Remember sitting in the classroom and asking your friend to pass the ‘skin colour’ crayon? Then proceeding to use a pale, slightly orange tone to colour in the face of your illustration?
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Well as we fight for adequate representation in the workplace, the sporting arena, award shows, and the beauty and modelling industry, there is definitely something to be said about the lack of representation in colour palettes for children trying to draw themselves, their friends or their family members.
Enter, CEO of MOB Beauty, Victor Cassal.
The ex-chief chemist and managing director of MAC, as well as co-founder of Cover FX, has partnered with Crayola to bring us the ‘Colours of the World’ crayons. The carefully curated range of 24 shades covers light and deeper shades, including pinks, neutrals and golden undertones.
“This is exactly the science and treatment I have used to create global shade palettes for the beauty industry,” said Victor.
And for those who are thinking 24 shades doesn’t even scratch the surface for complexion variation, Casale explains “when you apply a complexion product on your face, and you compare it to your skin – side by side – you have to be very precise.”
“When translating this knowledge and experience to support the colours of the world initiative, I felt it would be difficult for a child to notice the difference on paper.”
Working side by side with the research and development division at Crayola, instead of aiming for 50+ shades, the team and Victor enlisted the process of merging two similar complexion shades into one crayon.
And just like that, Victor and Crayola are doing it for the kids, and making a huge impact on our children feeling confident, seen and important. Bravo.
Had you noticed these colours were missing from your childs pencil case?
I don’t know if my 4 yo grandson will select a skin tone or still stick with a blue or green face in his artwork.
They actually look so cool!!
This is fantastic, inclusivity is so important!
What a great idea, I love these.
Yay for inclusivity!
What a thoughtful thing to do, it says a lot about this company.
Such amazing progression
Hahahaha
It shows real progression
I agree
Yay!
Its such a great idea!
I think this is great for kids! What a great initiative – & long overdue!
A great initative. Good work. Keep it up
YES! I remember as a kid I never knew what colour to use for skin. Such a fabulous initiative.
It sounds like the United Nations of skin tones – great for promoting diversity from a young age!
I can under why because of the years of Foundations & Clothes marked as “skin tone”. Well that depends on your nationality doesn’t it.
Wow,these are adorable colours and each kid would love to own a box of these colours but can’t find them anywhere.
Love it, how fantastic, good on you Crayola!
I know this sounds minor, but it’s the sort of thing that can make a huge difference.
This should have already been available before now.
So true Andrea. It’s a great initiative, but they really should have been available well before now.
This is just a brilliant idea! I need to get this for my daughter!! Hope they become widely available soon!
This is amazing!
Such a great idea!
This is such a great idea that should have been implemented a long time ago.
This is such a great idea to teach children whats right from a young age.
Loved this
This looks so cool! I can imagine my little one mistaken it for his crayons.
They are in Big W at the moment. I hope they are a permanent fixture.