06. Curls, Creams, and Credibility.
06. Curls, Creams, and Credibility.
And the YES list for summer skin treatments
As I follow more and more brilliantly sharp and witty writers and editors on Substack, I feel like a kid in a candy store with all the juicy content. The opposite of TL;DR, it very much gives Perfectly Long and Did Read. But along with this treasure trove of reading material, I also start to feel a slight spike in my anxiety. As though I’m doing the reader, you, a disservice. My once-a-week posting format means I cannot and will not be the first to break the news or share my thoughts at lightning speed the moment a crumb of pop culture drops on the virtual pavement.
Then I opened my Chani App and was immediately reminded that that’s okay. And I hope you are okay with that, too.
Anyway, here are my marinated thoughts on a few news-ish topics. This feature is less about the science behind product ingredients and more about the science behind branding.
Recently, the beauty landscape has felt like an early pandemic Verzuz battle. The beauty industry is increasingly defined by celebrity influence, with iconic figures launching their own brands. However, the journey from celebrity to beauty mogul isn’t always smooth, especially when authenticity comes into question.
Show Me Your Roots
Shots were immediately fired in the comment section when Beyoncé announced the launch of Cécred, and the same with Rihanna's Fenty Hair launch shortly after. Drawing inspiration from her personal hair journey, Beyoncé aimed to create a line that caters to diverse hair textures, celebrating the beauty of natural hair.
On the other hand, Rihanna’s Fenty Hair continues her legacy, building on the success of Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. Known for championing inclusivity and innovation, Rihanna’s hair care line was met with eager anticipation. The brand’s promise to deliver innovative hair care solutions for all textures resonated strongly with consumers. However, the launch was marred by accusations that Rihanna was wearing a wig in the promotional content, leading to debates about the authenticity of her endorsement.
Public sentiment was called into play, and the masses wanted proof from both artist’s of their personal hair quality sans wigs, clip ins and show-ready alterations. Both multi-hyphenate superstars delivered, with Beyoncé responding to critics' demands to see her "real" hair by presenting a cinematic reel of her washday process two months after the official launch, and Rihanna appearing at her launch event with cropped natural curls. Rihanna goes a step further opening up about her experience with post partum hair loss. We’re left with the question: Do we overquestion Black women and creators, or is this simply a matter of holding them accountable to authenticity?
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The Blueprint
But you know who didn’t encounter the same backlash? Tracee Ellis Ross and her brand Pattern Beauty. The difference is Ross’s transparent approach to her hair journey and her active engagement with the natural hair community before, during, and after the launch, which fostered trust and authenticity. Her personal commitment to the cause of natural hair has been clear and unwavering, providing a stark contrast to the controversies faced by other celebrity brands.
Ultimately, it’s not that consumers expect celebrities to stick to their primary industries; rather, they have become discerning enough to question endorsements that don’t seem genuine. When a brand launch is rooted in a celebrity’s authentic experience or aligns with their known identity, it tends to resonate more deeply with the audience. However, when it seems to come out of left field, savvy consumers are rightfully skeptical, seeking true connection behind the endorsements.
The Battle of the Blushes
In the clashing worlds of pop culture and celebrity beauty brands, there’s a fan fueled rivalry brewing between Hailey Bieber’s Rhode, Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics, and Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty. These brands are more than just cosmetic lines; they’re reflections of their founders’ personalities and the battleground for fan loyalty.
Rhode has emerged as the effortless cool girl of the beauty industry. The brand is all about sleek design and a youthful vibe, and it’s clearly working. The buzz around Rhode’s new, now sold out, pocket blush was driven by a smart marketing strategy that leaned heavily on social media influencers and genuine user-generated content. Fans love Hailey’s fresh take on beauty and appreciate the way Rhode’s minimalist aesthetic mirrors Hailey’s personal style. Social media has played a huge role here, helping build a community that values Rhode’s straightforward approach to beauty.
The tension between Hailey and Selena Gomez adds another layer to this story. For some, Rhode feels like a direct competitor to Selena’s Rare Beauty, and fans are definitely picking sides.
Kylie Cosmetics: Struggle City
Despite Kylie Jenner’s popularity, the response to her new blush line was crickets compared to Rhode. Overall, Kylie and her brands seem to be struggling with over-saturation and a perceived lack of innovation. Frequent product drops might keep Kylie Cosmetics in the headlines, but they’ve also led to consumer fatigue and questions about the brand’s focus on profit over everything else.
