The Hits and Misses of Celebrity Beauty Brands

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, celebrity-backed brands have become a significant force, captivating the attention of consumers and beauty editors alike. From Rihanna's groundbreaking Fenty Beauty to the more polarizing offerings from the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Azealia Banks, the landscape of celebrity-driven cosmetics and skincare is a complex tapestry of successes and failures. In this in-depth exploration, we delve into the triumphs and tribulations of some of the most prominent celebrity beauty brands, as shared by a panel of seasoned beauty editors.

Separating the Gems from the Duds: A Beauty Editor's Perspective

Azealia Banks: Unconventional Genius or Questionable Venture?

One beauty editor's assessment of Azealia Banks' line of anal soaps for gay men is particularly intriguing. "I think Azealia Banks's line of anal soaps for gay men is genius, and they have amazing reviews," the editor notes, highlighting the brand's unexpected yet potentially successful approach. However, the editor's perspective also raises questions about the appropriateness and target audience of such a niche product, inviting further discussion on the boundaries of celebrity-driven beauty ventures.

Travis Barker's Barker Wellness Co.: Authenticity or Disconnect?

The Barker Wellness Co., a line of vegan cannabinoid-infused skincare products for men, presents a mixed bag of reactions from beauty editors. As one editor recalls, "I interviewed Travis Barker for Barker Wellness, and he knew nothing." This observation suggests a potential disconnect between the celebrity's involvement and the brand's development, raising concerns about the authenticity and credibility of the product line.

Beyoncé's Cécred: Aspirational or Unattainable?

Beyoncé's foray into the beauty industry with her brand Cécred has sparked a lively debate among beauty editors. One editor notes, "Did Beyoncé need a beauty brand? I would argue no." However, the editor also acknowledges the brand's marketing conundrum, stating, "Beyoncé has always been aspirational, not attainable. But when you're a celebrity selling beauty, there's a very specific way to tap into the beauty community, and it involves convincing the people who will buy your products that you actually use them." This observation highlights the delicate balance celebrity brands must strike between maintaining their aspirational image and connecting with their target audience.

Hailey Bieber's Rhode: Hits and Misses

The consensus among beauty editors regarding Hailey Bieber's Rhode brand is that the skincare products are generally well-received, while the lip products fall short. One editor praises the cleanser, saying, "Rhode's cleanser is very good for $28. It takes my makeup off so well with no burning eyes! Impressive." Another editor describes the Glazing Milk as "a crazy-good all-year-round hydrator." However, the lip products are criticized for their "gooey, grainy" texture and "stringy, gluelike finish." Despite these shortcomings, the editors acknowledge the brand's marketing prowess, with one describing the phone case as "Glossier-level innovation."

The Elbas' S'able Labs: A Hidden Gem?

When asked about underrated celebrity beauty brands, one editor suggests S'able Labs, the skincare line co-founded by Sabrina and Idris Elba. As another editor notes, "It kind of came out of nowhere, and it was never something that really caught my eye or I felt I needed to try. But damn, once I did get my hands on it, I was shocked — that Okra Face Serum really gets to work on hyperpigmentation." This unexpected praise highlights the potential for lesser-known celebrity brands to surprise and impress beauty enthusiasts.

Lady Gaga's Haus Labs: A Reformulation Success?

Haus Labs, Lady Gaga's beauty brand, has undergone a recent reformulation that seems to have paid off, according to beauty editors. One editor states, "Out of all the celebrity brands, it has the products I use most regularly. The foundation and concealer are supreme." Another editor praises the new blush sticks, saying, "The foundation is, I think, as good as everyone says it is, and the new blush sticks are excellent — I've been using the rose-colored one on my lips all summer, too." This positive feedback suggests that Haus Labs has managed to improve its product offerings and gain the trust of discerning beauty editors.

Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty: Transcending the Celebrity Brand Label

Rare Beauty, Selena Gomez's beauty line, emerges as a standout among the celebrity beauty brands, according to the editors. One editor notes, "Lots of the products are actually good. It's almost transcended being a celeb line, since Selena is involved just enough to be associated with it, but it can really exist without her." Several editors mention incorporating Rare Beauty products, such as the liquid blush, mascara, and foundations, into their regular routines, praising the brand's quality and accessibility. As one editor observes, "You don't feel like an idiot using the products," highlighting the brand's user-friendly approach.

