She has a face that has launched millions of websites—102,000,000, to be exact, if you Google “Selena Gomez beauty”. But her quarter of a billion followers know that it’s not just her looks that make her so well-loved. It’s got much to do with the radiance she emanates no matter how hard life gets, her limitless talent and drive, and how vulnerable she allows herself to be, regularly opening up about her struggles, healing, boundaries and inner peace. Her commitment to self-love—and self-care—has educated and inspired countless people around the world to raise their vibrations and make themselves a priority too.
Embodying exactly that is Rare Beauty, her highly anticipated make-up line which arrives at Sephora Singapore on 15 July. Launched in the US last year, Rare Beauty is on a mission to reshape conversations around beauty—starting with breaking down toxic standards of perfection, and encouraging everyone to celebrate their own, unique features through self-acceptance, self-care and self-expression…with the help of her gorgeous products. From 48 shades of long-wearing Liquid Touch Brightening Foundation and Concealer, to the cushiony Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream and lightweight Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, the brand zooms in on glow-boosting, colour-enhancing formulas to achieve a fresh, blooming face. There is also the Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner and Eyeshadow Palettes (named Confident Energy and Magnetic Spirit) for added definition and pops of colour, while the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer illuminates complexions with a dewy, buildable second-skin finish.
Here, in an exclusive Zoom interview with Vogue Singapore, we get Selena Gomez to share all about her ‘Zoom Face’ essentials, skincare must-haves, wellness rituals and how she thinks self-care can help cultivate self-love.
Would you say self-care can cultivate self-love?
Yes, I feel self-care is so important. Because when you take moments to care for yourself, like maybe taking a long bath or a hot shower, you get to relax. There are things you can read and spending some time outside in nature can make you appreciate life. I feel like that can turn into self-love. It’s important to take care of yourself, and that isn’t just physically—mind, body and soul too. This approach ties in well as far as the rituals I do.
How about skincare and make-up—what are your daily rituals for these? In the morning, I wash my face with a Lancer cleanser followed by my Creme de La Mer moisturiser. I try not to wear make-up at any point if I don’t need to, because work requires me to always have lots on—even though it’s fun. Sometimes, I’ll go a few days without wearing make-up and that’s something I consider a self-care ritual as well.
What’s your best beauty hack?
Best beauty hack? I sometimes love wearing my lip balms on my cheeks too—I’m not saying that’s what you should do, but you can. Today, I’m wearing my Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy, Discovery Eyeshadow Palette and Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner.
What are some of your most cherished memories around beauty?
My mum had me when she was 16 so it was really interesting growing up. Sometimes I had to go to work with her, and I would sit in her office and do my homework for a few hours. She was a make-up artist so I just remember my mum playing with all these beautiful colours; they were bright and exciting. She was my inspiration growing up. So I think inside of me that little girl remembers my mum putting make-up on herself and on other people, and that’s what I do now.
Rare Beauty is set apart in its mission to uplift its users. What do you want Rare Beauty fans to feel when using the products?
I want them to feel… I want them to feel known. I want my brand to be a place where whoever you are, whatever place in life you’re at, I want it to be a place where people know that they’re seen, they’re heard, they’re special and they’re rare. And I think that’s all I want people to feel.
Are you able to share more about your lessons and experiences around mental health, and how you personally overcome moments of anxiety, insecurity or self-doubt?
Yes, this is a huge part of what I do. I try my best to be an advocate for mental health. I myself deal with some mental health issues, so I have this deep understanding, and this strong yearning for people to talk about it more. It’s something that isn’t openly discussed enough, but it exists around the world. I know what those dark moments look like, and I want nothing more than to hopefully create a safe place for people—I wish I could just hug everyone and tell them how important they are. That would be amazing.
If there was a particular piece of advice you could share with your fans and our readers on the journey to healing, what would this be?
You are exactly where you’re meant to be. Good or bad, you’re getting through life, day by day. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just get up every day and know that you’re worth something amazing.
We love the self-love revolution you, your music and Rare Beauty (and Rare Impact) are creating. What’s next for Selena Gomez?
I have a new television show coming out this August on Hulu, and I’ll be releasing more products with Rare Beauty soon. I’m also working on a cooking show right now—it’s a lot of fun. And I’m in the studio too. I don’t know, I’m just doing a lot of different things and it feels good.
You have five minutes to put together a ‘Zoom’ face ahead of some online calls, what do you use?
Boom, five minutes? Ok. Let’s see—I would use my foundation, Brow Harmony Pencil in Ash Grey, and one of my blushes in Joy. I’d also use my Dewy Lip Balm in Empathy. That’s all you need to get ready and fabulous in minutes.
What about you is rare? What do you most feel grateful for?
I feel grateful for the people who I surround myself with—I truly feel like they’re always honest with me. My friends keep me grounded. I feel like sometimes my job is crazy and a lot of stuff happens at once, and that’s not normal. So it’s nice to come home and be with people who see me as Selena, and nothing else, you know? As for what makes me rare… Oh gosh. I think it’s my laugh—I have a weird laugh that can get really loud and out of control when things get really funny.
Thank you for sharing your music, beauty and journey with us. In Asia, mental health is still such a stigma that no one really talks about, and it’s inspiring how you’re spreading your message and opening up to the world.
Thank you so much; I loved sharing my story with you and Vogue. That means the world to me and I wish I could be there in person. Hopefully soon!