Kylie still has a dedicated fan base, but there’s growing skepticism, with critics pointing out that the constant stream of new products feels more like a cash grab than a commitment to quality.
Rare Beauty: Lowkey Self Love
Rare Beauty, launched by Selena Gomez, stands out with its mission of self-acceptance and inclusivity. Selena’s brand isn’t just about makeup; it’s about promoting mental health and embracing diversity. This approach has resonated deeply with consumers who are looking for more than just a pretty package—they want brands that reflect their values and support their well-being.
Rare Beauty has built a loyal following thanks to its genuine message and inclusive product range. Fans appreciate the brand’s thoughtful design and its focus on mental health, making it a standout in a crowded market. When pitted against Rhode and Kylie Cosmetics, Rare Beauty is often seen as the most authentic. Its mission-driven approach sets it apart from Rhode’s modern aesthetics and Kylie’s trend-driven launches.
The way these brands are perceived is deeply influenced by their founders’ personal stories and public personas. Hailey’s modern vibe, Kylie’s trendsetting image, and Selena’s heartfelt mission each attract different audiences, reflecting broader trends in what consumers want from their beauty products.
The Verdict: Connection Matters
At the end of the day, the battle between Rhode, Kylie Cosmetics, and Rare Beauty is about more than just blushes. Just like with Cécred and Fenty Hair, it’s a clash of brand philosophies and consumer expectations. Fans don’t necessarily follow celebrities blindly; they’re smart enough to question when a product or its marketing seem off the mark. Genuine connection with the audience and products that work are what truly drive loyalty. As the competition heats up, the brands that care about quality product output and resonate with their fans will be the ones to watch.
Check Out 🛒
Fenty Hair The Rich One Moisture Repair Shampoo & The Rich One Moisture Repair Conditioner $28 ea.; This shampoo is for all hair types and gently cleanses to remove oil and product buildup from hair and scalp with Replenicore-5’s proteins, amino acids and antioxidants to repair split ends and reduce breakage.
Cécred Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual $52; This 2-step ritual begins with a Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Powder that instantly transforms into a water-activated, fortifying hair rinse treatment followed by a conditioning Silk Rinse to balance softness and shine.
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend $28; This is a lightweight, residue-free jojoba oil formula that helps hair retain moisture and reduces breakage while easing your scalp from itchiness and flaking.
Rhode Glazing Milk $30; A nutrient-rich, lightweight essence that boosts barrier function and provides immediate, luminous hydration. I will sing this products praises until the end of time. It’s a must in anyone’s routine. I use it in the AM before applying makeup for an easier application, and in the PM before applying any acid or retinoid.
Safe Summer Treatments at Ever/Body
Hydra Facial - Take a short pause on the laser facials and opt for this tech-enabled facial that cleanses, hydrates, and exfoliates, removing blackheads and whiteheads with vortex technology to leave your skin glowing.
Botox - Remember less is more and an artfully administered neuromodulator can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more refreshed look.
Plasma Injections - And my favorite all-natural way to stimulate growth factors & collagen perfectly safe for all skin tones & types.
This One’s for the Fathers
Today is Father’s Day, and I’d be remiss not to shout out the cherished men in our lives—our gentle protectors, the ones who slay the monsters under the bed, and the hands that guide us.
Loved 01 Silky Smooth Shave Trio $45 Sale $37; Designed with Black and Brown skin in mind so that all skin types can indulge from head to toe. This trio includes an exfoliating cleanser that gently removes the dead skin cells, allowing for the closest shave, a moisturizing shave cream for proper glide while treating the skin for the most irritation-free shave, and a mist to close out the shave routine– offering a burst of hydration to the skin and sealing pores to prevent the entry of any dirt or bacteria and reduce razor burn, bumps or any other irritation.
📌 Final Thoughts
As I sift through the latest launches and the ensuing fan debates, I can’t help but notice a recurring theme: authenticity—or the lack thereof—is what truly captures our attention. Whether it’s Beyoncé’s washday reel or Rihanna’s candidness about postpartum hair loss, these moments of realness are what make us pause, look closer, and, perhaps, trust a little more. It’s clear that the brands that will stand the test of time are those that offer more than just products—they offer a piece of their founders’ stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. So, as you peruse the latest blush or hair serum, take a moment to think about the story behind it and whether it resonates with your own journey.
Stay curious. Keep questioning.
Until next time,
T.
PS–This is a free publication and I may receive affiliate commissions when you click a link and buy.