Beauty Industry Scandals
United States cosmetic brands often advertise themselves as natural or organic without supporting claims with scientific data, leading them to be accused of greenwashing.
Kat Von D caused quite the stir in 2020 by declaring her intention to raise her child without vaccines.
1. Lush’s “Spycops” Campaign
Lush cosmetics store prides itself on its ethical practices, but some police officers feel its latest campaign has gone too far. Lush collaborated with two activist groups – Police Spies Out of Lives and Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance (COPS) – to raise awareness about police who infiltrate activist groups they investigate, including undercover officers who infiltrate homes, homes, and beds of activist groups they investigate. Posters displayed in 100 stores featured both models as both police officers in uniform as well as activists displaying slogans such as “Police have crossed the line” and “Paid to lie”.
In its statement regarding this matter, the company highlighted that #Spycops was not its invention but rather joined in on a conversation that had already started regarding undercover police scandals and crime prevention tactics. Furthermore, they pointed out that it was also designed as a campaign to support individuals affected by undercover cop activities.
However, this did not stop members of the public and even some off-duty police officers from entering stores and asking staff to remove posters. Lush described this tactic as intimidation and stated they would consider further steps they might need to take in response.
Brand has since suspended their campaign and apologized for any offense it may have caused, explaining to PRWeek that this decision was taken to protect company staff members.
However, this campaign’s contentious response underscores how difficult it can be for brands to strike an appropriate balance between being provocative and upholding integrity when targeting their message. Unfortunately, in this instance the company overstepped by drawing attention to an undercover police scandal while upsetting officers who participated.
At its core, this campaign would have been much more impactful if it had targeted practices related to unethical animal welfare practices, rather than raising awareness about undercover police surveillance malpractice. Because of this unforeseen change, its long-term effect will probably not be realized in police force perceptions.
2. Jeffree Star’s Cultural Appropriation
The beauty industry is often accused of cultural appropriation, specifically when using colors or styles which may offend those from other cultures. Offense is taken seriously; many influencers can be demonetized for participating in trend that are perceived to be offensive; yet when it comes to large makeup moguls like Jeffree Star – who has been embroiled in numerous feuds and accusations of racism, backstabbing, ableism – surprisingly little seems to be said in response despite still making millions from his products!
Jeffree Star issued a promotion photo for his new product line that many considered offensively racist. In it, he donned platinum blonde feed-in braids with green tips deemed cultural appropriation by many; yet not until recently did followers begin speaking out against this hairstyle choice.
Jen Luvs Reviews’ post of him wearing cornrows and using sodium chloride solution on his hair brought an outrage from users, calling out the inappropriate use of his image. Critics also attacked Jen for posting it initially – it is important for influencers to make careful choices when posting content online.
Commenters were quickly joined in their criticism by other beauty industry members, quickly spreading across the beauty community and prompting several beauty brand partners (Morphe, Boxycharm and Colorpop) to break ties with Star. Influencers like James Charles, Tati Westbrook and Shane Dawson also distanced themselves from collaborating with her line.
Though Star and his former friends continue their feud, it seems fans are becoming disinterested with it. At a time when beauty industry is becoming more inclusive and open than ever before, shouldn’t we move past such pettiness? Not just content creators need to learn this lesson – big-name beauty brands as well.
3. Kat Von D’s Anti-Vaccines
if you’re on a tight budget when it comes to shopping beauty products, chances are you have used something by Kat Von D at one time or another. She is well known for her daring eyeliners and unexpected lipstick shades; however, she has also caused quite a bit of controversy with both Deciem founder Brandon Truaxe in 2018 as well as taking anti-vax positions against vaccination in 2019. And this wasn’t her first encounter with criticism over these beliefs either!
Kat Von D announced on Instagram, then deleted, that she and Prayers singer Leafar Seyer plan to raise their child vegan without vaccinations – much to many people’s displeasure, as vaccines provide essential protections. Her decision could place other families at risk as vaccines provide vital safety nets against disease transmission.
Although it’s no fault of hers that some are reluctant to get vaccines, it’s disappointing that her brand is being held responsible. Some fans have even begun calling for a boycott against her makeup line – an unfortunate turn of events as its cruelty-free makeup line enjoys cult status.
Von D’s views on vaccines are hard to reconcile with her philanthropic efforts, which include making donations through makeup sales to animal rights groups and living a vegan lifestyle. Furthermore, Von D supports many tattoo artists through stipends through her company which is wonderful news. However, her views on religion and politics have often been controversial. She’s been repeatedly accused of anti-Semitism, while some of her dating histories include men associated with Neo-Nazi movements. She dubbed one of her lipstick shades “Selektion,” the Nazi code name for selecting prisoners for concentration camps, and participated in an SS-themed pinup shoot with her husband. While not directly charged with racism, her lack of empathy towards suffering others is alarming; furthermore she has made shocking comparisons between animal slaughtering and Holocaust survivors, an act which is both offensive and irresponsible.
4. NikkieTutorials’ Blackmail
Nikkie de Jager, more widely known to her 12 million YouTube subscribers as NikkieTutorials, made headlines earlier this year when she publicly revealed herself as transgender in a moving video uploaded on January 14th. De Jager has become one of the most loved beauty influencers on YouTube and works with major brands such as Marc Jacobs, Maybelline and Ofra Cosmetics; additionally she was named global artistry adviser by Marc Jacobs which showcases her influence within makeup culture.
Nikkie revealed in her video that she always desired coming out but only did so on her terms, however that opportunity was taken away from her by blackmailing parties who forced her into publicizing her story. Later she shared in another video that she knew who her blackmailer was but did not want to reveal him/her for fear that doing so might “lower herself.”
De Jager has been uploading makeup tutorials to YouTube since 2008 – longer than some of the beauty brands she works with have even existed! Though she primarily posts as a vlogger, De Jager is actually an experienced makeup artist by trade who has worked on movie sets, runways and events for major companies like Maybelline and Lush. Due to her immense following on YouTube and endorsement deals that come her way.
Although details about her income remain private, fellow vloggers have revealed to Vox that working with an influencer could bring five figure rewards based on views and fan engagement. Makeup artists often enjoy immense influence due to the number of followers who view and interact with their videos regularly.
Though YouTubers may often be accused of being superficial and critical, its community can also be welcoming and accepting of all who come out publicly – as evidenced by how most viewers responded positively to Nikkie’s coming out video. Unfortunately, some of her most loyal supporters seem to have turned against her recently; it is hard to believe they were once applauding her bravery about discussing her transition publicly just weeks prior.
