The Rise of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

We’ve all seen celebrities come out with brand-name whatevers to get more clout. There’s Diddy’s Vodka, Lil Nas X’s satanic sneakers, and a plethora of celebrity-inspired perfumes to choose from. When it comes to award-winning pop-star Rihanna, however, her products are much more than just a fleeting moment in her career. 

Her line of makeup, titled Fenty Beauty, has become a part of her entire brand. The Gen Z babies might even know her solely for the Fenty Beauty brand (we’re all getting old, guys). So how did Fenty Beauty by Rihanna kick off, and why has it made such a large impact on the beauty industry? Let’s find out.

About Rihanna

We all know Rihanna, right? Don’t tell me you don’t know her. Unless you’re really young or really old, you have no excuse. 

Aside from her Fenty Beauty brand, Rihanna is a billion-dollar pop star. She sells records worldwide and has gone on massive tours for her adoring fans. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the singer grew up in Barbados. Once she was discovered by producer Evan Rogers, she traveled to the United States to begin recording music. The rest is simply history. She has an endless discography full of hit songs, including “Umbrella,” “S&M,” “Diamonds,” and “Work.” As of 2022, she has won a total of 9 Grammys, plus numerous other music awards.

Her Transition To Beauty and Fashion

While she has released fragrances in the past, Rihanna’s journey to becoming a businesswoman started in 2015. In that year she launched a beauty and style agency called Fr8me. This was set up in Los Angeles with a mission to assist artists via ad campaigns, red carpet appearances, commercials, and more. 

Just two years later, in 2017, she launched the Fenty Beauty company under LVMH’s Kendo Brands. Created “so that people everywhere would be included,” (fentybeauty.com) the brand marketed itself by producing beauty products that cater to many skin tones. Fenty Beauty’s overall goal was to include people typically overlooked by the beauty industry.

Impact of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Makeup is a tool that many people use to express themselves. Regardless of whether you’re a makeup person or not, you must admit that it has widespread appeal. Much like the way we style our hair or dress ourselves, makeup is often a signal of someone’s identity. 

So when a signal for identity is made for only a select group, it’s easy for some people to feel left out. Before the rise of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, many women of color felt that the beauty industry wasn’t meant for them. It was notably difficult for a darker-skinned person to go to a makeup store, and find a foundation in their shade. While POC have always complained about makeup diversity, it was acceptable in the early 2000s to release a makeup line with barely any dark shades. 

That’s why when Fenty Beauty by Rihanna stepped onto the scene, it received massive praise. Not only did it give people of color more accessible options for makeup, but it also incentivized other brands to do better. Business owners saw that there was a demand for more inclusive shades, and reacted accordingly.

As of today, Rihanna owns 50% of the company. She currently holds the title of the highest-earning female musician. Her estimated net worth is $1.4 billion.  Under her direction, Fenty Beauty continues to rise, with no fall in sight.

Featured image from Kevin Mazur, Getty Images