ARE we in ‘darker’ times (no pun intended)?
The mention of skin-bleaching products is an extremely sensitive subject among black women. Some believe that with appropriate doses and regimens, products can be used as a “spot-lightener.” Whereas others may believe the entire body is considered a ‘spot’ to be lightened.
Let’s FACE it, this topic isn’t fading out any time soon and as with every story, there are two sides (perhaps one side lighter than the other).
To spotlight this ancient beauty war, two celebrities, Actress Lupita Nyong’o and Nigerian-Cameroonian superstar Dencia brought out their manicured claws.
Here is a quick recap of the face-off and the [beauty] marks left behind:
The Opponents:
Reprudencia N. Sonkey (professionally known as Dencia), Cameroonian- Nigerian singer, model, actress who produced a high-end skincare line called ‘Whitenicious,’ to remove dark spots, acne, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin.
VS.
Lupita Amondi Nyong’o, a Kenyan-Mexican actress and philanthropist, born and raised in Mexico, and is the first black beauty ambassador for Lancome. Nyong’o came into the limelight with her lead-role in Steve McQueen’s hit movie, “12 Years a Slave”.
The Graceful Backhand:
At the Essence Black Women In Hollywood event in February, Lupita won an award and provided an acceptance speech, recalling a letter she received from a fan who wanted to use Whitenicious to lighten her complexion. Lupita also revealed how inferior she once felt as a young girl growing up with darker skin, giving advice on how she overcame and triumphed over such complexities.
In an angry tweet directed at the 12 Years A Slave star, she wrote: ‘Oh @Lupita_Nyongo cln’t talk abt the bleaching creams white people (Companies) make cuz the white man pays her, they own her!! [sic]’.
The comment comes just a month after Miss Nyong’o mentioned Dencia – who has been accused of marketing her own brand of skin-bleaching cream called Whitenicious – in a speech about learning to value the color of her own skin.
The Return Jab:
Nigerian and Cameroonian pop star, Denicia lashed out at Lupita Nyong’o for mentioning Whitenicious in her award-speech, pointing out that the company who Lupita is a “slave” for, sells skin-lightening products.
Dencia slapped the title of “slave” to Lupita Nyong’s contract with Lancome, accusing her of ‘bowing to white people’s companies”
“But they sell bleaching cream tho RT @IamNappyBaby: @IamDencia b—h lupita is the new face of Lancôme!! SHE WINS!! And you’re just TRASH[sic],” Dencia tweeted last week.
The product Denicia may have been referring to is the Lancome‘s Blanc Expert, a ” Dark Spot Corrector & Radiance Activator, with more than 12 years of research on hyperpigmentation and skin unevenness.
The Final Blow:
In March 2014, Singer Dencia responded to the media and Lupita in the following Channel 4 News Segment.
Who had the flawless victory?
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