2017 is wrapping up, and that means best-of lists are already upon us. In one of the year’s most pleasant surprises though, Rihanna’s makeup line Fenty Beauty has secured a spot on Time‘s best inventions for 2017 list.
If you’re unfamiliar with Fenty Beauty, the pop star launched her makeup line in September with 40 shades of foundation. Unlike many designers who largely focus on lighter skin tones, Fenty Beauty offers shades that complement both albino women and Black women—and many, many more shades in between. Fenty Beauty models are also diverse, challenging the oft-whitewashed beauty industry.
“It was also important that every woman felt included in this brand,” Rihanna told Time. “We are all so different, with our own unique skin tones, so we started with the 40 foundation shades out the gate.”
.@TIME mag named @fentybeauty one of the 25 best inventions of 2017! I’m honored and I have to send love to everyone who’s supported this brand in the 2months that we’ve been here! Glory to the Most High. https://t.co/sGxsiO6wxA pic.twitter.com/GsPG64A93P
— Rihanna (@rihanna) November 16, 2017
Fenty Beauty went viral when the makeup line first hit store shelves and, in its short life since, has encouraged other companies to finally take women of color’s beauty needs seriously. Oh, and yes, the Bad Girl loves what her fans are doing with the line, even if that involves setting makeup on fire. So it goes without saying that Fenty’s place on Time’s top 2017 inventions has made many women happy.
https://twitter.com/Victtorr4/status/931260237574754305
It’s what you guys deserve for creating a brand that finally every boy and girl of any skin color can use 🙌🙌🏻🙌🏼🙌🏽🙌🏾🙌🏿
— roxy (@badg4lrihanna) November 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/beauty_jackson/status/931283471804268546
https://twitter.com/JodieRo51460119/status/931538383842799616
Time‘s recognition is nice, of course, but Rihanna doesn’t need journalists to tell her that she’s making women of color feel heard.
https://twitter.com/palesakgasane/status/931480194388582400
U the reason I broke. pic.twitter.com/moFHElsGpj
— BadGalRiRi (@CatchMeRih) November 16, 2017
Just don’t expect Fenty Beauty to stop with its current line. Rihanna has her sights set on making room for women of color in the beauty industry.
“The options are pretty much unlimited in the world of beauty, and I love challenges,” she explained to Time, “so I’m going to continue to have fun and push the boundaries in this industry.”
