When Beauty and Mystery Collide
What happens when a global pop icon launches a mental health–focused beauty brand and stars in a critically acclaimed murder-mystery series—at the same time? You get Selena Gomez’s rarest creation yet: the intersection of Rare Beauty and Only Murders in the Building. On the surface, these two ventures may seem worlds apart—one empowers with makeup, the other entertains with mystery. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a powerful connection rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to be seen.
Rare Beauty challenges outdated beauty standards, while Only Murders lets us into the guarded soul of Mabel Mora—a character that feels strikingly real. Together, they reflect Selena’s personal journey through fame, mental health, and self-acceptance. This is more than a brand and a show—it’s a movement. And it’s changing the way the world sees beauty, storytelling, and what it truly means to be “rare.”
The Rise of Rare Beauty – More Than Skin Deep
The Birth of a Purpose-Driven Brand
When Selena Gomez launched Rare Beauty in September 2020, it wasn’t just another celebrity makeup line. Rare Beauty had a mission:
“To break down unrealistic standards of beauty.”
Selena, who has been open about her struggles with anxiety, lupus, and bipolar disorder, wanted a brand that embraced imperfection. Every Rare Beauty product—from the soft blushes to the lightweight foundations—was designed to celebrate uniqueness, not mask it.
What Makes Rare Beauty Rare?
Here’s why Rare Beauty stood out in a crowded market:
- 🌿 Lightweight, breathable products for real skin.
- 🌍 Inclusivity: 48 foundation shades at launch.
- 💛 Mental Health Pledge: 1% of sales go to the Rare Impact Fund, aiming to raise $100M for mental health services.
- 🧠 Authenticity Over Perfection: Campaigns feature real people, not airbrushed models.
Rare Beauty wasn’t just a brand; it was a movement. It resonated with Gen Z, millennials, and people craving vulnerability in a world obsessed with filters.
Only Murders in the Building – A Streaming Sensation
From Disney Darling to Murder Maven
In 2021, Selena Gomez made headlines again—not for her music or makeup, but for her role as Mabel Mora in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short.
This murder-mystery-comedy became a cultural phenomenon almost instantly. But why?
Why It Works: The Series’ Secret Sauce
- 🕵️♀️ True Crime Obsession: It taps into our love for podcasts and whodunits.
- 🎭 Unlikely Trio: Generational contrast adds depth and hilarity.
- 💬 Sharp Writing: The dialogue is fresh, witty, and emotionally layered.
- 🎨 Aesthetic Vibes: Mabel’s outfits (hello, cozy coats!) became fashion statements.
But perhaps the most compelling part? Selena’s performance as Mabel—a tough, sarcastic, deeply wounded woman hiding secrets. It felt… real. Raw. Just like Rare Beauty’s mission.
The Rare Connection – Why This Dual Role Matters
A Mirror of Authenticity
What links Rare Beauty and Only Murders in the Building isn’t just Selena Gomez. It’s the emotional honesty behind both.
- In Rare Beauty, she tells us it’s okay to be vulnerable.
- In Only Murders, she shows us that vulnerability through Mabel’s guarded strength.
Both speak to a generation tired of being told they have to be perfect. They want relatability, rawness, and real stories—and Selena is giving it to them.
Mental Health as the Core Message
Both platforms, though different, center on mental health:
- Rare Beauty funds mental health services and promotes open conversations.
- Only Murders subtly touches on trauma, loss, loneliness, and the power of human connection.
It’s a rare kind of branding—where your entertainment and your eyeliner both make you feel seen.
Selena Gomez – The Human Behind the Brand
From Child Star to Empowered Creator
Let’s not forget—Selena Gomez didn’t just stumble into this success. Her journey was marked by public breakups, chronic illness, and mental health battles. But instead of hiding, she built platforms that embrace her scars.
In interviews, she’s said:
“I don’t want to be just beautiful. I want to be honest.”
This honesty bleeds into everything she touches—Rare Beauty, Mabel Mora, even her social media presence.
Creating With Heart
Selena serves as an executive producer on Only Murders and is deeply involved in Rare Beauty’s product design and message. This is not passive branding. It’s active leadership—something rare in both Hollywood and the beauty industry.
Fans React – Why the World Loves the Dual Empire
Social Media Buzz
Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) exploded with reactions like:
- “Mabel’s makeup in S3? Definitely Rare Beauty. Smart cross-branding!”
- “Selena is the only celeb who can act her heart out AND sell a lip soufflé I’ll wear to cry in.”
Cultural Impact
- 🔥 Only Murders inspired fan theories, art, and even Halloween costumes.
- 💄 Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush went viral for months.
- 💬 Gomez’s honest interviews sparked broader conversations around therapy, medication, and self-love.
Together, these two projects have become part of the cultural fabric, not just entertainment or products.
SEO Deep Dive – Why This Strategy Works
Brand Synergy at Its Best
This is what smart branding looks like:
- 📺 Viewers of Only Murders look up Selena’s makeup = Rare Beauty traffic.
- 💋 Rare Beauty fans start watching Only Murders to see the “mood” behind the looks.
- 🔁 Instagram collabs, behind-the-scenes reels, product teasers—all cross-promoted.
It’s an SEO dream: organic traffic from beauty, TV, mental health, celebrity news, and lifestyle audiences in one go.
What Brands Can Learn From Selena’s Blueprint
The Authenticity Advantage
Too many brands chase trends. Selena built trust.
Her formula:
- Start with truth.
- Create for people, not profit.
- Let your platforms feed each other naturally.
- Embrace imperfection—it sells better than perfection ever will.
Verdict: The Power of Being Rare
Rare Beauty and Only Murders in the Building may seem like completely separate projects, but in truth, they’re two sides of the same coin—Selena Gomez’s bold, emotional truth.
One helps you feel beautiful in your own skin, the other reminds you it’s okay to be broken and still laugh. Together, they’re redefining what it means to be a modern icon: someone who’s not flawless, but fearlessly real.
Selena Gomez isn’t just building a brand. She’s building a legacy—one that blends vulnerability, entertainment, and empowerment. And the world? It’s more than ready for it.
FAQs
Q1: Does Selena Gomez own 100% of Rare Beauty?
No, Selena Gomez is the founder and creative force behind Rare Beauty, but she likely shares ownership with investors and a parent company.
Q2: What makeup does Selena Gomez use in Only Murders in the Building?
Selena often wears Rare Beauty products onscreen, including her Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Liquid Touch Foundation, especially in her role as Mabel Mora.
Q3: Who is the real owner of Rare Beauty?
Rare Beauty was founded by Selena Gomez and is operated under her vision, though the company is supported by investors and a professional team.
Q4: Who is the brand ambassador of Rare Beauty?
Selena Gomez herself serves as the face and ambassador of Rare Beauty, frequently appearing in campaigns and advocating its mental health mission.