Gendered beauty products are therefore from the last millennium

In the 1940s, baby boomers were born, and so was binary as we know it today. Adorned with infamous blue or pink diapers depending on gender, a revolution in gendered makeup and skincare products has begun. Since then, these simple colors have evolved into something much more than pink and blue: they have expanded into the toxic binary we see today. In the mid-2000s, the craze for gender makeup went so far as to color the shelves of beauty and cosmetics departments, sexing everything in its path. This ranges from pink – and often less sharp – razors for women to blue and gray shampoo bottles with manly mountain scenery in attempts to sell to brave men.

But where are those who are not at either end of the spectrum? It’s something beauty and cosmetics brands have begun to consider, as well as consumers shifting gears in their efforts to support brands that create products for everyone to enjoy, regardless of gender. Instead of looking for products that deepen the idea that certain products are designed for a select group of people, consumers start to glorify brands that are pretty inclusive and instead focus on creating a great product that everyone can use and love. Our society has moved so far away from the binary that cosmetics brands follow to create neutral products: because gendered things are not so trendy anymore… thank goodness.

A ONE SIZE FULL GLAM✨@JuGalaxSea presents our newest #POINTMADE Liquid eyeliner in the shades “Bossy Blue” and “Busty Brown” 💙🤎

Show some love in the comments! 💬 pic.twitter.com/bsNT5AgQRa

— ONE/SIZE Beauty (@OneSizeBeauty) July 15, 2022

This is largely thanks to the brands that have made an effort not to fall into the toxic binary. One such pioneer is the gender-neutral luxury fragrance brand ST. PINK. Their eco-responsible and recycled perfumes are exemplary in the genderless cosmetics movement. Creative Director and Founder Belinda Smith is dedicated to creating an extraordinary scent experience without the binary.

“The concept of gendered perfumes didn’t really gain popularity until the 20th century, when advertising and marketing began to reinforce the gender norms of the time. I am really delighted to see these notions now being dismantled. One of my favorite things about perfume and beauty is that they are inherently non-discriminatory, anyone can wear it regardless of height, gender, age, etc. said Smith.

She’s more than right, perfume should never have been gendered to begin with. When did society decide that floral scents were only feminine or woody scents were masculine? Each individual enjoys different notes in a perfume, it wasn’t until the genre became popular that people were embarrassed to like certain perfumes or products.

I think I may have found my signature look, maybe pink is my color after all 💗 @aboutfacebeauty @halsey matte fluid eye paints: cry of conscience, zona rosa and sur pointe. light brightening fluid: turkish breakfast. pic.twitter.com/HhJ3LBFMY4

— 𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖎 🍃🦋🫧³³³ (@toriiversace) July 18, 2022

On TikTok, queer women have started the conversation about using men’s deodorant because they prefer the scent and also find it works better and lasts longer. It’s bad enough that products are assigned to a gender, not to mention that some products perform less well because men are seen as strong and tough while women are seen as non-active and soft. Instead of making products for all humans, many companies rely on binary as a crutch to create products that only ameliorate the false realities of gender within society.

When did society decide that floral scents were only feminine or woody scents were masculine?

“We prefer to say that we make perfumes for all of humanity. I don’t believe perfumes have a gender. Perhaps it comes from our childhood in the 90s where we saw the launch of the original unisex fragrances that found a cult following. My favorite scents have always been those that exude a sensual yet androgynous appeal and in fact, I personally have always preferred to wear scents that would traditionally be labeled as ‘masculine’ with heavier woods, spice and green notes. When I decided to launch my own line, my intention was to create a collection that was suitable for everyone and to ensure that a great perfume was not hidden behind a packaging designed for just one person. Smith says he fights the very notion of gendered scents.

Escape. @Ariana Grandethe new “genderless” fragrance from bears the name of @FrankieJGrande: https://t.co/NG6vBsOzmg pic.twitter.com/m6pgkqn4kT

— Logo 🏳️‍🌈 (@logo) January 21, 2016

With emerging social media like TikTok, younger generations have shone a light on what it’s like to buy, say, shaving cream, as a non-binary person. In the past this has proven difficult, the hot pink strawberry scented shaving cream is not for everyone, but neither is the musky and spicy shaving cream in the men’s section. find the in-between. Or maybe these products look appealing, but the idea of ​​picking them up and checking them out at the store isn’t so appealing when it feels like you’re under the social microscope between aisles.

@period_tips____ Thanks to @periods=power for the idea#gender neutral #periods #fyp #ArbysDiabloDare #adviceofperiod ♬ Changes – Thundercat

Fortunately, there is beginning to be a change within the cosmetics industry. We see that gender neutral colors such as yellow and beige are being used more and more. Minimalist products are trending, which equates to less over-packaged products by gender. Similarly, pink and blue become less frequently assigned colors.

“Above all, it’s always the fragrance inside that should steal the show, not the packaging. Smith remarks, “Our desire is to allow Mother Nature to shine and the beautiful natural pigments of these botanical elements to tint the compositions. I hope we have achieved our goal with a product that would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s daily ritual.

Smith talks about a subject that is reflected not only in gender-neutral beauty products, but also in humanity: it’s not the packaging that matters, it’s what’s inside. interior.♦