Nude'tude palette at centre of sexism row

Published: 16-Jul-2015

Nude'tude shade names labelled 'sexist'

US-based cosmetics brand The Balm has been called 'sexist' by some commentators over its new eyeshadow palette and the names given to each shade.

The brand's popular eyeshadow palette, Nude'tude features cheeky illustrations of naked women, covered with strategically-placed blocks of eyeshadow. Due to the success of this line, the company recently launched a male version – the Nude Dude eyeshadow palette.

The new design features males posed in a similar fashion, but with a subtle difference. The names of each shadow in the male collection are all positive, such as "Fearless", "Flawless" and "Funny". But many of the names of eyeshadows in the female design are less flattering, with shades including "Selfish", "Silly" and "Standoffish".

Objections to the palettes on social media have been picked up by news outlets including The Huffington Post and Buzzfeed.

In a statement, Marissa Shipman, CEO and Founder at The Balm, said: "Nude'tude is about attitude and being able to express yourself however you want (as that is the name of the palette). Nude Dude came two years later (the name came about primarily because it rhymes with 'Nude'tude'), and this is more about qualities we feel naked men should have." She added: "As a brand, we strive to maintain a light-hearted approach, and always position women in the driver’s seat...It saddens us that we approach product after product with our sassy twist on women empowerment and this was taken so out of context (we even have a blush brush called “Women Empowderment”). In any event, it’s never our intention to upset or offend anyone."

You may also like