In the saturated world of celebrity beauty brands, a refreshing breeze is stirring. Selena Gomez, with her brand Rare Beauty, is taking a stance against the distorted ideals we’ve grown accustomed to. At the recent Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, I had the opportunity to discuss with Gomez herself the essence behind Rare Beauty and its mission to redefine beauty standards.
The Rise of Inclusivity in Celebrity Brands
The beauty industry is no stranger to celebrity influence, but what sets Rare Beauty apart is its commitment to inclusivity. According to Fortune, brands like Rare Beauty, Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty are rejecting the age-old norms of ideal beauty, opting instead for authenticity and acceptance. It’s a movement Gomez is incredibly passionate about, as she aims to offer products that mirror real life, with all its imperfections.
Balancing Purpose with Profit
Rare Beauty isn’t just about cosmetics; it’s about creating a legacy. The brand, valued at approximately $2.7 billion, is ranked among Sephora’s top sellers. Yet, it’s the Rare Impact Fund that steals the limelight. Gomez dedicated 1 percent of all sales to this fund, supporting youth mental health services, demonstrating that profit and purpose can indeed coexist.
Real Conversations on Real Ideals
On stage, Gomez candidly expressed her journey with authenticity. She acknowledges the skepticism surrounding celebrities who promote natural beauty while existing in a world of airbrushed perfection. “I’m as real as I can be,” she shared. This confession is a testament to her dedication to transparency and her desire to leave a lasting impact beyond beauty.
Navigating New Pressures in Beauty Norms
In today’s world, where the pressures of perfection are amplified by the rise of GLP-1 and cosmetic surgery, brands like Rare Beauty stand firm. Gomez reassured that they wouldn’t alter their message. Instead, they’re emphasizing everyday people in their campaigns, relatable faces that feel like a friend, steering clear from the conventional allure of supermodels.
A Commitment to Impact and Community
Elyse Cohen, Rare Beauty’s chief impact officer, elaborated on the brand’s philanthropy. The Rare Impact Fund partners with various organizations affected by funding changes, not just offering financial support but capacity-building as well. This holistic approach ensures sustained impact beyond immediate monetary aid.
Reflections from a Pop Icon
Gomez’s journey isn’t just about business; it’s deeply personal. Drawing inspiration from her industry peer and friend Taylor Swift, she values surrounding herself with extraordinary people, reinforcing that growth is an ongoing journey. This philosophy is embedded in Rare Beauty’s DNA—a brand that isn’t just selling products but cultivating a community of empowerment and self-love.
This transformative discussion shines a light on how celebrity brands, under genuine leadership, can challenge and potentially shift the entrenched beauty paradigms. Whether they lead the change remains to be seen, but the foundations laid by Rare Beauty are undeniably strong.