Celebrity Makeup Brand Valuations and Ownership Structures
Kylie Cosmetics, founded by Kylie Jenner, was valued at roughly $900 million in a 2020 acquisition by Coty Inc., which purchased a 51% controlling stake for $600 million. By late 2023, Coty's stake had been reduced to approximately 33% after a buyback and restructuring, with the brand's standalone revenue estimated below $100 million in fiscal 2023. Rihanna's Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017 under LVMH's Kendo division, generated an estimated $580 million in annual revenue for LVMH in 2022, according to company filings and analyst estimates. Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty, launched in 2020, was valued at $2 billion in a 2024 secondary share sale backed by institutional investors, with the brand projected to reach $300 million in annual sales. Kylie Jenner's net worth in 2024 was reported at $700 million by Forbes, a significant portion tied to her cosmetics venture and social media earnings. Forbes reported Kylie Jenner's net worth.
Kylie Cosmetics was originally launched in 2015 as Lip Kits before rebranding, with Coty acquiring majority control in November 2020. Coty's 2023 annual report disclosed a $2.4 billion impairment charge related to its beauty portfolio, including Kylie Cosmetics, reflecting a write-down of the goodwill associated with the acquisition. Fenty Beauty operates as a Kendo-branded label within LVMH's portfolio, with LVMH's 2023 revenue from beauty divisions exceeding €18 billion. Rare Beauty's 2024 valuation was supported by a secondary transaction led by private equity firms, with Gomez retaining a majority ownership stake. Coty's SEC filing details impairment charges.
Launch Timelines, Product Lines, and Retail Distribution
Fenty Beauty launched on September 8, 2017, with 40 foundation shades, expanding to over 50 shades across multiple product categories by 2019. The brand is distributed through Sephora, FentyBeauty.com, and duty-free channels in over 100 countries. Kylie Cosmetics began as Lip Kits in November 2015, later expanding to eyeshadows, highlighters, and skincare, with products sold exclusively online until 2018 when select Ulta Beauty stores carried the line. Rare Beauty launched on September 3, 2020, with a focus on inclusive shade ranges and mental health initiatives, available at Sephora and Target in the United States. Forbes detailed Fenty Beauty's industry impact.
Kylie Cosmetics' Lip Kits initially retailed at $29 per set, with lipstick prices later adjusted to $25 per unit. Fenty Beauty's foundation line remains a benchmark for shade range breadth, with the brand generating $2.8 billion in cumulative retail sales within its first five years. Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Blush became a viral product in 2021, contributing to the brand's rapid