Historically, black representation in the beauty industry has not always been positive: black women's features, style, and taste have not always been appreciated or celebrated. But actress and filmmaker Andrea Lewis has big plans to shine a spotlight on the topic in hopes that the industry will change for the better.

Lewis is the brain behind Black Beauty Effect, a documentary that captures the current evolution, revolution, and disruption taking place in the beauty industry. Each one-hour episode examines a different aspect of beauty - hair, skin, and makeup - through the lens of some of the beauty industry's most iconic game changers. Featuring candid conversations with brand executives, celebrity makeup artists, and beauty editors, the documentary focuses on the impact influencers have had on the beauty industry's changing perception of beauty.

Here, we sit down with Lewis to get his take on how the film aims to send a positive message about black identity and remind us of the progress we have made in changing the culture of what beauty looks like globally is, we get ideas about what it is.

Marie Claire: Why now is the perfect time to launch Black Beauty Effect?

Andrea Lewis: I think people are more ready than ever to embrace and celebrate diversity, especially when it comes to beauty. We are no longer interested in being boxed in; we want to see stories that reflect that. Black Beauty Effect is a series that celebrates the game changers in the black beauty industry, doesn't shy away from telling stories that have long been ignored, and gives flowers to those who finally deserve them. There has never been a better time to bring this series to the world.

MC: How has Black Beauty evolved?

AL: We are in a time when Black Beauty is more confident than ever. Black complexion, hair texture, and features are so diverse. We started to see a gradual change with the natural hair movement in social media and the birth of beauty influencers, and then there was a big change with the complex range of makeup and the marketing of makeup by Fenty Beauty Now, we are seeing a change in every way possible. We are now in an era of total acceptance of beauty in every way possible. It is very interesting to see the growth of the black community as well as the beauty industry.

MC: From your perspective, what is the current state of the black beauty industry?

AL: The current state of the black beauty industry is expanding. Case in point: I was recently in a hair and makeup trailer on a shoot and not only was the entire space filled with amazing black hair and makeup artists, but they were using black-owned products on my hair and face. It was amazing! We are expanding in all areas of the beauty industry, and I am so proud to be a part of it.

MC: What do you hope audiences will learn from this film?

AL: I hope they walk away from this series inspired by the innovation, determination, and motivation of the game changers we have featured throughout this series. I want Black audiences to be proud that despite the beauty industry's attempts to exclude us, we still found a way to survive and thrive in this industry.

Black Beauty Effect is available on Xfinity and Xumo's Black Experience. Watch the trailer below.