The Top 5 Most Influential Celebrity Beauty Influencers of 2024
Nov 05, 2024
Is the beauty industry still about the products, or is it just as much about the personalities behind the brands?
The beauty industry is constantly changing, with new trends and players reshaping the landscape. From local and store brands to influencers launching their own makeup lines, the competition is strong.
Now, celebrities are taking center stage, not just endorsing products but building their own beauty empires.
While beauty influencers dominate platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, sharing reviews, tutorials, and tips, celebrity beauty brands are becoming powerhouses in their own right.
But here's the twist: despite the star power, studies show that consumers often favor recommendations from nano or micro-influencers. So how do these celebrity-driven brands manage to break through the noise?
In this post, we’ll explore the rise of celebrity beauty influencers and what sets them apart in this crowded space.
From Iman Abdulmajid, who launched the first celebrity beauty line with Iman Cosmetics in 1994 to serve women of color, to today’s wave of celebrity beauty brands, we’ll dive into how they stand out in an industry where consumer trust is built on authenticity and relatability.
The Need for Evolution in Celebrity Beauty Brands
You’d think that a celebrity’s fame alone would guarantee a beauty brand’s success, but in 2024, Gen Z is transforming the beauty industry, pushing celebrity brands to adapt or risk falling behind.
For Gen Z, the beauty industry isn't just about glamour or fame. It's about aligning with values, whether it's eco-friendliness, inclusivity, or affordable pricing.
In today’s market, celebrity brands need more than a famous name; they need a clear mission that makes a positive impact on society to resonate with socially conscious consumers.
Trust has become the new currency in the beauty world and Influencers have become the gatekeepers, offering honest reviews that can make or break a product. When influencers speak up, some brands listen, sometimes rushing back to the lab to reformulate in response to feedback.
Because of today’s socially conscious and proactive consumers, many celebrity beauty brands have failed to keep up with new expectations.
In 2024, only the brands that stand for something real, beyond just a celebrity’s name, can thrive in this hyper-aware and value-driven market.
Here are five celebrity beauty influencers who have embraced authenticity, values, and innovation to stay ahead in 2024’s value-driven beauty landscape.
Top 5 Influential Celebrity Beauty Influencers
1. Hailey Bieber: Minimalist Skincare Queen
Rhode Skin: launched on June 15, 2022, is known for their “clean aesthetic” vibe, viral marketing, and pop-up events.
Social Media Platforms
- 2.2M followers
- TikTok
- 1M Followers
- YouTube (Hailey Bieber’s Personal Instagram)
- 2.38 M Subscribers
Best Seller Product: Peptide Glazing Fluid
What sets Rhode Skin apart is Hailey’s commitment to the “less is more” message. After years of struggling with her own skincare routine, Hailey dedicated time to creating affordable products that actually work, leaving skin healthy and glowing.
Instead of influencing consumers to buy unnecessary products, Hailey simplifies the beauty world, focusing on high-performance ingredients that work. Plus, her brand is rooted in science, with input from dermatologists and chemists, making it both credible and accessible to everyone.
With Hailey, it’s all about accessible, effective skincare inspired by her own experience, making healthy skin achievable for everyone.
2. Selena Gomez: Beauty with Purpose and Mental Health Advocate
Rare Beauty: launched on September 3rd, 2020, is known for its inclusive makeup line, natural beauty philosophy, and mental health advocacy.
Social Media Platforms
Best Seller Product: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Selena built Rare Beauty around the idea of embracing authenticity and uniqueness because that’s what makes each of us beautiful and, well, rare (see what we did there?).
This mission is deeply personal for Selena, as it reflects her own journey to embrace her beauty while managing her mental health.
And on top of that, Rare Beauty gives back through the Rare Impact Fund, donating 1% of all sales to support youth mental health.
With Selena, beauty is as much about self-love and mental health as it is about makeup, making her brand a true reflection of her values and personal journey.
3. Rihanna: Inclusive Beauty Pioneer and Fenty Trailblazer
Fenty Beauty: launched September 8th, 2017, is known for its groundbreaking debut with 40 foundation shades to cater to all skin tones and setting a new standard in the industry.
