Youthforia’s Date Night Foundation has ignited heated debates across social media, but not for positive reasons. Influencers and TikTok creators are currently criticizing the brand for its lack of representation for darker skin tones. However, this discussion isn’t fresh; it’s been ongoing. To bring you up to speed, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the key players—and noteworthy moments—in the ongoing conversation.
It Started With a TikTok Video…
Beauty influencer Golloria George is known for her TikTok series where she tests the darkest foundation shades of various makeup brands. Last September, she posted a TikTok video reviewing the brand’s darkest foundation shade, which, at the time, was 495, and notably lighter than her skin color. She highlighted the discrepancy between the shade advertised online and the actual product she received. Her video amassed over 2.4 million views, prompting an apology from the brand’s founder on TikTok, though it was later deleted.
And Then Came Another TikTok Video…
Youthforia expanded its foundation shade range in March of 2024, which inspired George to give the brand another chance. However, on April 29, the beauty influencer sparked controversy once again by testing the darkest shade of Youthforia’s Date Night Foundation on one side of her face and black face paint on the other.
“Which side of my face is the black face paint or the Youthforia foundation?” she asked followers. “Tea, you can’t tell. You know why? Tar in a bottle.”
Youthforia’s Reponse…
As of now, Youthforia has not issued an apology. However, according to reporting by Time Magazine, the company is aware of the conversation. The outlet spoke with TikToker Wumi Afuye, who’s been vocal about the brand’s dire need to accurately represent darker skin tones in its shade range.
Afuye got word that someone from Youthforia had contacted its brand influencers, requesting them to comment heart emojis on TikTok posts regarding the issue.
“Seeing some confusion on our TikTok from people who are suggesting that our darkest shade of foundation (Shade 600) is ‘black face paint’ and not meant for real people,” the message read. “We created shade 600 as part of our ten-shade expansion this past March. We heard everyone loud and clear last October that our shades were not dark enough or inclusive enough.”
The TikTok Community’s Response…
Countless social media users have replied to George’s TikTok video, including a few notables such as cosmetic chemist Javon Ford. After looking at the foundation’s formulation, he told followers that the foundation “only has pure black pigment. He further commented, “This problem is entirely avoidable,” and suggested that the brand “could have used Nars or Fenty foundation shades as a benchmark,” both known for their extensive shade ranges.