Winnie Harlow Photo/Instagram
Winnie Harlow knows firsthand the power of embracing what makes you different. From being bullied for her vitiligo as a child to gracing the covers of major magazines, she’s become a symbol of confidence and representation for those who feel unseen. That same passion for inclusivity drives her skincare brand, Cay Skin, which caters to a wide range of skin types and tones, addressing a frequently overlooked need in the beauty industry.
The Inspiration Behind Cay Skin
“It all started in 2018, I was on set for a shoot on the beach for two days from sun up to sun down in the Bahamas,” Harlow told ESSENCE. “I’m Jamaican, but Jamaica has nothing on Bahama sun – it is hot. By the end of the second day, I was so scorched because on set nobody really wanted me to reapply sunscreen because it didn’t look good. There were blue casts, silver casts, and purple casts that just left a bad tone on my skin, and so I was left with horrible sunburn that doctors had to treat.”
Inspired by her Jamaican heritage and personal skin journey, Harlow launched Cay Skin with a focus on providing protection and radiance for all skin tones. Cay Skin’s natural, island-based ingredients like aloe vera and sea moss reflect the beauty practices Harlow was introduced to as a child in Jamaica. Recently introduced on QVC, her lightweight, silicone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-friendly sunscreens are making waves in the beauty market.
A Brand Rooted in Inclusivity
"Cay Skin was created for diverse skin tones," Harlow stated in a QVC press release. "The line is inspired by the Jamaican beaches with a nod to my Jamaican heritage. I am excited to bring this line to the QVC customer and inspire them to look gorgeous and feel confident while protecting their skin."
The line include the Isle Glow Face Moisturizer, which is silicone-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, a SPF face lotion and lip balm, a nourishing lip mask, body mist, oil and lotion, as well as a mineral sun cream SPF.
Winnie Harlow at her booth at Sephoria
Turning Pain Into Power
Harlow’s commitment to diversity stems from her personal story. Diagnosed with vitiligo at age four, she endured relentless bullying growing up in Toronto. Called names like "cow" and "zebra" by peers who rejected her differences, she struggled with self-acceptance. The pain led her to drop out of high school and contemplate suicide, but Harlow ultimately turned her unique appearance into a source of empowerment.
For young girls, especially in the Caribbean, Harlow’s story is a beacon of hope. As someone who faced ridicule for her appearance, her rise to international fame sends a powerful message about resilience and self-acceptance. In a reflective Instagram post for World Vitiligo Day, she wrote, “Just like you finally get to see yourself through me, I get to see myself through you. My younger self longed to have this community.”
Harlow made history in 2016 as the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Since then, she has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. Her advocacy for the vitiligo community and push for diversity in fashion and beauty have made her a powerful voice in those industries. "We’re all different. If we’re all different, then we’re technically all normal," she shared with Sports Illustrated.
As Harlow continues to grow Cay Skin, she remains an inspiring figure for young girls and women around the world. Her inclusive beauty solutions, rooted in her personal experiences and Jamaican culture, demonstrate that beauty is not defined by convention but by authenticity.
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