Whenever we go to shows and concerts of our favourite artists, we always find ourselves stopping by the merch table to see how else we can show our love and support for our faves.
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled countless world tours, the next best thing is ordering their merch online and wearing it at home while enjoying their virtual concerts.
From T-shirts to oversized hoodies, and even face masks, many artists have taken the opportunity to design their own merch line that best represents themselves. While some have brought merch to the next level, as seen from Billie Eilish's latest signature Fender ukulele, a number of artists have ventured into the beauty industry.
From fashion icon Lady Gaga to K-pop sensation BTS, international pop stars have expanded their profit avenues by collaborating with influential beauty brands or simply starting their own cosmetics line. Here are 8 beauty collections you should add to cart the next time you hit that online shopping spree:
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NCT 127 x Nature Republic
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After announcing their upcoming comeback album NCT 2020: RESONANCE Part 1, NCT's sub-unit NCT 127 is coming to conquer the beauty industry with their new partnership with Nature Republic. Endorsing skincare serums and sunscreens, fans will get photo cards or photo books of the boy group as a gift when they purchase select products from Nature Republic.
As NCT 127 recently signed their contract with Nature Republic in April this year, fans can definitely anticipate more future product collaborations coming their way.
NCT 2020: RESONANCE Part 1 will be out October 12.
For more information on NCT 127 and Nature Republic, click here.
BTS x VT cosmetics
The only thing bigger than K-pop is K-beauty. After BTS swept the world by storm, they are now proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the beauty industry as well.
ARMYs would definitely be familiar with VT Cosmetics after their streak of smash collaborations. The one that stood out and captured everyone’s heartstrings was the irresistible BT21 collection that plastered the band’s adorable cartoon avatars across all packaging. Some of the products that were hugely popular amongst fans were the lip products, colourful eyeshadow palettes, and cushion compacts. The only thing cuter than BTS might be their own cartoon characters.
BTS x VT Essence Sun Pact, a skin-conditioning balm to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, kickstarted the collaboration way back in 2017. The collection included seven individual sunscreen cushion compacts, one devoted to each member of the group.
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In 2018, VT Cosmetics set up shop in Singapore’s shopping mall, Plaza Singapura, so local ARMYs can easily get their BTS makeup fix.
To buy BTS x VT Cosmetics, head down to the physical store or order it online here.
Selena Gomez - Rare Beauty
Along with dropping hit single collaboration, 'Ice Cream' with BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez also surprised fans with her own makeup line, Rare Beauty.
Keeping the project under wraps for over two years, Selena confirmed the news that her makeup line will be launching on her website and Sephora stores in the U.S on 3 September. As an advocate for mental health wellness, one percent of all sales, as well as funds raised by partners, will go towards the Rare Impact Fund. All proceeds will help address the gaps and increase access to mental health services for underprivileged communities.
Some of the makeup products that were rolled out from her inaugural launch include the Light Touch Weightless Foundation that boasts a wide range of 48 shades, Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream, Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner, and more. Unfortunately, the beauty brand is only available in the States currently, but we sure hope travelling restrictions ease soon so we can finally learn the secrets to rare beauty.
For more information, visit Rare Beauty’s website.
Rihanna - Fenty Beauty
No beauty listicle is complete without Rihanna, who reigns supreme in both the music and the beauty industries. Three years after its groundbreaking launch, Fenty Beauty is still giving cosmetic brands a run for their money. Rihanna shook the beauty industry to its core with her extensive foundation shade range, which undoubtedly changed the standards of the beauty industry, while some would even call it a cultural reset. Sephora shelves were swept empty when it just dropped, and to date, many of Fenty Beauty’s products are still one of the top bestsellers in stores.
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— FENTY BEAUTY (@fentybeauty) September 14, 2020
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👄 Lil #STUNNA Duo: 'