Illamasqua, a UK-based makeup brand, is creating a bit of a stir on social media after pledging not to sell any of its products to supporters of President Trump.
"We have decided that we will never knowingly sell our products to people who support President Trump's values," the company said in a statement.
Before buying its products, the company is asking potential customers to pledge to "Human Fundamentalism values" which include nondiscrimination, "accepting responsibility on challenging social and climate issues," and speaking "for those who cannot speak up for themselves."
For those who don't agree with Illamasqua's principles, the company says, "DON'T BUY US."
Freedom of expression, equality & diversity. Join us & together, we can be the change we want to see #Illamafia:… https://t.co/wHFWLhvyTz
Illamasqua's anti-fascism pledge states:
We’re realistic. We know we can’t stop anyone buying our products. But we also know that no matter how hard some people work to make themselves beautiful on the outside, make-up can never hide the ugliness inside. So please, if you don’t agree with the above DON’T BUY US.
Julian Kynaston, the founder of Illamasqua, told BuzzFeed News that the company will not ask potential customers if they are Trump supporters.
Many people on Twitter applauded Illamasqua for "taking a very public stand against Trump and hate."
Wow @Illamasqua taking a very public stand against Trump and hate 👏👏
This person said an anti-fascism email was "unexpected" from a makeup brand.
Wow anti-Fascism email from @Illamasqua. Unexpected from a make up brand, just read it to the whole office. Very impressed.
The brand's anti-Trump message attracted some new customers as well.
@Illamasqua You just gained a new customer to replace one whose heart is filled with hate https://t.co/VE9vtM8NDF
"This just pushed me to order some of their stuff," a woman said.
Ive been intrested in this brand for a few years but this just pushed me to order some of their stuff 😁 https://t.co/scDJkAFaL2
"Love that Illamasqua stands for what they believe in as a brand," one beauty blogger said.
Love that @Illamasqua stands for what they believe in as a brand!! & their products are AMAZINGGG!!!💄❤️
However, the brand's anti-Trump stance provoked criticism from several people who questioned whether the company was forcing its political views on potential customers.
@Illamasqua so if I want your make-up I must align my political views with your own?
Many said the campaign showed the brand's hypocrisy by "being intolerant to Trump supporters."
@__brust @Illamasqua Exactly. "We're going to display our tolerance by being intolerant to Trump supporters". Shining example of hypocrisy.
"Except you're not about equality bc you discriminate Trump supporters???" one person said.
@Illamasqua except you're not about equality bc you discriminate Trump supporters??? Over makeup??
"Wow preaching equality and diversity yet not really showing it," another said.
@Illamasqua wow preaching equality and diversity yet not really showing it. I didn't vote for him but this is hypocritical on your part.
Kynaston responded to critics who felt that the brand was discriminating against people based on political views, saying, "Extreme right-wing views extend beyond day-to-day politics."
"Chants of 'Build that wall' are not political. They are fanatical," he said.
Kynaston said that the response to the campaign has been "99% positive — mainly from Americans, which is reassuring."
According to him about 50 people "have sworn never to buy from us again."
"Principles cost," he said.