Hit Songs, Hot Sales: Profitable Beauty Lines by Musicians - 5 minutes read
With the rise of social media and celebrity culture in recent years, it’s no surprise that musicians are expanding their reach beyond the recording studio into the beauty and cosmetic world. The GBP 358.4 billion industry is growing rapidly, and more public figures are exploring ways to capitalize on its massive potential. Rocketed by these musicians’ stardom, these celebrity brands have become massive successes despite facing competition from beauty giants like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder. By leveraging their style, fanbase, and life experiences, these musicians have created brands that resonate with their image and target audience. From Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty to Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, let’s explore the factors behind their success in an ultra-competitive market.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty has been dominating the beauty industry since its launch in 2017, growing exponentially ever since. She is now the most successful musician-turned-beauty entrepreneur and the most profitable celebrity beauty brand, earning a whopping GBP 477.3 million in revenue, according to Upbeat Agency. While Rihanna’s music career established her as a global icon, the key to Fenty Beauty’s success lies in its core mission of “inclusion for all women and skin types.” This focus on diversity and consumer needs set it apart from other celebrity brands, which often relied primarily on star power.
One of Fenty Beauty’s groundbreaking moves was launching an extensive foundation shade range with over 40 shades, appealing to a broad and diverse audience. This inclusive approach empowered underrepresented groups, particularly minority women who had fewer options in the beauty market, thereby establishing an excellent brand image and reputation.
Additionally, Fenty Beauty produces high-quality products that are accessible and reasonably priced, fundamental factors that drive sales and foster customer loyalty. Rihanna has since expanded the brand to include Fenty Skin, Fenty Fragrance, and most recently, Fenty Hair.
r.e.m beauty by Ariana Grande
Launched in 2021 by popstar Ariana Grande, r.e.m beauty debuted with makeup staples like eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lip products. The brand’s campaign embraced a retrofuture-centric, dream-like style, reflecting Grande’s distinct aesthetic, much like her “Sweetener” album. Emphasizing vegan and cruelty-free products, the brand promotes creativity, inclusivity, and self-expression.
Grande’s signature makeup looks and social media presence were instrumental in catching the attention of her global fanbase. Effective social media marketing, including makeup tutorials and images on the brand’s account, leveraged Grande’s influence to boost brand awareness, engagement, media attention, and revenue.
Following in Fenty Beauty’s footsteps, r.e.m beauty expanded to include complexion products like foundation and concealer, launching an impressive 60-shade spectrum. This strategy, along with social media virality, contributed to the brand’s impressive GBP 70.3 million revenue in 2023, surpassing the profitability of Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Since its launch in 2020, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty has become one of the most talked-about beauty brands, generating an impressive GBP 60 million in revenue in 2023. Inspired by Gomez’s song “Rare,” the brand’s motto, “beauty for all,” emphasizes breaking unrealistic beauty standards, empowerment, and a focus on mental health and self-acceptance.
Rare Beauty’s core values are evident throughout the brand, from packaging and product names to campaigns. The brand donates 1% of its yearly revenue to the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to enhance mental health support in marginalized areas. Gomez’s personal experiences, such as her battle with Lupus, influenced the brand’s inclusive packaging design, catering to physically disabled individuals.
Effective marketing strategies, such as empowering product names and social media engagement, have driven Rare Beauty’s success. The brand’s positive messaging and Gomez’s involvement resonate with a broad audience, fostering customer loyalty and trust. Additionally, the quality and reasonable pricing of the products have helped Rare Beauty carve out a niche in the competitive beauty market.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga
Launched in 2019 by Lady Gaga and co-founder Ben Jones, Haus Labs has achieved significant success through science-backed formulas and social media attention. The brand, themed around supercharged artistry and a futuristic approach, merges science and skincare to create high-performance products. Despite being less widely available than Fenty or Rare Beauty, Haus Labs made an estimated GBP 59 to GBP 78 million in revenue in 2023, according to BeautyMatter.
Lady Gaga’s authenticity and advocacy for underrepresented populations, inclusivity, and creative expression have been key to Haus Labs’ success. The brand’s innovative formulation processes, using proprietary HausTech Powered Innovation, have garnered attention and credibility. Social media virality, particularly on platforms like TikTok, has significantly contributed to the brand’s sales and overall success.
Haus Labs’ marketing strategy includes collaborations with influencers of varying follower counts, providing relatable reviews and aligning with the brand’s inclusive values. This approach has helped establish a credible and authentic brand image, resonating with a wide audience.
In summary, these musicians have leveraged their star power, unique style, and personal experiences to create highly successful beauty brands. Their emphasis on inclusivity, quality, and effective marketing strategies has set them apart in the competitive beauty industry, driving significant revenue and fostering customer loyalty.