Rhode’s Redemption: Hailey Bieber Takes Action on Inclusivity Feedback for Pocket Blushes
In a commendable display of accountability and responsiveness, Hailey Bieber, founder of Rhode skincare, has taken swift action to address concerns raised about the inclusivity of her brand’s Pocket Blushes. The 27-year-old entrepreneur personally reached out to beauty reviewer Golloria George after the latter’s TikTok video highlighted issues with the blushes appearing ‘ashy’ on darker skin tones.
George, a 23-year-old beauty influencer, took to TikTok on September 1 to share her experience, stating, “This is why I ‘complain.’ You see how beautifully flushed I am without looking ashy? This is why you advocate for yourself. You see what happens when you’re not complacent? And that’s what we call redemption.”
A Testament to Consumer Advocacy
The beauty reviewer’s initial critique in August pointed out the shortcomings of Rhode’s Pocket Blushes on deeper skin tones. George emphasized, “I just feel like in 2024 if you’re gonna drop anything complexion, then it should be able to work for any skin tone and complexion. The ash was really serious. She needs some work.”
Following her feedback, Bieber not only listened but also took concrete steps to improve the product. George revealed that the Rhode founder “listened” and “made sure that I was compensated for shade consulting,” showcasing a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.
Rhode’s Response and Product Improvement
The newly reformulated Rhode Pocket Blushes have shown significant improvement, as demonstrated in George’s follow-up TikTok video. “You see how beautifully flushed I am without looking ashy?” George remarked, applying the revised product. This turnaround serves as a powerful example of how consumer feedback can drive positive change in the beauty industry.
Hailey Bieber, who recently welcomed her first child with husband Justin Bieber, launched the Pocket Blushes in June. The cream formula, retailing at $24, is designed to melt into the skin for a satin finish and comes in six shades ranging from bubblegum pink to bronze terracotta.
The Importance of Inclusive Beauty
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in the beauty industry. As consumers become more vocal about their needs and expectations, brands like Rhode are learning to adapt quickly. Bieber’s proactive approach in addressing the concerns and involving George in the consultation process sets a new standard for how beauty brands can respond to feedback and ensure their products cater to a diverse customer base.
The beauty community has responded positively to this development, with many praising both George for her advocacy and Bieber for her receptiveness to feedback. This collaboration between influencer and brand owner demonstrates the power of social media in driving meaningful change in the beauty industry.
As Rhode continues to evolve and improve its product line, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity in product development and testing phases. It also underscores the value of listening to and acting upon consumer feedback, especially from underrepresented communities in the beauty space.