I have the greatest respect for Leigh as a leader in the beauty space, and I devour You Beauty each week. I’m a big fan. But I have to disagree with this article as it’s so fundamentally flawed and based on an obvious mistruth that it doesn’t do anyone any justice.

Jameela’s opening point was “privileged people have more access to good quality nutrition and also our lives are significantly less stressful”. She goes on to say that she gets more sleep, and all of this keeps her hormones in balance and she’s able to address food intolerances.

She says nothing about being RICH and being able to afford dermatologist advice and top products (although I’m sure you can agree that a 1 to 1 consultation with one of the UK’s top dermatologists is going to offer better skincare than one-size-fits-all advice dished out on Caroline Hiron’s Instagram and a $9 retinol from chemist warehouse. After all, what works for many may not work for all.)

She talks about privilege: the luxury of being able to get 8 hours sleep; the wealth to afford fresh fruits and vegetables and home-cooked, balanced meals every day; the lack of financial stress - the ability to buy a $9 retinol and not worry about whether the splurge was worth it and is the product working cause I can’t afford another. 

You can still be proud of the beauty industry you’ve worked in while acknowledging the privilege of celebs, influencers and rich people who have greater access, more sleep and less stress. Including your privilege in getting gifted products regularly.