Filming in Paris for her next film role, the singer and actress took the opportunity to be in the capital to unveil new products from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty. And interviewed us about entrepreneurship, self-esteem and mental health.
Selena Gomez doesn’t want to be just a number with her name on a cream or lipstick. The founder of Google’s most searched (1) “celebrity cosmetics brand” wanted to make a real difference with the launch of Rare Beauty in 2020. He confides in a select few journalists and influencers on this scorching June afternoon on the roof of the Bulgari Hotel in Paris. Indeed, the actress has been shooting for a movie in the French capital for several weeks Emilia Perez, the musical directed by Jacques Audiard, sung and danced in Spanish. This event dedicated to her beauty line was far from planned. And even more so the private interview she will give us that day, because it is rare (no pun intended) for the singer to give interviews to the French media.
Selena Gomez, founder of Rare Beauty cosmetics brand. Press/Rare beauty
In video, victim of bodyshaming on social networks, Selena Gomez responds to criticism about her weight
Just before entering the scene, the businessman spontaneously took off his stiletto heels and landed barefoot on the terrace. “Sorry, I can’t wear these shoes,” she said with a smile as she entered to laughter from her audience.
I used to get annoyed when people said Rare Beauty was just another popular brand.
Selena Gomez
Facing this small panel of makeup experts, Selena Gomez began by discussing the origins of Rare Beauty. “I had to create a range that was of good quality and affordable. I wanted the product to be easy to use because I am by no means a professional makeup artist myself,” she explains, weighing every word. She also insists on the idea of uniqueness and individuality in beauty, values that greatly inspired her brand name; The word “rare” is very important to me. I have a tattoo, it is also the name of my last album. We spend so much time trying to be like others when we actually forget that we are who we are. And that’s what’s beautiful. I hope our brand can help embrace and love this authentic and natural part of us.”
New role
She, who has been in the spotlight since the age of 7, is still not used to this new role as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. He even considers it “very strange” to be appointed “founder”. “I never hoped, not even in my wildest dreams, that this would come true. Every day I cringe to believe it,” he admits, insisting on the importance of the team in this adventure. “It’s not just about me. It’s the best feeling in the world when someone comes up to me and compliments the brand, because they’re not complimenting me, they’re complimenting my team.”
Wanting to show her involvement in the creation and testing process of her products, Selena Gomez took the time to introduce each of her new Fall 2023 releases (available exclusively at Sephora). An eye-focused makeup collection in the program, consisting of gel-textured eyeliners, eyeshadow sticks, and dual-ended brow pencils. A top ambassador for her brand, she wears graphic and dark makeup for the day, enhancing her look created with these new products.
Campaign visual from Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Fall 2023 collection. A rare beauty
Mental health
Strongly committed to freedom of speech regarding mental health, Selena Gomez is honored to support this cause through Rare Beauty. That’s why from the start of his project, he created the Rare Impact Foundation, to which he donates 1% of all sales from his company, to improve access to mental health services and education for young people. In recent years, the pop star has opened up about her own issues, including her bipolar disorder and depression. “I shared my personal mental health story with as many people as I could and found it necessary. I know the thought of seeking help can be scary, but it’s not. It’s really about finding other people who feel the same way you do. Sometimes that’s all we need, a connection with someone who can understand us. It was like that for me. That’s what I felt,” he says.
I shared about my mental health issues and it was necessary
Selena Gomez
Elise Cohen, Vice President of Social Impact and Inclusion at Rare Beauty, who is on hand at the conference, delivers the official report; who support mental health services around the world. And that’s just the beginning.” The goal? Raise $100 million in the next ten years. In 2022, the Rare Impact Fund has already donated $2 million (out of a total of $5 million raised). “It gives me great joy to know that we are making a difference. We don’t just create beautiful and fun beauty products, we make an impact. And it allows me to feel calm at night, to know that I have a goal,” admits the pop star.
Selena Gomez, founder of the Rare Beauty brand. A rare beauty
“Body Shame”
Selena Gomez is also committed to championing inclusion and self-acceptance through Rare Beauty. Indeed, the former Disney star, who grew up in front of the cameras, was not always at peace with her image, as she revealed in particular in her documentary: My mind and me , which airs on Apple TV+ in November 2022. “I have been taking pictures for so long. It was hard for me because I was comparing myself to others and thinking about it all the time. I find it complicated sometimes. You should make sure you have a healthy relationship with yourself and take a break from social media from time to time.
There is life beyond these retouched, unrealistic and fake happy photos
Selena Gomez
A victim of online physical harassment herself, the most followed female Instagram personality with 425 million subscribers has forced her to leave these platforms. A subject he will discuss at greater length during our private interview in the privacy of the suite’s living room. Selena talks about how important her recent break from social media has been for her. “I think it’s important not to be there, or at least try for a while. That was the only thing that helped me, to be honest. I had to delete them. And it worked for me,” he reveals. “See [ces images sur] all day on the screens and tell me. “I’m not pretty enough”, “I don’t look like that”, “They look so happy”, “They look like they’re having fun”… That’s what my mind does when I’m in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and instead could go for a walk or go shopping. There is life beyond these retouched, unrealistic and hypocritically happy photos.
Although bodyshaming on social media is increasingly rampant and particularly affects the youngest, the 30-year-old invites its victims to follow her example. “I know it’s hard for people to do without it. But maybe, for some time it should be done. And take care,” she suggests.
Natural beauty
The meeting is coming to an end. After so many weeks in Paris, has the famous French beauty routine influenced the American for his next releases? “[Leur maquillage] so classy and chic. I’ve seen so many different styles, from very natural looks to bold lips or cute little pencil strokes. It’s very chic, minimalistic. I think it’s classic,” he exclaims at the end of our tete-a-tete, before slipping us the final confidence. fun with colors. But I’m definitely the natural type in my everyday life.”
(1) Top Grossing Star Brands 2023 Ranking, Cosmetify.
Source: Le Figaro
