We are constantly inundated with images and social media posts that create the illusion of an unattainable perfection. I've been open about my own struggles with mental health and the feelings of inadequacy I've experienced.
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| pexels.com/Andrea Piacquadio |
Growing up in the spotlight brings immense pressure. It's challenging for anyone during their formative years, but imagine having the entire world scrutinize and comment on every aspect of your life. While this experience has toughened me up, and I don’t regret how I grew up, it’s still a privilege to have a platform where I can make a difference.
However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t faced difficult times. Choosing to be transparent about my experiences has led to countless people reaching out, sharing their own struggles with mental health. This issue has become deeply personal to me, and I try to use my voice to help reduce the stigma around discussing mental health and encourage people to celebrate their individuality.
You Are Not Alone
There are immense pressures on women in our society to look and behave in certain ways. Social media has influenced our perceptions of "perfection," and we often seek validation and comfort from these platforms, only to end up feeling more isolated.
To anyone struggling with mental health or going through a tough time, I want you to know you’re not alone.
I’m a big proponent of social media detoxes. While I stay connected to keep up with what’s happening, it’s crucial for me to take breaks from scrolling. I remind myself that most people share only the highlights of their lives and their best photos, and I don't need to feel bad for not looking the same.
I’m also a strong advocate for therapy. It has helped me answer questions about my feelings and overcome obstacles. Initially, it was hard to be open about my struggles with depression and anxiety because I felt pressure to be perfect, knowing many people looked up to me. But once I sought help and shared what I was going through, it was a huge relief. Admitting that I’m human and not perfect—no one is—actually turned out to be more beneficial for those who look up to me.
Beauty for the Future
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best makeup artists in the world. I love the art of makeup and how experimenting with different looks can completely transform a character. Two years ago, I decided to create a brand that would change the conversation around beauty, as this is a topic that isn’t discussed enough in the industry.
I used to believe I needed makeup to feel pretty, but now I realize that I don’t need it to feel beautiful. Today, I see makeup as an accessory, something to be excited about. That’s what I want Rare Beauty to represent—wear as much or as little makeup as you like; it’s a safe, welcoming space where everyone should feel comfortable.
There’s enormous pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, and makeup is often used to hide perceived imperfections. However, we want both women and men to challenge these norms by changing the conversation and celebrating what makes each of us unique.
Since launching Rare Beauty, my team and I have been building a community focused on positive discussions around self-acceptance and mental health. During the pandemic, this included intimate Zoom calls we call "Rare Chats" and showcasing community members on social media, encouraging them to celebrate their individual beauty. We offer 48 shades of foundation and concealer to suit all skin tones, and I’ve seen firsthand how many of our followers have formed meaningful connections with each other during this challenging year.
It was also essential to me that the company have a purpose, and I knew mental health would be a big part of our mission. With the Rare Impact Fund, we aim to reduce the stigma around mental health, address the epidemic of chronic loneliness, and provide people with access to the resources and services they need for mental well-being. We launched the fund this past July (on my 28th birthday) with a goal of raising $100 million over the next ten years to help people in underserved communities access mental health services.
We are committed to raising funds with other partners and our community, with one percent of Rare Beauty’s annual sales going directly to the Rare Impact Fund. We also created the Rare Impact Mental Health Council, which includes expert advisors from leading universities, organizations, and companies, to ensure we make the greatest impact.
I want everyone to find strength in what makes them unique. We all need to embrace our individuality, stop comparing ourselves to others, and love ourselves more—especially now.
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