I was so excited when I heard MAC's newest collection, Strength, will carry 2 of my favorite matte lipsticks: Pink Pigeon and Party Parrot. I was equally excited to check out the other lipsticks Absolute Power, Strong Woman, and Firm Form. On the night it was released online, they were sold out within an hour! I was so bummed, but I was still hoping I'd get to snag them all when they launch it here in the Philippines. I dropped by MAC Trinoma last weekend to ask when will they release it here.
Guess what they told me? They won't reach the Philippines, or anywhere in Asia.
Why you may ask?
Because apparently, the conservative patriarchal Asian countries are uncomfortable with this print ad - a print ad that depicts how strong women are (or could be).
Its unfortunate how double standard is still evident nowadays. This issue might seem like irrelevant for some people just because it involves makeup. But think about it, even in cosmetics, women's choices are still regulated.
What's so wrong about strong women? What's so wrong about promoting and celebrating women's strength?
I was hoping MAC would come up with an ad for their conservative Asian market just so that the collection will be available here. But when I thought about it, I'm actually glad MAC held its ground and did not put down the ad.
There's nothing wrong with the ad and what it stands for. The only problem here is that some people are still living in the era wherein women's freedom is limited and dictated.
