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!

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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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  • @funnybunnysquad9226 says:

    “What would you be doing if you weren’t mining today?”
    “Hungry.”

    • @mayrabenitez1196 says:

      That hit me really hard, the harsh reality that these kids have to deal with

    • @sandycities2507 says:

      I was expecting them to say something like “play” or “go to school” but the fact that they didn’t have any other choice is heartbreaking

    • @roshnisingh5944 says:

      @@sandycities2507 same..

    • @birds8529 says:

      That was heartbreakint

    • @theserpentcharmer1313 says:

      That line made me cry. I had to pause the video. These children don’t even know what “play” means. All they know is work.. to eat. Survival. It’s so heartbreaking.

  • @dundeemayne388 says:

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

  • @Velvet.red_ says:

    The fact that these kids gets only 5 cents and the makeup industries are selling their products with +40$
    This is breaking my heart

    • @kanelita8998 says:

      And all the make up returns in Ulta and Sephora get destroyed because some one wasn’t pleased with their purchase

    • @ramtea_ says:

      Velvet how can i follow you

    • @samf8887 says:

      Kids shouldn’t be working at all. They should be in school

    • @samf8887 says:

      @@user-uu6ki8ig5i no they shouldn’t be working at all. AT ALL. They should be in school and their parents shouldn’t have to be forced to put the burden of income on their kids, they should be paid fair wages. The owners of these Indian mining companies are Indian owned sourcing it to developed nations. These Indian companies need to be held accountable.

    • @sdqsdq6274 says:

      lol its illegal , there no law , a wild west ….

  • @begona2120 says:

    “I just want an education”
    DAMN that hit hard

    • @mrjoker670 says:

      U’r Right

    • @ramessesthegreat5542 says:

      The irony here is that most of these kids are enrolled in government schools but their parents force them to work in mines instead of studying.The Indian government provides free education to children up to the tenth grade with free mid-day meals.The uniform,books and other facilities are all free.But these kids are enrolled in schools just to collect the amount the government gives each time a child passes a year.

    • @faisalalawaji9977 says:

      The Toon Station did u hear them saying they weren’t forced by their parents but because they need to work to feed themselves

    • @victhoeria5271 says:

      And idiots are like “school sucks, they don’t teach me anything”

    • @flamingoimchill4771 says:

      i know and kids in school don’t accreprite it

  • @peachandapricot says:

    “I saw a kids head split open”

    Why is no one talking about this

  • @emmasoha1570 says:

    So a four year old is risking her life so someone can have glitter on their face….

  • @Vivalavive says:

    “I just want an education…”

    Ugh that hit hard

  • @nothingbutmetu3664 says:

    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

    • @Kasumi10074 says:

      Nardose Mengesha Ah don’t cry!

    • @nairinmartinez9011 says:

      @@Kasumi10074 in this video i learned to not complain i feel so bad for that kid who was on a corupted mine and she had a big scar and then i remembered that my mom had a scar like that i feel so sorry for them no one has a reason to dislike this video 😔😔😭😭😢😓

    • @ankitagupta4692 says:

      Dude…that subtitle is wrong..they don’t even have a table..🥺 she just said “if she don’t mine, how will she eat” ( basically how will they feed themselves) I feel really bad about it…

    • @catsnekos5002 says:

      Ikr that’s so sad they don’t know anything else than these miserable life conditions

    • @sadpeepolv6185 says:

      I actually cried

  • @likla7181 says:

    I hope the children aren’t harmed for interviewing

  • @emorysbackyard says:

    *Moral of the story* :
    Young children are breaking their backs and dying for something we remove the next day.

  • @chelsypng says:

    “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. 🕊

  • @skullula says:

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

    • @manish7897 says:

      World was , is , will remain cruel , humans just find a different way every time to be cruel nothing new

  • @Oleka8 says:

    The sound track that plays during 2:03 is an amazing selection, props to the editors and whoever chose this soundtrack/music for the video. You’ve got good ear.

  • @Tetarkall says:

    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!

  • @potatokiddo says:

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

  • @ayushikumari4466 says:

    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.

  • @Aditya_believer777 says:

    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.

  • @samelademerit9980 says:

    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

  • @girijaphatak9022 says:

    I am a girl form India who is far more privileged than these kids…..living in the metropolitan cities gives v little insight about the plight of people in the interiors of my country……..this 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

    • @brighid13 says:

      This type of injustice is happening all over the world not just in India. Do not be ashamed of india. We need to improve as a human race.

    • @faveladarbunch8738 says:

      And yet you did nothing, you’re doing nothing and you’ll do nothing. Nothing but opine a phony comment. It’s really sickening how people use this platform as a means to feel good about themselves without doing anything in reality.

    • @faveladarbunch8738 says:

      @@brighid13 Well since you included yourself on the “We need.” how exactly are you personally improving the human race? Remember, writing imbecilities like yours does not count.

    • @brighid13 says:

      @@faveladarbunch8738 I am doing lots of things as we all should be. You should mind your own business and not personally attack those who do what they can to help.

    • @faveladarbunch8738 says:

      @@brighid13 This is a public platform Latika. If you dont want anyone on your business, then dont share your comments. A privilege hindu helping the marginalized? hahaha thats a lie and you know it.

  • @doonaner says:

    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.

    • @mochabearry says:

      👏🏾 I’ll check you out, thanks!

    • @PraiseTheLordyourGodJesus says:

      😢Ephesians‬ ‭6:10‭-‬18‬ ‭Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. The bible is no old book. You have to really let Christ open your eyes; to see the world in shambles. Many people say it’s a religion to lock up people in chains, and say it’s a rule book.. why? Because people hate hearing the truth, it hurts their flesh, it’s hurts their pride, it’s exposes on what things have they done..people love this world so much, s*x, money, power, women, supercars.. things of this world. Still trying to find something that can fill that emptiness in your heart. You can’t find that in this world.. only in Christ, the bible is no chains, it’s a chainbreaker. Breaking your sins into pieces… Repent now, and turn back to the true Lord only.. God bless.😢😢

    • @Nymphiiee says:

      Amazing, wish more companies did actual research and put these things into consideration its unfortunate we live in such a capitalist society :c

    • @user-oh6nq3ch8w says:

      How contact with you?

    • @doonaner says:

      @@user-oh6nq3ch8w You can always Google Elemental Suds and go to the Contact page.
      Thanks!

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