Hijabi models and inclusive shades: Rihanna sets new standards in the beauty industry

Over the weekend, Rihanna launched her new makeup line all over the world. Prior to the launch of Fenty Beauty, many were anticipating her line to be inclusive of all skin tones.

The contour sticks were easily blendable and the highlighters and blushers were well pigmented. Just by looking at the makeup counter, it was obvious Rihanna was inspired by the concept of fresh and luminous skin.

Both had stayed on all day and despite the fact that some had complained that the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter is too glittery, when used sparingly with either a fan brush or a diffusing brush, it gave a perfect glow and was buildable enough for a glittery night-time look.

We have not yet tested the foundation, but it brags a strong photo-finish and a soft matte texture that gives a full coverage. It also comes in 40 shades, making the range exceptionally inclusive to all skin tones. More shades are yet to be released.

The makeup tested was on normal-dry skin.

Despite the quality of the makeup, people were mainly overjoyed at the inclusivity of her advertising. Fenty Beauty describes itself as "the new generation of beauty," undoing racist beauty standards and embracing people from all backgrounds.

The fact that she had included Hijab wearing model Halima Aden in her advertising campaign had made rounds on social media, with people across the world hailing Rihanna for her representation of Black Muslim women in her campaign as Islamophobia rages on.

Her inclusivity for justice also adheres to the international political realm, with many respecting her for tweeting “free Palestine” during the 2014 Israeli assault on Gaza, despite the fact that she had deleted it later.

Many had debated the true inclusivity of her foundation shades, with the vast majority being for people with light skin. However, within the light skinned foundation shades, there were undertones for people with albanism, and light skinned people of colour who do not often find foundation with appropriate undertones.

The launch was not only important for people in colour in the diaspora, but crucial for those tackling colourism across the world.

Saudi blogger Abeer Sinder is known for making a stand against anti-blackness in the Arab world. Earlier this year, she released a video condemning the way she is commonly described as being "dark but beautiful".

"We are told that our features are ugly but it's okay because yes, you are black - but you're also pretty and bubbly and you have good energy," she told The New Arab.

Rihanna had recently been under the Arab media spotlight when it was revealed that she had begun dating Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel.

While many rejoiced the singer and entrepreur dating an Arab, double standards had in the Arab comunity was highlighted, emphasising that if a Saudi woman was dating a celebrity outside of her religion, the reaction would have been furious rather than celebratory.

A Saudi Sheikh had even taken part in the debate, claiming that Hassan Jameel kissing his girlfriend before marriage was not haram (forbidden in Islam). He had later speculated that the photo of Hassan Jameela and Rihanna kissing was photoshopped