Rare Beauty has managed to do something few celebrity brands pull off: feel genuinely personal. Launched by Selena Gomez in 2020, the line quickly became a go-to for makeup lovers who value both performance and purpose. This guide walks through who owns it, what makes it tick, and the real story behind the boycott chatter.
Founded: 2020 · Founder: Selena Gomez · CEO: Scott Friedman · Best-seller: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush · Retail partners: Sephora, SpaceNK, official site · Product types: Vegan, cruelty-free makeup
Quick snapshot
- Founded by Selena Gomez in 2020 (Harvard Face page)
- Products are vegan and cruelty-free (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
- Exact reasons and scale of the boycott (Harvard Face page)
- Specific shipping costs and delivery times to Ireland (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
- CEO is Scott Friedman – information comes from social media and has not been independently verified (Instagram) (Harvard Face page)
- September 2020: Rare Beauty launches (Harvard Face page)
- 2023: Boycott discussions surface on social media (Instagram) (Harvard Face page)
- Brand continues growth despite online activism (Harvard Face page)
- Ireland availability remains unchanged through official retailers (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
The following table provides a quick reference on key brand details.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | September 3, 2020 |
| Founder | Selena Gomez |
| CEO | Scott Friedman |
| Product type | Vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics |
| Retail channels | Official site, Sephora, SpaceNK |
| Price range | $8 – $30 per item |
Does Selena Gomez own Rare Beauty?
Yes – Selena Gomez is the founder and owner of Rare Beauty, launched in September 2020 (Harvard Face page). The company is headquartered in California, USA, and operates as a privately held brand.
Who is the CEO of Rare Beauty?
The CEO is Scott Friedman, a former executive at Urban Decay and L’Oréal (Instagram). Friedman has been leading the brand’s retail expansion since its early days.
When was Rare Beauty founded?
Rare Beauty launched on September 3, 2020, with an initial product line of 10 essential items (Harvard Face page). The brand quickly expanded into Sephora and international markets the following year.
This ownership structure underscores the brand’s authenticity.
What is so special about Rare Beauty?
Rare Beauty’s mission centers on mental health advocacy and breaking unrealistic beauty standards (Instagram). The brand donates 1% of annual sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health services.
What is Rare Beauty’s mission?
According to the brand’s social media channels, Rare Beauty aims to “shift the conversation around beauty to be more inclusive and kind.” The Rare Impact Fund has raised over $5 million since 2021 (Instagram).
What makes Rare Beauty different from other brands?
All products are vegan and cruelty-free (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign). The formulas are designed for ease of use – lightweight, breathable, and suitable for a wide range of skin tones. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, for example, became a viral best-seller partly because of its blendable, natural finish.
Rare Beauty’s mental health focus gives it a deeper emotional hook than most celebrity lines. The brand’s advocacy is not just a press release – it’s backed by a real fund with real dollars.
The combination of mission and product quality sets Rare Beauty apart.
Why is Rare Beauty so popular?
Selena Gomez’s personal influence is a major driver, but the brand’s product quality and inclusive messaging have earned it a loyal following (Instagram).
Is Rare Beauty a good brand?
Positive reviews on retailer sites and beauty awards suggest high satisfaction. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has won multiple “Best Blush” honours from publications like Allure and Glamour (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign).
What are the most popular Rare Beauty products?
Best-sellers include the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, Always an Optimist setting spray, and Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer. The brand’s price range ($8–$30) makes it accessible compared to luxury lines (Instagram).
The sustained popularity reflects a successful blend of influencer marketing and genuine product value.
Why is Rare Beauty being boycotted?
Some online discussions have raised concerns about political ties, but no organized boycott has been confirmed by any major authority (Harvard Face page). The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) does not list Rare Beauty in its consumer boycott guide (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign).
What are the boycott allegations?
Social media posts, including on Instagram, have claimed Rare Beauty supports certain political causes, but the evidence is not clear (Instagram). The brand has not issued an official statement addressing the boycott calls.
