Currently in Australia, there is, and always has been, a distinct lack of representation of different cultures in the make-up aisles in supermarkets. A person of colour cannot currently purchase foundations, concealers and other skin products in the right shades due to these items not being stocked on shelves. 

Many brands, including those who do produce the darker colours, are not even available online to purchase. This forces people with darker complexions to either purchase directly from brands' websites or make up stores which ends up costing more than the products on supermarket shelves. This is a form of racial discrimination and must be addressed immediately.

I want people to understand the seriousness of this issue as more than just a complaint about not being able to find a certain product on their shelves. It is about equal access to products that currently is not afforded to BIPOC. It is also a matter of representation and the harmful implications of cultures being visibly underrepresented in society. We all know someone in our lives who is impacted personally by the current lack of diversity and inclusion.

Even if this issue does not directly affect you, please consider signing my petition below to diversify the range of cosmetics colours represented in Australian supermarkets and help to enact change that could mean equality for your friends, children, neighbours, colleagues and future generations of Australians of colour.

We need ALL Australians to acknowledge the harm caused to those who are being excluded and speak up as well. If this issue is something you have never had to think about – please use your voice and your actions to help bring about positive change. It’s time now for allies to step up and promote the voices currently silenced.

Follow @makethespaceaus on Instagram and use the hashtag #makethespace