### Rising Star Golloria Shines a Light on Inclusivity in Beauty
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Golloria, a popular TikTok content creator, recently earned her place on TikTok’s 2026 Discover List as an icon of the platform. At just 24 years old, she has made a name for herself in the beauty community, but her journey into the world of makeup has not been without its challenges.
Her TikTok profile showcases a stunning array of glam looks, with her skin glowing under the warm lights of her vanity. Nevertheless, Golloria describes herself as a “late bloomer” in the realm of beauty. As a child, she frequently found herself mesmerised by the colourful multitude of products in her local grocery store, often drifting away from her family to explore the cosmetic aisle. This youthful curiosity soon met the harsh reality of representation in beauty products, especially for those with darker skin tones.
Reflecting on her childhood, she candidly recalls, “I was like, ‘OK, this is cool, but it just may not be for me.’” Despite her interest in makeup at a young age, she recognised that most products available were unsuitable for her complexion. Even as a child, this lack of representation left a mark; Golloria felt the painful sting of exclusion from the beauty narrative.
Her fascination with makeup persisted into her university years, particularly as she engaged in the frequent social outings and get-togethers typical of college life. However, Golloria noticed a stark difference between her experience and that of her lighter-skinned peers, who were able to use popular products without any concerns. “I really did not have anything,” she explained. This disparity drove her to continually seek out products that complemented her darker skin tone, leading to frustration within an industry that often prioritises lighter complexions.
The subsequent years were filled with experimentation. Golloria had her first breakthroughs with a Fenty Beauty foundation and an eyeshadow stick from Laura Mercier, which ignited her passion for makeup. Despite her ongoing struggles with finding appropriate products, she began documenting her journey on TikTok, sharing her trials and discoveries with the platform’s audience. Her authenticity resonated, and her follower count quickly grew from hundreds to millions.
A significant factor contributing to her rise is a viral series where Golloria tries on the darkest shades of various foundations, often exposing brands for their lack of inclusivity. Through her content, she has garnered a reputation for fearlessly calling out brands that fail to recognise the need for broader shade ranges. “This industry is very vanilla — that’s the best way to put it,” she asserts. She notes that it’s not uncommon for her to be the only representative of her race on brand trips, highlighting the ongoing issues of inclusivity within the beauty sector.
Determined to create change, Golloria utilises her platform to advocate for those who are still underrepresented. “I know that this work is for everyone that looks like me,” she states, reaffirming her commitment to pushing for better access and representation in beauty spaces. She is aware of the privilege her position affords her and strives to wield it responsibly. This includes hosting dinners for fellow Black creators and using her voice in meetings with leading beauty brand executives to promote diversity in both campaigns and product ranges.
As Golloria continues to carve out her path, she acknowledges the weight of responsibility that comes with her influence. Reflecting on her motivations, she reveals, “Especially because of my background… these issues are such a big part of who I am.” These experiences fuel her drive to not only succeed for herself but also for other Black creators aspiring to achieve recognition within the industry.
Moreover, Golloria has expressed frustration with some of her peers in the beauty community who remain silent on important political issues. “It is so easy to get on the internet and do even a little bit of research,” she argues, making it clear that she is not afraid to speak out against injustices.
Looking ahead, Golloria has ambitious plans to launch her own beauty brand, although specifics remain under wraps for now. “I think this platform has given me a lot of leverage in this industry,” she shares, expressing her desire to create a brand that not only showcases beauty but also gives back to those less fortunate.
As she embarks on this exciting next chapter, Golloria’s journey underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity in the beauty industry, inspiring countless others to push for change and embrace their authentic selves.