Not So Pretty

"Not So Pretty" (2022 release; 4 episodes of about 30 min each) is a new documentary mini-series about the state of the beauty industry. As Episode 1 "Make-Up" opens, we are in "New Orleans, Louisiana", and we are introduced to a mom and her (grown-up) daughter. The daughter recounts getting sick and having her make-up kit tested, only to find out that it contains traces of asbestos. Later in the episode, we learn that Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder also contains asbestos, which the company denies despite the ample proof that it does. (J&J withdrew Baby Powder from the US marker in 2020, yet still claims that the product is perfectly safe, without any hint of shame, guilt or sarcasm.)

A couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild from Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, whose previous documentary works include "The Hunting Ground" and last year's riveting "Allen v. Farrow". Here they examine the beauty industry in its various segments (Make-Up, Nails; Skin; Hair), and the alarming, if not shocking, lack of regulatory oversight. Did you know that nail polish manufacturers have ZERO obligation to disclose which chemicals are contained in their products? And then we are all shocked, SHOCKED I tells ya, that nail polish salon workers are significantly more susceptible to cancer and other diseases. No, really! Watching this series will raise the hairs on your arms on how far companies will go to (i) maximize profits, (ii) outright lie to the public, (iii) concoct new legal barriers even when found guilty to avoid paying (see: Texas Two Step scheme used by J&J), and (iii) pressure state and federal authorities relentlessly to not regulate the industry. The series is NOT anti-beauty industry. Instead, it is asking the public at large to be smarter and ask for higher quality products.

"Not So Pretty: premiered a few days ago on HBO Max. The four episodes are easily bingeable. Frankly I'm not sure why this wasn't simply released as a 2 hr movie. Regardless, if you have any interest in the beauty industry, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

"Not So Pretty" (single season, 4 eps, 30-min, HBOmax) is an eye-opening takedown of the cosmetics industry's lack of regard for the public's health. Each episode takes down one or more companies in the makeup, nail, skin, and hair products areas. Their products are responsible for illnesses and/or conditions that can lead to death and Congress refuses to enable the FDA to advocate for consumers since they're in the pockets of, well frankly, all industries including the cosmetics industry.

This shows you knowledge it is up to us how we use it and make a change for the better. The more we know about our daily products the better. This show is great to inform the masses of problems out there.

Another pseudo-documentary to instigate fear and distrust of institutions and rules. They don't mention any serious and scientific study about what they're claiming, only some personal stories and a lot of fear inducing phrases.

The only thing that I can say that was positive is that it is important to change laws to be safe...but that goes for EVERYTHING. About this video... FIRST, it is very important that ALL PEOPLE discover that some hair care, skin care, and nail care ingredients are toxic! And NOT just because a certain racial group used a certain product out of CHOICE. There was no mention of being tied down. I too have used those products...ALWAYS OUT OF CHOICE. I have wavy hair, got a perm, hated it, then used relaxer to fix it again. SECOND, I am so sick and tired of the false narrative that focuses on hatred of one group because of skin color. The same woman who whined about race also straightened her hair. Hypocrisy! HBO should be ashamed! If one group is targeted then ALL are targeted, because what goes around comes around. FINALLY, as I recall from the documentary, Tippi Hedren was trying to help new residents of the USA make a living, not anything bad, but ALL GOOD! No one at that time knew about or thought about toxicity of much... It's good that we're changing and wanting to be a healthier ONE PEOPLE!