L'Oréal Sparks Outrage with “Whitewashed” Beyoncé Ad

Posted by Katie on August 12 at 12:57 PM Images of a new ad for L'Oréal Feria hair color have surfaced and have infuriated many people around the world. What is all the fuss about?

Well, singer Beyoncé Knowles appears much whiter than usual in a recent ad appearing in September issues of Elle, Allure and Essence. Although L'Oréal denies altering the photo many people are concerned. Some fear this is sending a message that whiter is prettier.


"Beyoncé Knowles has been a spokesperson for the L'Oréal Paris brand since 2001. We highly value our relationship with Ms Knowles. It is categorically untrue that L'Oréal Paris altered Ms Knowles's features or skin-tone in the campaign for Féria hair colour," said a L'Oréal spokesperson.

Everyone knows that airbrushing and retouching photos is a standard practice in the advertising world, but when does it go too far? We won’t know if it was the lighting or makeup or if it was intentionally done, but I hope this will make L'Oréal think twice before they create their next ad.
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