eyeshadow palettes and communicating with suppliers in the Far East to helping to create the content when we have final samples.

I get to see the product journey from end to end. This enables me to learn so much about the behind the scenes business.

How has being a Black woman impacted your role?

Being a Black woman on the product team has given me a critical voice when discussing new product launches, I am able to represent and push for specific customer needs that may not have been thought of.

Not only am I able to ensure there is an appropriate inclusion of shades but also ensure that shades are named correctly and help to educate on why naming a shade a certain name is not appropriate. I feel like I am helping to give visibility to a whole group of people who have for years been treated as invisible within the beauty industry.

What’s your favourite Revolution Beauty product?

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Infinite Longwear Concealer (5ml) C11.2.
My favourite product is the Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Infinite Longwear Concealer (5ml) C11.2. It has the perfect yellow undertone to conceal under the eye and cover my hyper pigmentation. I use it every day without fail. Years ago I would have had to spend triple the amount of money find a concealer with that undertone, the fact it is £6 and does not look orangey is revolutionary. It also comes in 60 shades so I can easily find my summer and winter concealer.
SHOP NOW

Shahira

Junior Content Editor

Social & Content Team

What do you love about working in the beauty industry?

My absolutely favourite thing about working in the beauty industry is having a voice as a young black female professional in a space that hasn’t always been representative of me and others who look like me. It gives me the opportunity to be at the steering wheel for change in an industry that I love. Since working in the beauty industry, I have been able to bring other Black women to the metaphorical “table” and create opportunities with and for them.

What do you love the most about your role?

What I love most about my role is that I get to be creative! I have always been a creative person and hoped that I’d be able to work in the creative industry. I even gained a master’s degree in design because I was so sure that’s what I was going to do but life lead me to the beauty industry. I’m able to use my creativity in a way I never imagined, and I really love what I do. I absolutely wouldn’t change it for anything!

How has being a Black woman impacted your role?

Being a Black woman has impacted me throughout my life… sometimes positively and other times not so much. Specifically, in my role, being a Black woman allows me to offer a level of visibility to Black people that we did not have growing up. I’m able to bring other Black content creators on board to fill our social channels and feeds with their beautiful content. Occasionally, I’m also able to be that representation myself. It feels really good. Being a black woman has given me the drive to aim high in my role at all times. I feel like I’m not just doing my job for myself.

What’s your favourite Revolution Beauty product?

Makeup Revolution Ultimate Eye Base Eye Primer in Light
I am absolutely in love with the ‘Makeup Revolution Ultimate Eye Base Eye Primer in Light’. I’ve finally found a product that actually helps me get pigments to really pop on my skin tone. I haven’t been able to put down the yellow pigments I have in my Makeup Revolution X Tammi Tropical Carnival Palette.
SHOP NOW

Makeup Revolution X Tammi Tropical Carnival Palette SHOP NOW

Maggie

Brand Design Lead (Maternity Cover)

Social & Content Team

What do you love about working in the beauty industry?

I have worked in the beauty industry for many years and what I love about it is that fact that it is continually evolving. The industry is very reactive therefore no two days are ever the same. With ever changing demographics and technologies it is an industry that is great for learning and even moving around within companies into other roles.

What do you love the most about your role?

There are many aspects of my role which I love but one of the things I really enjoy is seeing concepts come together. Working closely with a wider creative and content team to create beautiful campaigns and photography that help to bring these ideas to life be that digitally, in print and across our Point of Sale is great as I love working with people and collaborating to achieve our creative goals. The other part of my role I love is leading a team, acting as a mentor and encouraging their growth within the company.

How has being a Black woman impacted your role?

I feel like I offer representation in my role and industry to young black women who might be interested in pursuing a career in the creative sector within the beauty industry. I hope that the younger generation who are just starting their careers in the beauty industry strive to grow and thrive in managerial positions. I have worked my way up in the industry over the years so if you are just starting out in your career and interested in working in the beauty industry, I would say that if you work hard to achieve your goals and keep learning then anything is possible!

What’s your favourite Revolution Beauty product?

XX Revolution XXpress Quad Eyeshadow Palette
I can’t get enough of the XX Revolution XXpress Quad Eyeshadow Palette, and the XX Revolution XXude Satin Liquid Lipstick Laid. It’s long lasting and not drying – fabulous!
SHOP NOW

XX Revolution XXude Satin Liquid Lipstick Laid SHOP NOW

Courtney

Junior New Product Development Manager

Product Development

What do you love about working in the beauty industry?

I really enjoy how diverse and welcoming the beauty industry is becoming. I think we are miles ahead of fashion brands. Beauty is as it should be for everyone!

What do you love the most about your role?

I enjoy the creative and trend elements of my job, to be able to make products that people love and that make them feel beautiful.

How has being a Black woman impacted your role?

I think I bring a different perspective to product development in terms of shade range and colour requirements. Which allows me to really develop products that everyone can use. I also think I bring a different viewpoint on what POC may require from their beauty products. Being involved from the very beginning allows me to capture this at development stage.

What’s your favourite Revolution Beauty product?

Makeup Revolution Superdewy Tinted Moisturiser Rich Tan
Mine would be the Makeup Revolution Superdewy Tinted Moisturiser Rich Tan, it's really light coverage that is easily bendable and has a lovely dewy finish!
SHOP NOW

BEST PRODUCTS FOR DEEPER SKIN TONES

Don't forget to share your finished results with us @makeuprevolution
SHOP REVOLUTION

Love, Shahira from Team Revolution x


back to blog

THE EDIT

  • Makeup Revolution X Tammi Tropical Carnival Palette

    Discover Makeup Revolution

    £7.00 £10.00

  • XX Revolution XXpress Quad Eyeshadow Palette XXtinguish

    XX Revolution

    N/A

  • XX Revolution XXude Satin Liquid Lipstick Laid

    XX Revolution

    £5.00 £10.00

  • Makeup Revolution Superdewy Tinted Moisturiser Rich Tan

    Makeup Revolution

    £9.00

  • Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Infinite Longwear Concealer (5ml) C11.2

    Makeup Revolution

    £6.00

  • Makeup Revolution Ultimate Eye Base Eye Primer Light

    Makeup Revolution

    £5.00

Back to homepage
Your browser is currently not set to accept cookies.
Please turn this functionality on or check if you have another program set to block cookies