The Intersection of Beauty and Politics: A Growing Trend
In recent years, the beauty industry has increasingly ventured into the realm of politics, often aligning itself with left-leaning causes and initiatives. This engagement isn’t merely a trend; it’s a reflection of societal values and an expression of solidarity with social and political movements. From supporting voting rights to reproductive justice, beauty brands have taken creative approaches to leverage their platforms for advocacy.
A History of Political Engagement in Beauty
It’s not unusual for beauty brands to rally behind political causes, with many launching campaigns or products specifically designed to support fundraising efforts. For instance, in 2020, the company Lipslut made headlines by donating all earnings from their bold F*ck Trump liquid lipstick to organizations fighting for voting rights. This product wasn’t just a statement; it was a rallying cry for customers passionate about political activism.
Similarly, The Lip Bar collaborated with former First Lady Michelle Obama to create a $13 red lipstick dubbed "Bawse Voter." This initiative was directly tied to the nonprofit organization When We All Vote, further emphasizing how beauty products can be harnessed as tools for advocacy. The launch of Biden Beauty also highlighted this trend, where an anonymously led brand marketed a blue makeup sponge to support the Democratic National Committee, merging beauty with the political narrative of the 2020 election.
Responses to Social Justice Movements
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2020 sparked a wave of reactions from beauty brands. Many companies stepped up to contribute financially to organizations dedicated to reproductive rights, with E.L.F. Beauty and Benefit Cosmetics leading the way. Their commitment to supporting groups like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU marked a significant moment in the beauty industry, as it showcased a readiness to engage with crucial socio-political issues.
Further, brands like Dieux Skin and Saie creatively integrated charitable initiatives into their business models. Dieux Skin pledged to donate $1 from every sale of its Instant Angel Moisturizer to organizations championing reproductive justice. Meanwhile, Saie spearheaded The Every Body Campaign, which involved repackaging popular products in limited-edition "Every Body Green" cartons to resonate with the colors often associated with abortion rights demonstrations. Proceeds from this initiative were directed to SisterSong, a national organization fighting against anti-abortion legislation.
Nail Polish: A New Canvas for Expression
In a recent initiative, the United Colors Project chose to focus on nail polish as a vehicle for fundraising and political expression. Co-founders, Rosenthal and Friedman, explained their choice in an interview, noting that “beauty, especially nail polish, is an intimate form of self-expression that speaks to both personal and public identity.” By selecting nail polish, they aimed to create products that reflect the power and inspiration embodied by political figures like Kamala Harris.
The polishes featured names with political significance, like “Joyful Warrior,” “America the Beautiful,” and “Neutralizing Name-Calling.” These carefully chosen references are intentional; they serve to bridge the gap between personal expression and broader political narratives. Rosenthal and Friedman stated, “Our colors and names help bring these big, often abstract issues down to a more personal level, and wearing them feels like an everyday act of support for something bigger.”
The Power of Everyday Activism
Ultimately, the increasing collaboration between the beauty industry and political activism presents a unique opportunity for everyday consumers. When individuals wear nail polish or use beauty products that support a particular cause, they are quite literally wearing their values on their sleeves—or nails. This fusion of beauty and activism signifies how personal choices can contribute to larger movements, creating a culture where consumers feel empowered to make statements through their beauty routines.
As we look toward the future, it is clear that the beauty industry will continue to serve as an influential participant in political conversations. By merging beauty with advocacy, brands can not only promote their products but also inspire a more engaged and socially conscious consumer base. This movement signals a shift in how beauty is perceived—not just as a means of self-adornment, but as an avenue for expressing commitment to the values and issues that shape our society.
