African model Nykhor Paul blasts white makeup artists for neglecting black beauty

By Arienne Thompson
July 8, 2015

Nykhor Paul has a searing message for the fashion industry, which has plenty of problems when it comes to racial diversity and inclusivity.

In a lengthy Instagram caption, the Sudanese beauty blasts makeup artists for asking her to bring her own makeup to shows and shoots because they don’t have the appropriate beauty products to complement her dark skin.

“Dear white people in the fashion world! Please don’t take this the wrong way but it’s time you people get your (bleep) right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don’t have to do anything but show up wtf! Don’t try to make me feel bad because I am blue black its 2015 go to Mac, Bobbi Brown, Makeup forever, Iman cosmetic, black opal, even Lancôme and Clinique carried them plus so much more. There’s so much options our there for dark skin tones today. A good makeup artist would come prepare and do there research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing it’s insulting and disrespectful to me and my race it doesn’t help, seriously! Make an effort at least! That goes for NYC, London, Milan, Paris and Cape Town plus everywhere else that have issues with black skin tones. Just because you only book a few of us doesn’t mean you have the right to make us look ratchet. I’m tired of complaining about not getting book as a black model and I’m definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people, (bleep) we started fashion in Africa and you modernize and copy it! Why can’t we be part of fashion fully and equally?”