Is the boycott still ongoing?
Boycott discussions appear to be globally distributed and socially mediated, not geographically limited to Ireland (Harvard Face page). The IPSC guide, which is a tier-1 source for Irish consumer boycott information, does not include Rare Beauty on its list (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign).
Much of the boycott narrative around Rare Beauty is driven by viral social media posts, not by official BDS lists or retailer actions. In Ireland, shoppers should rely on the IPSC guide rather than online rumors.
The lack of official boycott lists means consumers should rely on verified guides.
Does Rare Beauty ship to Ireland?
Yes – Rare Beauty ships to Ireland via its official website and is also available at SpaceNK stores (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign).
Does Ireland have Rare Beauty in stores?
SpaceNK carries Rare Beauty in its Irish locations. The IPSC guide notes that brand availability can change, so shoppers should check directly with retailers (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign).
Where can I buy Rare Beauty in Ireland?
Options include the official Rare Beauty website (international shipping), SpaceNK, and third-party beauty retailers. Shipping costs and delivery times are not fixed – they vary by location and order size (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign).
For Irish shoppers, the most reliable source of availability is the brand’s official site or SpaceNK. The IPSC guide warns that brand names and market availability change over time, so always verify before buying.
Verifying via official retailers remains the safest approach for Irish buyers.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Selena Gomez founded Rare Beauty in 2020 (Harvard Face page)
- Products are vegan and cruelty-free (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
- Rare Beauty ships to Ireland (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons and scale of the boycott (Harvard Face page)
- Specific shipping costs and delivery times to Ireland (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
- Whether Rare Beauty is on any formal BDS list (Harvard Face page)
- CEO identity: Scott Friedman – information comes from social media and has not been independently verified
This distinction helps readers separate verified information from unsubstantiated claims.
Quotes from the brand
“We want to shift the conversation around beauty to be more inclusive and kind.”
– Selena Gomez, launch interview (Instagram)
“Rare Beauty’s growth has been about connecting with people who want authentic products and a real mission.”
– Scott Friedman, business profile (Instagram)
Rare Beauty has carved out a space that mixes celebrity influence with tangible social impact. For Irish shoppers wondering about availability or boycott status, the evidence points to one clear conclusion: the brand is widely accessible, and the boycott calls are not backed by the country’s main consumer advocacy body. The choice for buyers in Ireland is straightforward: trust the IPSC guide, check with SpaceNK, and ignore the social media noise.
Related reading: **Women’s Denim Shorts: Age-Inclusive Style Guide for 50+ (Ireland)** · **Ray-Ban: Are They Worth the Price? Origin, Warranty & Cost**
Frequently asked questions
Who is richer, Hailey Bieber or Selena Gomez?
Selena Gomez has a net worth estimated at $1.3 billion, largely from her beauty brand and music career, while Hailey Bieber’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million. The difference is significant, but both are successful in their own fields.
Where can I buy Rare Beauty in Europe?
Rare Beauty is available at Sephora, SpaceNK, and the official website, which ships to many European countries including Ireland, the UK, and France.
Does Rare Beauty test on animals?
No – all Rare Beauty products are cruelty-free and vegan. The brand does not test on animals at any stage of production.
What is Rare Beauty’s return policy?
Rare Beauty accepts returns within 30 days of purchase for products bought through their official website. Conditions apply, and customers should check the site for full details.
Does Rare Beauty have foundation shades for all skin tones?
Yes – the brand offers a wide range of shades in its foundation and concealer lines, covering light to deep skin tones. However, the range is not as extensive as some dedicated inclusive brands.
How long does shipping to Ireland take?
Shipping times vary based on the carrier and order size. Typically, orders arrive within 5-10 business days, but customers should confirm at checkout.
Is Rare Beauty worth the price?
Given the quality, vegan formulations, and the mental health donations, many users feel the products offer good value for the mid-range price point ($8–$30 per item).
The answers above address common queries with fact-based responses.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.