When it comes to the beauty industry, Balanda Atis stands out as a trailblazer who transformed how makeup caters to diverse skin tones.
As the leader of L’Oréal’s Women of Color Lab, Atis has redefined inclusivity in cosmetics, ensuring that women of all shades can find products that truly celebrate their unique beauty.
Atis, a Haitian-American scientist, joined L’Oréal as a chemist, initially working on mascara formulations.
Her passion for innovation soon led her to tackle a glaring issue in the industry: the lack of quality foundations for deeper skin tones. Despite the introduction of products for women of color, Atis observed that many still had shades that were “too ashy” or “too red,” failing to meet the needs of a diverse audience.
Determined to find a solution, Atis and her team embarked on a groundbreaking journey. They traveled across the U.S. and internationally, including to South Africa, collecting over a thousand skin tone measurements.
This extensive research led to the discovery of ultramarine blue, a vibrant colorant that allowed for the creation of deeper, natural-looking foundation shades.
Her work culminated in the development of foundations that became the cornerstone of L’Oréal Lancôme’s campaign with actress Lupita Nyong’o. This achievement elevated the brand and also earned Atis recognition from Elle magazine as one of the “10 Black Women Making History.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Balanda Atis’ influence extends beyond the lab. As a passionate advocate for STEM education, she actively engages with students in the U.S. and Haiti, sharing her journey and emphasizing the vital role science plays in everyday life.
“Science is in everything we do,” Atis told VOA in 2016. “Relating science to beauty makes it accessible and fun for kids who may not realize the incredible opportunities in STEM.”
In addition to her professional contributions, Atis dedicates time to philanthropic efforts in Haiti, supporting education and healthcare initiatives for children in her home country.
A Legacy of Innovation
Balanda Atis continues to push boundaries in the beauty industry. Her goal is not just to create better products for women of color but to innovate across all categories of cosmetics.
“Whether it’s foundation, lipstick, or eyeshadow, I aspire to customize and personalize products that meet every woman’s needs,” she told VOA.
Atis is a changemaker, and her story reminds us of the transformative power of representation, science, and innovation.
