by BR Tabatha
Let's be honest, old Tabby isn't all that big of a fan of beauty collabs at the best of times. Mostly they feel like cash grabs. Often they don't even feel like they're good representations of the person that's being collabed with. 99% of the time I will eyeroll and scroll. Recently though? I didn't so much eyeroll and scroll as stop and stare in horror.
The cause of said moment of shock? A beauty collab with a person who is no longer on this mortal coil. The person in question? The dynamic diva that was Whitney Houston. The brand bringing out the collab? MAC.
First things first, I think it looks fab. That palette speaks to me, as does the blushes and the disco ball highlighter. Stunning.
image: trendmood1
What got my jaw on the floor though, was that for a second I couldn't help but ask "how?". Heck, for a brief moment I even questioned whether I was remembering correctly that she'd tragically passed away. Then, once I reconfirmed the truth with myself the "how" came back into play.
A quick dive into Internet-land told me that the collab came about through the work of her estate. According to Whitney Houston's sister-in-law in this article on The Jasmine Brand, Whitney loved makeup and "was always a champion of women feeling beautitful whether it was a major event or just for everyday wear". Makes sense. I guess.
Whitney Houston's estate's not the only one to bring out a makeup collection once a celeb has passed, with Prince's estate doing the same with Urban Decay in 2021, with the estate saying they did so as part of their mission to continue Prince's legacy and inspire his fans.
image: Urban Decay
The thing is, while it's one thing to want to pay homage to a person you loved through a medium they loved... it still feels strange to me to buy makeup that wasn't actually created by the dead person, so therefore has no real input, no personal touch - unlike their music or movies, which you can easily listen to or watch if you're feeling the need to remember their iconic presence in your life.
Clearly it's a pass from me. A not on your nellie because it gives me a touch of the squeams. I'll save my cash for if on the odd chance a celeb collab comes along that leaves me jumping for joy, such as, I don't know... Julie Andrews X MAC, or Angelina Jolie X Bobbi Brown, or Urban Decay X Betty Whi-. No, scratch that last one... (RIP, dear Betty. You'll always be my favourite Golden Girl), but how glorious would that have been? Alas, now there's a good chance we'll never know, unless her estate reads this and gets an idea in their head...
So, are you a fan of buying beauty collabs featuring the dearly departed? Or does it all feel a bit macabre to you? Hit up the poll and get chatting below!
Not my cup of tea!