It's 2018 and beauty brands still don't get it.
Italian beauty brand Wycon Cosmetics is the latest brand to use blatant racism in its product descriptions. The brand's black gel nail polish was named "Thick As A N***a." Yes, seriously.
Wycon's initial response to the backlash came in the form of a totally insensitive comment under the Instagram post from Jan. 17 that announced: “They’re made-up names that are a bit crazy,” they posted. Their tone-deaf response only brought more critical comments. Their "official" response translates to:
“We’re sorry that this post has triggered these types of reactions: every color from our Gel On collection is inspired, with a cheerful attitude and a pinch of naivety, by famous song titles, many of which derive from the landscape of hip-hop. For example “Drop it like it’s hot” by Snoop Dogg, “Bootilicious” (sic) by Beyoncé (sic), “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent, Lollipop, Lady Marmalade etc… The reference here is “Thick Nigga” (sic) by DBangz. Wycon is the brand for everybody #nobodyexcluded is our motto and we didn’t mean to offend anybody!”
This just proves that there's an overwhelming need for diversity inside brands, even internationally. The fact that no one flagged the problem with this nail polish name is a major issue. Wycon removed the offensive title from its website, but honestly, it's too little too late.
To support brands who don't use racial sensitivity as a marketing tactic, check out some of our favorite shades this winter!