I have never really worn makeup, maybe the occasional mascara or blush but I didn’t start experimenting with it until my early twenties. In high school and early years of college I struggled with cystic acne on my face and back that left scars and craters. It got to a point where I was embarrassed to go in public. I was so insecure that I used my hair as a way of hiding my face. Makeup became a way of covering everything I was insecure about up.
Growing up I was lucky in that my parents had always instilled in me that it didn’t matter what I looked like on the outside, my value came from within. That’s not to say I don’t feel the enormous pressure and inadequacy that a lot of young women feel. Inadequate to a standard of beauty that in some ways I’ll admit I do fit, but my insecurities were heightened. If you don’t have the perfect skin, you were somehow lesser, and the distorted perception of social media adds to that.
As I got older my skin started to clear up and I felt more confident, but makeup still was a way of coping with my acne. I hated that I felt like I had to wear it to be ok with myself. I wanted to use it because it would give me the extra confidence I needed, not because I felt like I had to. My mother has always said to me, “makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty not covering it up.”
I was at a crossroads with what to do when I saw promotions on Instagram for Rare Beauty. Rare Beauty was created by Selena Gomez and launched in September of 2020. At first I was skeptical because I don’t often trust Instagram advertising and I thought this was just another celebrity makeup brand that has little substance. It was probably just a trend. I decided that I was going to do some more research because I knew that Selena Gomez is someone that has been outspoken about body positivity.
I decided to go on the website and I was so surprised, the ‘about us’ statement. It fit everything I was insecure about and felt like I was searching for.
“Rare Beauty is breaking down unrealistic standards of perfection. This is makeup made to feel good in, without hiding what makes you unique—because Rare Beauty is not about being someone else, but being who you are.”
The goal of makeup for me changed. It became more about the features I loved on my face like my birthmark and my lips, rather than all the insecurities. It was kind of an epiphany. With further investigation I came across the Rare Beauty Instagram and it was all faces of real people. They didn’t look photoshopped, it was real testimonials and real people using the makeup. In an age where I feel like it’s so rare (no pun intended) for there to be any image that isn’t manipulated.
It is important for me to acknowledge that as a White female I have the privilege of finding makeup that fits my skin tone easily. Rare Beauty aims for diversity and inclusivity and has 48 shades of foundation and concealer in the hope every person can find a match. When Selena Gomez started the brand she noticed a lack of diversity in the beauty community and hoped to change it.
The makeup itself is flawless and beautiful with inspiring names. My favorite matte lipstick is called ‘courage.’ The makeup honestly gave me a boost of confidence I needed. It is also sustainable, cruelty free and vegan. Not only did I feel good about wearing it, but I know that I am giving to a good cause, 1% of all sales goes to supporting mental health.
Rare Beauty is more than just a makeup brand it also places an emphasis on social impact called the ‘Rare Impact.’ “Rare Beauty aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, address the epidemic of chronic loneliness, and help give people access to the resources they need to support their mental well-being. ”
The ‘Rare Impact Fund’ is an initiative from the brand that has a goal of raising “$100M over the next 10 years to help give people access to mental health services.” It is a brand that is looking at the future and helping communities of need by working with organizations on a local, national and global level.
I know this probably sounds like a gushing ad, but Rare Beauty truly did change my perception of makeup. I still have insecurities just like everyone else but having makeup that allowed me to feel good about my own skin and beauty while still caring about humanitarian causes has been the best decision for me.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Photos: Her Campus Media