Makeup discrimination is a form of Racial Harassment, and usually occurs when a performer who is racialized experiences treatment in the makeup department that is different than that of their white peers in the same performance category.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLENCE – INCLUDING MAKEUP DISCRIMINATION.

Examples of makeup discrimination in the workplace

  • A Performer with a medium to deep skin tone was asked by Production to do their own makeup, while other Performers with lighter skin tones in the same performance category were provided with full makeup services on set 
  • A Performer with hooded eyelids or monolids was asked by Production to do their own eye makeup, while other Performers with double eyelids in the same performance category were provided with full makeup services on set 
  • The makeup artist or another crew member made unwelcome comments that showed disrespect or caused humiliation towards the Performer, because of their race, colour, creed, ancestry, place of origin, or ethnic origin
  • The makeup artist damaged the Performer’s skin due to a lack of qualifications and training
  • The makeup artist did not have the appropriate products or tools on hand to service the Performer’s skin tone or facial structure 

After advocating for themselves, the Performer was met with harassment, reprisal, or threat of reprisal