Are cosmetic companies overlooking black women?

IT’S PROBABLY no surprise that black women are big spenders when it comes to hair and beauty.

However the major cosmetics companies continue to ignore the growing marketing opportunities presented by women of African and Caribbean heritage who are often left wanting when it comes to variety and choice.

The market for black or Asian beauty products in the UK is still considered niche, based on a 2009 UK Mintel report which valued it at £70m. However it is predicted to grow beyond £97 million by 2014.

Marketing professional Ronke Adeyemi, who has been a beauty blogger for five years, recently launched a weekly Twitter discussion, #brownbeauty on Sundays to bring to the forefront issues surrounding the limited scope and affordability of products.

She told The Voice: “It is definitely foundations and BB creams which seem to be the issue. A lot of the mainstream brands products only cater for European skin or those with lighter shades.

Although a few high-end brands do try, many of the foundations are just two or three shades too light which doesn’t cover our complexions.”
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