As soon as I click on the Sephora website, the first thing I see is an endless list of beauty products, from bronzers to eyeliners.
I typically browse the best-sellers and new arrivals first because, as someone who loves to frequently try out new products, I find it easier to put my trust in what others are buying so I won’t feel like I’m wasting my money as a student.
This week, I noticed that the best-sellers list is dominated by two celebrity-owned beauty brands: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. While it’s typical for celebrities to have endorsements and brand collaborations, many celebrities are going full entrepreneurial and creating their own beauty brand.
I’ve been skeptical to try most of them because the branding can feel insincere since they’re not makeup experts or work in the beauty industry. Moreso, they have makeup artists to make them look great on a daily basis and the rest of us, sadly, don’t.
Although celebrity makeup lines aren’t a new phenomenon, the market feels oversaturated now with everyone from Lady Gaga to Millie Bobby Brown launching their own brands.
Navigating the beauty section already feels overwhelming and I am by no means an expert in cosmetics, but I want to spend my money on products that actually work and not because of the person who created them.
Whether you feel like splurging on new products or buying a gift, here are my recommendations of celebrity beauty brands worth trying.
Fenty Beauty
Rihanna blessed us in 2017 with her makeup brand, Fenty Beauty. The stand-out product is the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which comes in 50 shades. Fenty Beauty’s extensive color range has set a new standard in the beauty industry.
As a person of color, I’ve experienced the disappointment of not finding the right shade for my skin tone in many different foundations and concealers. Fenty’s foundations are light-weight and don’t look orange-y on different skin tones. I love supporting a brand that tries to be inclusive and recognizes the diversity of skin tones.
Rare Beauty
Gomez’s brand hasn’t even been out for a month and it’s been getting a ton of hype and praise online. Rare Beauty donates a percentage of its profits to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health organizations. My favorite product is the Blot & Glow Touch-Up Kit, which includes blotting paper and cushion powder. It’s on the more pricey side at $26, but it’s been a life-saver for when I’m wearing makeup under my mask.
If you’re struggling with oiliness from wearing a mask all day, get this kit. You’ll thank me later.
Honest Beauty
I am convinced that Jessica Alba is an immortal vampire. The woman is almost 40 years old and looks younger than me.
Her beauty brand, Honest Beauty, is organic, which is nice if you have sensitive skin. This line is so convenient and affordable you can find it in Target, Amazon and Ulta. All of Honest Beauty’s products give off a natural, no-makeup makeup look. My favorite product is the two-in-one mascara and primer. It’s subtle, yet effective enough to make me look more awake than I really am after pulling too many all-nighters throughout the semester.
