| Beauty
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💡 TLDR
Hear me out on this one—Pat McGrath Labs filing for bankruptcy has the internet arguing about whether she’s an oppressive elitist or a genius. The real drama? Some Black women are calling her out for …
Hear me out on this one—Pat McGrath Labs filing for bankruptcy has the internet arguing about whether she’s an oppressive elitist or a genius. The real drama? Some Black women are calling her out for charging top dollar, even as they praise her for breaking barriers in beauty. It’s like the Black community is demanding her brand be both a luxury empire and a drugstore staple, which is basically impossible. But why? Because we’ve been taught that Black brands must serve everyone’s budget, even if it means sacrificing quality or vision.
Pat McGrath Labs isn’t the first Black luxury brand to face this. Think about it: Black-owned brands are expected to be affordable and high-end, which is a total paradox. When Fenty launched in 2017, it was a game-changer for inclusive shade ranges, but even now, Black women still struggle to find products that match our skin tones and our wallets. The expectation is that Black brands fix the beauty industry’s historic failures—like exclusion, lack of representation, and overpriced skincare—while also charging enough to sustain their dreams. That’s a lot to ask of one brand.
The real issue isn’t the price tag. Pat McGrath’s products are in the same range as Natasha Denona or Chantecaille—brands that don’t face the same “accessibility” scrutiny. Her Mothership palettes? $128 for 10 shades of glass skin that look like liquid gold. And yet, some Twitter users are saying she’s “self-sabotaging” by not pricing lower. But here’s the thing: You don’t build an empire by selling yourself short. Pat McGrath started as a makeup artist, not a discount drugstore line. Her brand is about innovation, not affordability.
This backlash isn’t just about money. It’s about how much success we’re comfortable allowing Black women to have in luxury spaces. For decades, Black people who pursued wealth or ambition were called “uppity” or “not knowing their place.” That mindset lingers today, even as Black creators dominate beauty trends. Pat McGrath’s success isn’t a threat—it’s proof that Black women can lead in industries that’ve historically excluded us. The real question is: How much of that success are we willing to let Black women have?
💫 The real question is: How much success are we comfortable letting Black women have in the luxury space.
So, who’s really paying the price when Pat McGrath Labs goes bankrupt? The real question is: How much success are we comfortable letting Black women have in the luxury space?
Key points: Black luxury brands face a double standard—expected to be affordable while maintaining high quality. Pat McGrath’s success isn’t about price but innovation and representation. The backlash isn’t about affordability but comfort with Black success in luxury.
Close: So, who’s really paying the price when Pat McGrath Labs goes
❓ People Also Ask
What caused Pat McGrath Labs’ bankruptcy?
Pat McGrath Labs filed for bankruptcy due to financial strain, legal issues, and declining sales, despite its luxury brand reputation.
Why is there a double standard for Black luxury beauty brands?
The double standard stems from racial bias, where Black brands face higher scrutiny and less support compared to their white counterparts in the luxury beauty industry.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