FENTY by Rihanna: Diversity in Makeup

So if you haven't heard yet, Rihanna released a new line of luxury makeup products under the brand name FENTY (x). She already had a line of shoes and clothes under the same name in a collaboration with Puma. But now she's entered the highly competitive, especially with social influencers and "beauty gurus" headlining the industry, beauty market.

Her brand image is one of simplicity, diversity and empowerment. It's only been about a week or so since it's release, and she's sold out of several of her products both online and in store (Sephora is currently the only store which carries it).

"FENTY Beauty was created for everyone: for women of all shades, personalities, attitudes, cultures, and races. I wanted everyone to feel included. That's the real reason I made this line."

xx Rihanna

Being a woman of color herself, and known for speaking out against issues of institutionalized racism and issues in diversity, this brand comes as no surprise. A huge success was releasing a foundation with 40 shades in varying undertones and shade--including more than 1 or 2 shades for dark-skinned women. The shades also got pale enough for albino customers to use the products. 

Users raved about the inclusion of such shades and went on to compare this to other brands which claim to have an wide array of shades but never touch the darker ones, making it impossible for darker women to indulge in those products. It's been a growing problem that cosmetics weren't inclusive enough, particularly in the US and Europe. Brands quickly tried to reemphasize their shade selection and makeup quality to fight the criticism, but were only met with more backlash. 

What are your thoughts on the beauty line and the image? Let me know in the comments!