1 CHRISTAL ALERT
TONAL COSMETICS, BARBADOS
Q What inspired you to create cosmetics focused on women of colour? It came from a desire to find makeup that wouldn't melt in the Caribbean climate. After living in Toronto, Paris and Padua, I realised the makeup I loved in Europe and Canada couldn't handle Barbados's heat and humidity. I had to adapt my beauty routine to cope with the changes in climate. This is where Tonal begins.
My goal was simple: sun-safe makeup solutions that could withstand extreme tropical conditions. Products that don't merely cover but prioritise skin health, ensuring you step into the sun with confidence knowing your skin is both nourished and protected.
Before becoming a cosmetic scientist, I worked at a hospital and was exposed to the devastating effects of sun damage. What's concerning is the fact women of colour often receive latestage skin cancer diagnoses, leading to lower survival rates compared to their white counterparts. I saw a need to create a solution that would bridge the gap in skin health and makeup, one that was tailored to the needs of those who are overlooked while