This Week In Beauty: Is Anyone Watching Ziwe's Show?
BEAUTY IRL is a newsletter run by @darian that covers beauty at the intersection of politics and pop culture. If you’re passionate about this world, consider a yearly or monthly subscription 🧠⚡️💄
Ziwe on Showtime: From my algorithm, I haven’t seen a lot of people talking about comedian Ziwe’s new show on Showtime. I mostly see profiles on Ziwe herself! I started watching (beyond clips on social media) this week, pulled in by the Beauty Standards episode. Here, Ziwe asks attorney, host, and RHONY’s Eboni K. Williams: why can’t ugly people be powerful?
I enjoyed the absurdity of this interview; the fact Eboni, clad in hot pink, insists that anyone can be pretty, but could still lean into Ziwe’s reactions and follow-ups. I’m intrigued by what Ziwe is shaping her interview space to be. I have so many thoughts on this show, but I want to watch more episodes. Also, I am legitimately asking: is anyone watching? Tell me what you think.
PAYING ATTENTION
Ami Colé is here. Pronounced “Ahh-me Kohl-lay,” the brand is inspired by CEO and founder Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye’s life between Senegal and Harlem, USA. This is a highly anticipated brand due to CEO and founder Diarrha’s experience and work within the beauty industry.
I met Diarrha (pronounced Gia-rra) right before she started working at Glossier, and she’s formerly of L’Oréal and Temptu. She’s fostered the right relationships while keeping her vision and truth known; the best way to get to know her is through her episodes on the Naked Beauty podcast. A lot of people are betting on her to win. I haven’t had a chance to test the skin tint yet (read Blake Newby’s product rundown), but the packaging is giving legacy.
Starface and Rare Beauty are this year’s winners of the Webbys, Top Fashion & Beauty on social media.
Facebook is officially on its QVC: The social media platform debuted Live Shopping Fridays, their foray into livestream shopping. Sephora, Bobbi Brown, and Clinique are the beauty brands among their launching partners.
Estée Lauder is now the majority stakeholder of Deciem, now owning 76%. In February, Estée acquired the brand for $2.2 billion.
Sunscreen 🧴 Earlier this month, Hawai’i passed a bill banning sunscreens with avobenzone and octocrylene due to the harm it can do to coral, but also humans and other aquatic organisms.
Back in 2018, when Hawi’i decided to ban sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, they petitioned the FDA for a national ban on sunscreens with coral-killing chemicals.
I recently wrote about sunscreen and the social currency it now holds.
DJ Khaled launched a skincare and grooming CBD brand called BLESSWELL, please watch my TikTok.
Palestine: Why close to no beauty brand is speaking out on Palestine and Israel right now is something Arabelle Sicardi addresses in her newsletter this week. She has thought and written about imperialism and the beauty industry in ways I’d suggest taking time to read if you are grappling with the same.
I’ve been to the territory recognized as Israel; broken bread with Jews and Israelis and been welcomed at meals and in conversations from a young age — and not just for the fun cultural moments. Standing with Palestine and being anti-Semitic is possible and necessary. This is not a “balancing act” of human worth.
‘Short Cut’ by IV. a tribute to the legendary Black hair moments of the 90s, & the innovative African barber and trade sign art that’s always moved me creatively.
ON SEEN ON TV THE INTERNET
Designer and Cutting Room Floor Podcast host Recho Omondi’s not so ironic compilation of celebrities introducing their brands:
The comedy by @jacinta.jazzum:
MEDIA DROPS
A Year Ago, NYC Nail Salons Closed. What Happened to the Workers? — A must-read by labor journalist Kim Kelly
Zara Beauty is here. I have been reading reviews on it, and journalist Galina Achkasova-Portianoi has a great dispatch from Oxford Street in London. 👇🏾
Mary J. Blige Looks Back On Her Best Beauty Moments From Over The Years — Margaux Anbouba
Lush Cosmetics Illegally Interrogated Worker About Union Activity, NLRB Says — Lauren Kaori Gurley
Bretman Rock, a.k.a. Mr. Mind His Business, on Architecture Digest: