An old photograph of Ghanaian gospel singer Empress Gifty dressed in a vibrant African print outfit has gone viral, but not for the reasons one might expect. The image, believed to be from a 2018 event, has drawn widespread attention due to what fans are calling an “epic makeup fail,” reigniting conversations about beauty standards in the entertainment industry. Â
According To Yen, In the photo, Empress Gifty’s makeup appears noticeably mismatched, with her foundation several shades lighter than her natural skin tone, creating a stark contrast with her neck and arms. Social media users quickly flooded the comments section with reactions, ranging from playful teasing to serious critiques about colorism in Ghana’s showbiz scene. Â
“Did her makeup artist forget to blend? one fan joked, while another commented, “This is why I always say: embrace your natural skin!” Some critics accused stylists of pushing lighter makeup shades on dark-skinned celebrities, perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals. Â
Empress Gifty, known for her powerful vocals and bold fashion choices, has yet to address the viral photo. However, close sources say the singer has long moved past such styling mishaps and now prioritizes makeup that complements her natural tone. Â
Makeup artist Nana Ama Addo weighed in, explaining that mismatched foundation was a common issue years ago due to limited shade ranges in Ghana. “Thankfully, brands now offer more inclusive options, so we rarely see these mistakes today,” she said. Â
Despite the criticism, many fans defended Empress Gifty, pointing out that the photo is years old and that her recent looks have been flawless. Others argued that the focus should remain on her music rather than past beauty blunders. Â
As the debate continues, the viral snap serves as a reminder of how far Ghana’s beauty industry has come—and why representation in cosmetics matters. Â