Selena Gomez, renowned for her multifaceted talent as a singer, actress, and entrepreneur, is set to receive the inaugural Beauty Impact Award from People magazine. This recognition comes as a tribute to her ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy through her initiative, the Rare Impact Fund. Since its inception, the fund has raised over £30 million to support organisations dedicated to youth mental health on five continents, assisting 30 nonprofits including The Trevor Project and Didi Hirsch.
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At a recent cover shoot for People, Gomez, dressed in a striking yellow LaQuan Smith trench coat and heels, exuded warmth and authenticity that has captured the hearts of millions. “It’s like wearing sweatpants!” she quipped, demonstrating her ability to blend glamour with approachability.
The 34-year-old star has experienced her share of struggles, including a lupus diagnosis at 21 and a public battle with bipolar disorder. Rather than allowing these challenges to hinder her, Gomez has channeled her experiences into creating Rare Beauty. The brand not only aims to redefine beauty standards but also pledges 1% of its sales to the Rare Impact Fund, a commitment Gomez has steadfastly maintained since 2020.
In a recent interview, she expressed her focus on fostering a sense of community among those facing mental health issues. “My goal has always been to help people feel seen and loved,” she remarked. “We constantly look for ways to impact mental health positively, which is incredibly important to me.”
Gomez reflected on her busy lifestyle, noting a newfound balance she has achieved since marrying music producer Benny Blanco last September. “When I was younger, everything felt like it was at breakneck speed,” she admitted. “Now, I genuinely appreciate my life and have learned to manage my time more effectively.” This includes cherishing simple moments with loved ones, such as her recent reunion with her younger sister, Gracie, and a quiet night in with room service and cheesy movies.
Celebrating six years of Rare Beauty, Gomez revealed that the journey of building her makeup empire has included both triumphs and obstacles. “Getting started was intimidating,” she confessed. “But now, having a team that feels like family is invaluable.” Gomez aims for her products to be accessible, focusing on ease of use, coupled with the mission of her Rare Impact Fund.
Inspiration for new products often strikes unexpectedly, as Gomez explained. “Sometimes it hits me in the car,” she said, discussing her collaborations with Rare Beauty’s Chief Brand Officer. Ideas come from both personal experiences and creative brainstorming, including concepts for innovative product formulations.
Gomez’s pragmatic approach to beauty is reflected in her daily routine, which prioritises simplicity. She champions a natural look and embraces her unique features, having grown up with fuller brows at a time when thinner shapes were the trend. “I wish I had appreciated my eyebrows growing up,” she mused.
Beyond her business acumen, Gomez is committed to using her platform to support and uplift others. The importance of mental health awareness and the sharing of personal stories has led her to advise those struggling to hold on and accept their feelings. She has navigated her own mental health challenges with ongoing therapy and coping mechanisms, emphasising that growth is a continual journey.
As a member of the Latine community, she takes pride in her heritage and the strong ties that connect families and cultures. Gomez, who fondly recalls her grandmother’s recipes, hopes to incorporate more of her roots into both her home life and her work.
In her personal life, she cherishes the support from her husband, who has encouraged her to embrace confidence and spontaneity. “He inspires me not to overthink everything,” she shared about Benny Blanco. Their relationship has blossomed in the first year of marriage, marked by shared experiences and mutual support.
As she contemplates the future, Gomez expresses a desire for happiness and continued passion in her career. Through all her successes, she remains grounded, recognising that appreciation for her journey helps mitigate pressures from the industry. “I just hope to keep doing what I love,” she concluded, remaining committed to her advocacy and artistry whilst navigating the complexities of celebrity life.
In a world increasingly aware of the challenges surrounding mental health, Selena Gomez shines as an inspiring figure, balancing her professional ambitions with personal growth and community care. As she moves forward, the impact of her work and the stories she shares will likely continue to resonate with many, paving the way for an even brighter future in both the beauty and mental health landscapes.