At a time when we are more invested in the lives of celebrities than ever before, it’s not surprising so many of our fave celebs have put on their entrepreneurial hats and are exploring the world of skincare and beauty. If anyone can sell us the latest product, someone with a few million followers can, right?
Our fascination with celebrity beauty is nothing new. Think dramatic lower-lashes à la Twiggy in the 60’s, mascara on the lower lashes was a no go until her iconic look sparked the interest of the masses. Or when more recently, thick bold brows were resurrected by Cara Delevigne and have inspired beauty trends like the ‘soap brow’ ever since.
However, fame does not always guarantee sales. Former first lady Melania Trump attempted to launch a line of skincare products using actual caviar. The brand didn’t take off, there was no proof that the caviar had any benefits to the skin and the brand later faced complicated legal issues. Another non-starter was Jessica Simpson’s ‘Dessert Beauty’. An edible line of beauty products that launched in the early 2000’s, yet few were willing to snack on their skincare.
As established celebrities, an understanding of their key consumer is often far more important than just a large social media following. If the era of social influencers has taught us anything, it is that no matter who you are, a relationship with followers is essential.
We have been collectively obsessed by celebrity beauty for centuries and now we have the chance to get our hands on celebs’ very own products bringing us one step closer to emulating our favourite iconic looks.
Here is a look at some of the celebrity beauty brands that are actually worth the hype.
Pattern Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross
With her effortlessly chic style and enviable curls, it comes as no surprise that when Tracee Ellis Ross launched her line of hair care products, it took off in an instant. Admitting she has had a rocky relationship with her hair growing up, the brand features a range of products that celebrate naturally curly hair and cater to a variety of hair textures.
‘Growing up, society told me there was a right way to wear my hair and a right way to look. Those ideals didn’t match what I saw in the mirror, so I tried to beat my curls into submission.’
The lack of options on the market for curly hair led to the creation of Pattern, which has been in the works for twenty years.
Tracee regularly shares videos of herself promoting and demonstrating the use of her products for her hefty social media following. The latest additions to the brand are part of the ‘Honour your pattern’ treatment collection, including a hydrating scalp serum and a deep conditioning hair mask.
Tracee clearly has a great deal of experience when it comes to trying and testing products for curly hair, making this brand a well welcomed addition to the hair product shelf.
Fenty Beauty and Skin by Rihanna
We couldn’t make a celebrity beauty list without including Fenty Beauty. It seems there is nothing that singer, actress, designer and beauty mogul Rihanna can’t do. Launching her beauty range in 2017, the makeup range was hailed for its broad inclusivity across skin tones with a collection of 50 foundation shades. It is safe to say Fenty has pushed the boundaries of the beauty industry when it comes to diversity and encouraged other brands to review their own product lines.
Fast forward three years, and Fenty Skin was born. A collection of skincare products that are designed to show that great skin is not just for women.
“Fenty Skin is my vision of the new culture of skincare—I wanted to create amazing products that really work, that are easy to use, and everyone can apply it,” Rihanna has said.
The genderless line includes a creamy cleanser and a pore-refining toner serum all in sleek and even refillable packaging.
Having stepped back from other areas of her career to focus on her beauty and skin range, it is undeniable Rihanna has caused some disruption to the beauty industry in recent years. Her all-inclusive style and uncomplicated product ranges make this brand more than just another celebrity backed beauty line.
Florence By Mills by Millie Bobby Brown
A fairly new addition to the beauty industry, actress Millie Bobby Brown launched her skin-care and makeup collection named after her great-grandmother for all skin types and was an instant hit with beauty newbies hoping to acquire Millie’s fresh-faced glow.
Her latest collection of products have been inspired by time spent in quarantine and the beauty woes it has incurred. “Face coverings have dried out my lips, so I have been using a lot more lip treatment products.”
The line includes a glowing peel off mask designed to help with breakouts and a rich Tinted Lip Oil, perfect for combating winter dryness.
The sixteen year old may be fairly new to the industry but it is clear her playful yet effective products have become a hit with both teens and adults alike and with further product ranges in the works, it is clear this brand is set to continue its success.
Humanrace by Pharell
Musician and fashion designer Pharell Williams, added beauty entrepreneur to his endless list of projects when he launched his skincare line Humanrace.
Almost as famous for his youthful complexion as he is his hats, at 47 Pharell’s range of products are directly inspired by his own routine.
“I wanted to share my 20 years of skincare experience and education through this product and routine,” said Pharrell in a press release.
He also said Humanrace Skincare doesn’t differentiate by race or gender. “We’re creating for humans; we are all born in the same skin and Humanrace celebrates this.”
The brand’s ethos is simple skincare for all, plus the sleek green packaging is not only super top shelfie worthy but is also refillable and contains over 50% post-consumer recycled landfill plastic.
Favoured products include the Rice Powder Cleanser and Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator. Perhaps we have just unlocked the secret to Pharell’s ageless skin.
Kylie Cosmetics and Skin by Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner is not the only member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan that has made a breakthrough in the beauty industry. However, when the reality star-turned business mogul launched her first brand Kylie Cosmetics, she soon found herself on the cover of Forbes magazine making history as one of the youngest entrepreneurs to make 1 billion dollars in revenue.
The self-confessed beauty enthusiast said, “It’s been a real love of mine for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I never even knew that you can really turn your passion into a business, you know. I just followed my heart and went with how I felt.”
With over 200 million followers on Instagram, it is not surprising products sell out immediately after they launch. What started as a range of Kylie’s signature lip-kits has turned into a full blown cosmetics collection that has now extended to skincare.
The millennial pink skincare range includes bestsellers such as the Foaming Face Wash and the Detox Face Mask with the message that skincare and makeup go hand in hand. The products are designed to be affordable yet effective skin staples that work for all. It seems everything Kylie put her name on receives a huge amount of interest and there is no sign her takeover of the beauty industry is slowing down any time soon.
Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga burst onto the music scene with eccentric style and drama and has since become renowned for her extravagant makeup looks. So when Lady Gaga launched her beauty brand Haus Laboratories featuring a selection of multi-use products inspired by stage makeup, her fans and beauty lovers alike were keen to get their hands on them and recreate some iconic Gaga inspired looks.
Gaga’s brand drives the message of self-love and empowerment, something she prides herself in, in all aspects of her career.
“ … I’m sure as hell not going to put out a beauty brand that is going to drive insecurity and fear into people. This is about liberation.”
The collection includes products such as the Eye-lie-ner Liquid Eyeliner and Le Riot Glosses. The products are designed to be the ‘tools’ that give a sense of power and expression, highlighting Gaga’s own struggles and how beauty has become such a powerful tool for herself at times. This brand has a personal touch and fans of Gaga can’t get enough.
