Balanda Atis, an African-American cosmetic chemist hailing from New Jersey, USA, has made remarkable strides in the beauty industry. With her passion for science and a strong educational background, she embarked on a journey that eventually led to groundbreaking discoveries in cosmetics. As the manager of L’Oreal’s Women of Color Lab and a chemist in research and innovation at L’Oreal USA, Atis has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing makeup to be inclusive for all skin tones. In this blog post, we’ll delve into her early life, career, and the significant impact she’s had on the industry.
Balanda Atis Early Life and Education:
Born in 1972, Balanda Atis was raised in New Jersey, USA, with a Haitian heritage. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in science, which she pursued diligently throughout her academic journey. After completing high school, she obtained a degree in Biology. However, her true calling lay in the world of cosmetics, prompting her to pursue a graduate degree in cosmetic science.
Balanda Atis Career at L’Oreal:
Balanda Atis commenced her career as a cosmetic chemist, dedicating her expertise to developing personal hair care products. Over the years, she expanded her portfolio to include sun care products, professional hair dyes, and baby products. In 1999, Atis joined L’Oreal USA and began her journey to create a more diverse and inclusive makeup range.
The Game-Changing Discovery:
During her tenure at L’Oreal, Atis and her team of scientists embarked on an essential research project. They attended various shows hosted by the company across the United States, gathering skin color measurements from women of color. This research led to a significant breakthrough – Atis discovered that ultramarine could be used in foundations to create rich and deeper shades, avoiding the common muddy finish found in existing products for darker skin tones.
Balanda Atis Manager of L’Oreal’s Laboratory:
In 2014, L’Oreal recognized Atis’s invaluable contributions and appointed her as the manager of a specialized laboratory. This lab focused on the production of cosmetics catering to a diverse range of skin tones. Notably, she developed the foundation that actress Lupita Nyong’o wore in L’Oreal’s Lancôme promotional campaign, garnering widespread acclaim.
Balanda Atis Recognition and Influence:
Balanda Atis’s pioneering work didn’t go unnoticed. In October 2020, Elle magazine named her one of “10 Black women making history,” acknowledging her as the “driving force” behind the expanding range of makeup shades in various renowned brands like Armani, Lancôme, Maybelline, and Urban Decay.
Conclusion:
Balanda Atis’s journey from a passionate young scientist to a celebrated cosmetic chemist has been nothing short of inspirational. Her relentless dedication to creating makeup products suitable for all skin tones has revolutionized the beauty industry. As she continues to make history and influence positive change, the impact of her work will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
Follow Balanda Atis on her social media channels: Instagram: @balandaatis Twitter: @Batis106 Facebook: @Balanda Atis
