Ben Nye Cosmetics Creates ‘Minstrel Brown’ Color Makeup

*Editor’s note: Ben Nye has removed the Minstrel Brown makeup color, but hasn’t issued a statement.

Ben Nye Cosmetics is well known for carrying theatre grade cosmetics, a must-have for those who need sturdy, camera-friendly cosmetics. However, many beauty bloggers and youtube gurus also swear by using their products for even everyday wear. Ben Nye “Banana Powder,” is a staple in pretty much every makeup hoarder’s collection.

However, we may want to second-guess our financial support of this brand given that the name, “Minstrel Brown” has been assigned to the deep brown shade in their collection of creme character bases.

The minstrel show, or minstrelsy, was an American form of entertainment developed in the 19th century of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, performed by white people in blackface or, especially after the U.S. Civil War, by black people…Minstrel shows lampooned black people as dim-witted,[1] lazy,[1] buffoonish,[1][2] superstitious, happy-go-lucky,[1] and musical.

Due to the deeply offensive nature of minstrel shows, we’re surprised the brand would continue to carry this shade with the assigned name.

Have you tried Ben Nye Cosmetics? If so, will this information have an effect on your future purchases?