The Dark Secret Behind Your Favorite Makeup Products | Shady | Refinery29

On this episode of Shady, our host, Lexy Lebsack explores the unethically sourced ingredient that's in almost all makeup products. She travels to the mica mines in India to uncover the truth about child labor rings behind this mineral. Watch Shady to see what really goes into making your makeup!

ABOUT SERIES
Shady is the side of the beauty world you haven't seen. Hosted by Refinery29 Senior Beauty Editor, Lexy Lebsack, the series swivels between the unexpected and uplifting, dives deep into the dark underbelly of beauty, gives a voice to those trampled by this quickly growing industry, and questions what it’s all worth. From counterfeit makeup to skin trafficking for cosmetic procedures, we go there.

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TALENT

[bysh]

Imagine putting something on your face everyday, without knowing that you're actually putting a child's blood, sweat and tears on your face too.

[nothingbutmetu]

The saddest words I've ever heard was, "If I don't mine mica, how will I put food on the table?" I'm going to cry

[chelsypng]

“I saw a kid’s head split open.”
…honestly, I don’t know what to say anymore..
I hope that kid will rest in peace. 🕊

[doonaner]

I own a soap company called Elemental Suds, and this video has inspired me to refuse using mica powder in my products. In the soaping industry, it's used to get specific colors in soap. Instead, I've taken a more natural approach.
Thank you for spreading awareness of this problem.

[britzone]

"how will we put food on the table?" i am SICK. this should never be the concern of a child.

[ethanmanzano]

"if I study, only then I can be something"

that hurts

[girijaphatak]

I am a girl form India who is far more privileged than these in the metropolitan cities gives v little insight about the plight of people in the interiors of my video moved me to tears. I was also ashamed of myself at the same time because I had absolutely no clue on this issue that affects so many of my own countrymen

[Aditya_believer]

As a 15 years old from Ranchi, Jharkhand I can say that in some districts of our state including few parts of ranchi, child labour is a big problem. Thank you so much for sharing this problem of our state at an international level.

[Jenniegang]

It's not just mica, its diamonds, it's sugar, coffee, chocolate, gold,
Etc.

[Vivalavive]

“I just want an education...”

Ugh that hit hard

[potatokiddo]

We definitely shouldn’t forget about the fashion industry. That’s terrifying I tell you. As well as cobalt and chocolate.

[ayushikumari]

i am an indian girl who live in bihar just near jharkhand i am happy and sad at same time by seeing your video, that you are doing that much hard and risky things to aware people about the dark side of the big companies and sad because of this dark side but now we can see the changes. i am really in support of you.

[zinashmekete]

Imagine this: Your watching this video and suddenly, you find yourself watching a 5 second ad about buying these products. HOW CRAZY IS THAT?!

[dundeemayne]

'cruelty free' should not only mean cruelty against animals but child labour as well.

[Tetarkall]

My daughter asked me how makeup was made, because she and her mom have been watching Glow Up. Ive started by showing her this video, because I think its important for her to know where the ingredients come from. I am going to show her the rest of the process, which is no where near as bleak, but i hope when she grows up she will be a discerning makeup consumer!

[skullula]

This made me cry. The world is a cruel place. My condolences to the families who lost their children to this. 😔

[manarharahap]

Pooja Bhurla : “I just want an education”

Aghh my heart 😭💔

[AnnaCecilia]

I'll think twice before I moan about how I don't want to study for my upcoming exams.. poor kids

[samelademerit]

I live in jharkhand thank you for this video I feel bad seeing all those small childrens here ..i would surely like to know more about all these things ..i am on tears seeing the little girl she just wants an education ...and she is the fighter the strongest that us

[ann-mariebaker]

This is just horrific. My heart goes out to the family who's daughter died, & all the others who have lost loved ones.. Just awful. We really have nothing to complain about here in England