Social Media Platforms
Best Seller Product: Soft'lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation
Before Fenty, the beauty industry had unrealistic beauty standards and lacked diversity in its campaigns. Rihanna changed that by leading with “beauty for all” with Fenty, making sure everyone, no matter their skin tone, feels seen and valued.
What makes Fenty special is not only its inclusive mission but also how personal the brand feels; Rihanna’s involvement in every step makes the products uniquely a reflection of her.
Through tutorial videos where she shows fans how to rock her looks, she's made consumers feel a deep connection to her and the brand.
With Rihanna, it’s more than makeup, it’s empowerment, inclusivity, and pure RiRi energy.
4. Ariana Grande: Dreamy Beauty Innovator and Empowerment Advocate
r.e.m. beauty: launched November 12th, 2021, is known for is known for its dreamy, whimsical aesthetic, innovative products, and commitment to self-expression and individuality.
Social Media Platforms
Best Seller Product: Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette
Ariana's r.e.m. beauty is literally out of this world! She was inspired by space and dreams, her entirely vegan, cruelty-free formulas line is all about encouraging self-expression and creativity, aligning perfectly with who Ariana is as an artist.
Recently, she even collaborated with Wicked (where she’s part of the cast) to launch a limited-edition makeup set. From her music to her makeup, everything about r.e.m. is a reflection of Ariana’s artistry and passion for creativity.
With Ariana, beauty is about dreaming big and empowering you to create your own magical world.
5. Lady Gaga: Fearless Beauty Innovator and Creative Visionary
Haus Labs: launched September 17, 2019, is known for its high-quality, skin-nourishing formulas that combine art and science to make high-performance makeup, accessible to everyone.
Social Media Platforms
Best seller product: TRICLONE™ SKIN TECH MEDIUM COVERAGE FOUNDATION
Lady Gaga has always been an advocate for self-expression and self-appreciation, whether through her songs or her roles as an artist. Haus Labs reflects this mission by blending art and science to deliver makeup that not only performs but also nourishes your skin.
Gaga’s passion for kindness and care is reflected in her products, which are lean, cruelty-free, and vegan.
Plus, every purchase supports her Born This Way Foundation, which advocates for mental health, especially for young people.
With Gaga, beauty is all about artistry, kindness, and self-expression, just like the message she’s always vocalized in her music and life.
What Sets These Celebrities Beauty Influencers Apart
What makes these celebrity beauty brands so special is that their stories are real, authentic, and raw.
The products go beyond just being another beauty item on the self-product; they’re about telling a story, sharing an experience, or delivering a message that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Today’s consumers want brands that stand for something, that align with their values, and make them feel seen, heard, and valued. This is especially important in an industry that’s often built on overconsumption and exclusivity.
For celebrity beauty influencers to truly stand out, they have to build trust and connect their brand back to their personal stories. If it doesn’t feel authentic, it just won't work.
Stories matter. Making a positive impact in an oversaturated industry matters. Empowering individuals matters. And that’s exactly what each of these celebrities does through their brands.
The Future of Celebrity Beauty Influencers
It’s clear that more celebrities will continue to launch their own beauty brands. However, now there’s an understanding of the importance of being intentional and genuine, especially with Gen Z, an audience that’s socially conscious and quick to spot inauthentic marketing from a mile away.
Launching a beauty brand involves more than just being a celebrity and relying solely on credibility. It's important to focus on sustainability, affordability, and authentic storytelling.
The mentioned brands have successfully developed a formula for connecting with their target audience by going beyond just selling products, they evoke emotions and build meaningful connections.
Celebrity beauty influencers will also continue to rely on partnerships with established beauty influencers. These influencers play a crucial role in vetting products, building credibility, and fostering trust among consumers.
Conclusion
Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, and Hailey Bieber each share personal stories that deeply connect with their audiences, developing strong connections.
As celebrity beauty influencers continue to shape the industry, the online community will play a vital role in holding them accountable for making a positive impact on their audiences and the world around them.
âď¸ Written by Floriesha Bastien
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