r.e.m. beauty | |
Industry | Cosmetics |
Founded | November 12, 2021 |
Founder | Ariana Grande |
Headquarters | 1880 Century Park E #1600, , California, United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Ariana Grande (Founder, Owner, Chairwoman), Michelle Shigemasa (CEO), Sarah Schwartz (Creative Director) |
Products | |
Revenue | US $88.7 million (2023) [1] |
Owner | Ariana Grande (100%) |
Website |
rembeauty |
R.E.M. Beauty is a cosmetics brand by Ariana Grande, that was launched on November 12, 2021. [2]
In August 2021, several billboards appeared across Times Square in New York City, saying "r.e.m. coming soon." [3] The pop singer and actress later revealed that her beauty line "is officially on its way". [4] Grande officially launched her cosmetic company on November 12, 2021. [5] Her first collection is named: Chapter 1: Ultraviolet. [6] The company's name is inspired by one of Grande's songs, "R.E.M.", which was released in 2018. [7]
After their launch, many of their cosmetic products were distributed throughout Ulta Beauty stores, as of March 2022. [8] [9] Forbes reported that R.E.M. Beauty was one of the brands boosting Ulta's driving gross margin due to strong consumer demand. [10][ better source needed]
In January 2023, Forbes announced that Grande is set to acquire the physical assets for the brand, for an estimated $15 million from Forma Brands—the parent company of Morphe Cosmetics—after the company filed for bankruptcy earlier that month, ending their licensing agreement. [11]
In February 2023, the cosmetics company hired Michelle Shigemasa as their new chief executive officer. [12]
In May 2023, the company announced a strategic investment with Sandbridge Capital, which would support global expansion, including participation from Strand Equity and Grande's long-term collaborators HYBE America, Live Nation Entertainment, and Universal Music Group.
Chapter 1: Ultraviolet line featured 12 core products, including a range of individual shades, for both lips and eyes. In March 2022, Grande released the brand's Chapter 2: Goodnight and Go line. In addition to a selection of new skincare products—an under-eye balm, lash and brow serum, and face mist—the collection also contained makeup staples such as versatile cheek and lipstick and additional sets of eyelash extensions. [13] Then, she released Chapter 3: On Your Collar, which included various lip products, and Chapter 4: Out Of Body, which included a concealer available in 60 different shades. [14] In early 2023, she released the collection "thank u, next", which included four additional products, and was a limited edition based on her eponymous 2018 single. [15] In Fall 2023, the brand introduced the Sweetener Foundation line, which came in 60 shades, covering a vast range of fair to deep skin tones. [16]
In May 2022, the cosmetic company won the award for "Best New Brand" at the Readers' Choice Awards from Allure, [17] with Flourishing Lengthening Mascara being awarded for "Best Mascara (Length)" in the category of "Best Eye Makeup" of 2022 at its annual Best of Beauty Awards. [18]
Award | Year | Category | Recipient(s) and nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allure Best of Beauty Awards | 2022 | Best New Brand [a] | r.e.m. beauty by Ariana Grande | Won | [17] |
Best Eye Makeup (Length) [a] | Won | [18] | |||
Cosmopolitan UK Beauty Awards | Best Concealer [b] | Won | [19] | ||
Ex. Awards | Best Buzz Marketing/Influencer Program | Silver | [20] | ||
SELF Healthy Beauty Awards | Best Liquid Eyeliner | Won | [21] | ||
Selfridges Beauty Awards | Launch of the Year | Won | [22] | ||
Webby Awards | Best Fashion & Beauty [c] | Won | [23] | ||
Best Mobile User Interface [c] | Won | ||||
Best Mobile Visual Design - Aesthetic | Won | ||||
Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Awards | 2023 | Best Liquid Eyeliner | Won | [24] | |
Cosmopolitan Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards | Best Celebrity Brand | Won | [25] | ||
Glamour Beauty Awards | Best Face Mist [d] | Won | [26] | ||
Best Eyeshadow [d] | Won | ||||
InStyle Best Beauty Buys | Best Liquid Eyeliner | Won | [27] | ||
PETA's Libby Awards | Heroes — Favorite Celeb Cruelty-Free Beauty Brand | Nominated | [28] | ||
Lifestyle — Favorite Cruelty-Free Beauty Product | Nominated | [29] | |||
Style Beauty Awards | Best Celebrity Brand | Nominated | [30] | ||
Vogue Beauty Awards | The New Kid On The Block [e] | Won | [31] |