Lucy Watson’s choice of name for her debut make-up range has divided opinion among beauty insiders and enthusiasts.
While many have praised the former reality TV star for her bold choice of branding, others have raised eyebrows. So why did Watson decide to call her brand Basic Bitch?
The 25-year-old told Cosmetics Business that Basic Bitch was a term she has been referred to in the past although, she added, she never actually took offence to being called it.
Instead Watson said she saw this as an opportunity to turn a phrase often used as an insult, that carries negative connotations, into a positive one.
The fact that Watson is well-known for her pared back make-up look made Basic Bitch an even more befitting name, the model noted.
Early popularity
Since its launch on Sunday, the Basic Bitch nude shade called Errrday has already sold out, leaving just Peach Perfect and Queen Bee for sale.
The popularity of Watson’s trio of cruelty-free lipsticks is evident, with the brand’s launch post amassing 10.6K likes on Instagram.
On Twitter, fans have expressed their approval of Watson’s choice of brand name.
really want one of Lucy Watson's lipsticks purely cos the range is called basic bitch
— amy green (@amyjayneaston) November 13, 2016
makes me so happy that lucy watson's make up line is called 'basic bitch'
— rach (@rach_taylorr98) November 13, 2016
Brand limitation?
However, Watson’s choice of branding does not have the thumbs up from everyone.
Beauty industry insider Jane Cunningham, of British Beauty Blogger, wrote in a post that she understands Basic Bitch to be another term for ‘airhead’, which a search on Google confirms.
She wrote: “My view is that it’s a pretty crappy name for a make up range but it’s indicative of a certain group of women who take no responsibility for the bigger picture stuff.”
Similarly, Twitter users have expressed concerns for the choice of name and its potential impact on the brand's longevity.
Also, who let Lucy Watson call her makeup brand "basic bitch" it will hold relevance for two years tops?
— Ruby Downie (@rubyredshoes26) November 14, 2016
Feel like Lucy Watson could've come up w a much better name for her make up brand than "basic bitch" 🤔
— Beth scott (@bethscotttt) November 13, 2016
