OPINION: Celebrity-produced makeup is often better than big brands

There+have+been+countless+of+celebrity-produced+makeup+brands+created+in+the+past+year.+

Melina Kritikikopoulos

There have been countless of celebrity-produced makeup brands created in the past year.

The past couple years have seen an influx of celebrities producing makeup and skincare products to capitalize on their own brand. While this can be seen as greedy ‒ they usually already have copious amounts of money because of their fame ‒ having their own business is not unjustified. Oftentimes, their products will offer extra perks. 

Celebrities of all kinds, ranging from singers to media influencers, have done this in the past. According to the Talko, a website for the latest pop culture news, there are at least 20 celebrities who have their own beauty brands. Salma Hayek released her makeup brand Nuance in 1992, and over 12 brands have been released since 2011. 

Some of the most famous celebrity-owned makeup lines are Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, and Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics, created in 2015.  

These lines offer diversity that most brands do not. Rihanna’s makeup line is distinctive from other makeup companies: it features over 40 shades of foundation. Compared to Marc Jacobs’ Beauty Shameless Youthful-Look 24-Hour Foundation SPF 25 which only has 29 shades, Rihanna’s brand has an advantage. Not to mention the Marc Jacobs foundation retails for $46 while Fenty is only $35.  

Not only do these brands offer cheaper more inclusive products, but the way they are made can be inspiring. Millie Bobby Brown’s line Florence, launched August 2019, was produced by the 15-year-old actress. Her fans can see someone close to their age being a successful entrepreneur, which may encourage the younger generation to do what they love.    

Florence has various benefits to it as well. All of the products are cruelty free and vegan, making them safe and ethical while also being comprehensive. 

There are countless brands that are also cruelty free, but since Brown is the face of Florence, the novelty of her makeup is most likely to sell more than others. However, this could potentially take away customers from other small businesses, damaging their profits. 

According to BeautyIndependent, a publication that showcases entrepreneurs, celebrities pay on average $60,000 in a three-month period during the Golden Globes, Screen Actor Guild Awards and Oscars to make their brands more known, which can push smaller companies further into the shadows. 

Overall, celebrities going out of their field is very commendable. The fashion and makeup world gains exciting and unique products that are sold with good intentions and a real care for the customers.