Taraji P. Henson's TPH by Taraji: A Sleeper Hit

TPH by Taraji, the hair and body care line by actress Taraji P. Henson, is described by editors as a "sleeper hit." One editor raves, "TPH by Taraji is so underrated. Its body-care products are insane. Her hair and body products feel (and smell) far more expensive than their under-$15 price point." This unexpected praise for the affordably priced yet high-quality offerings from Henson's brand suggests that it may be an overlooked gem in the celebrity beauty landscape.

Scarlett Johansson's The Outset: Exceeding Expectations

The Outset, the sensitive skin-focused line co-founded by Scarlett Johansson, has surprised beauty editors with its quality and effectiveness. As one editor admits, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's good for hypersensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin and has just clean, nice, effective formulas." The cleanser, in particular, has garnered praise, with one editor describing it as "one of the only gel cleansers I like. I find myself actually finishing the bottle, which is exceptionally rare." However, some editors remain skeptical about Johansson's direct involvement, with one noting, "I find it incredible that she can memorize an entire movie script but not a one-sheet about her own products."

Jennifer Lopez's JLO Beauty: A Misstep in Celebrity Branding

JLO Beauty, Jennifer Lopez's skincare line, is overwhelmingly named by beauty editors as the worst celebrity beauty brand. The primary criticism centers around the brand's marketing claims, particularly the emphasis on olive oil as a key ingredient. As one editor states, "She killed it before it even had a chance when she claimed olive oil was her skin secret and that's why it was in the products." Another editor adds, "The products themselves are fine, but the marketing just screams bullshit." The editors also express frustration with Lopez's reluctance to acknowledge her use of cosmetic treatments, which they see as undermining the brand's credibility. In March 2023, JLO Beauty was pulled from Sephora stores and is now sold online only, further highlighting the brand's struggles.

Blake Lively's Blake Brown: Missed Opportunities

Blake Lively's hair care line, Blake Brown, has been met with a lukewarm reception from beauty editors. As one editor notes, "Blake Lively's time to do a hair line was roughly ten years ago. She should've launched during the Gossip Girl–Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants era. It feels forced now, especially since we're all experiencing celebrity-beauty-brand fatigue." Another editor, while appreciating the fragrances, is less enthusiastic about the packaging, describing it as "clunky and nonfunctional."

Pharrell's Humanrace: A Disappointing Venture

Humanrace, the beauty brand founded by Pharrell Williams, has faced significant criticism from beauty editors. One editor recounts a particularly disastrous experience with a body sunscreen from the brand, saying, "I've been doing this professionally for 20 years, and it was possibly the worst beauty product I've ever tested. When I slathered it on my arms, it congealed into opaque white blobs that would not blend in. Even in the shower that night, it wouldn't come off after furious scrubbing." While the brand's concept seemed promising, given Pharrell's renowned skin, editors feel the brand has failed to live up to expectations, with one noting, "Pharrell does have great skin, so everyone was like, Oh, that makes sense. But it seems like he's moved on to other things and Humanrace is just kinda there."

Brad Pitt's Beau Domaine: A Questionable Venture

Brad Pitt's skincare line, Beau Domaine, has been widely panned by beauty editors. One editor bluntly states, "Good Lord, no one needed that Brad Pitt skin-care line. Nothing about it makes sense. He doesn't even have good skin. And I'm not spending $180 on celebrity skin care." Another editor describes the brand as "that random Brad Pitt money grab that was clearly a move to try to win that winery in his divorce" and asserts that it "didn't need to exist."

Rihanna's Fenty Beauty: A Standout Success

Fenty Beauty, the groundbreaking beauty brand founded by Rihanna, is widely praised by beauty editors. One editor notes, "It never feels like a grab for attention; when they create a product, it's to answer a need or request from their customers." The editors highlight several standout products, including the newly launched tint sunscreen, the new lip liners, and the Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream, which one editor describes as "one of the best body creams I've ever tried." However, one editor does express a minor criticism of the liquid lipstick, stating, "Gorgeous color but moves all over, which is wild, given that we are so many years post–liquid lipstick being a thing. Like, we know how to keep lipstick in place."

Harry Styles' Pleasing: A Mixed Bag

Pleasing, the beauty, skincare, and accessories brand founded by Harry Styles, has received a mixed response from beauty editors. One editor praises the nail polishes and nail stickers, saying, "The nail polishes are okay, and actually the nail stickers are hella cute and stick really well — keep doing that!" However, the editor is less enthusiastic about the brand's other offerings, stating, "But the apparel, the fragrances, the lip balms, the serum, the sunscreen (no!) — absolutely not; stop it right now." Another editor echoes this sentiment, saying, "I love the polish and would have appreciated more of a lean into makeup than skin care. The duo lip-and-eye serum only dried my lips even more; the eye serum didn't do much."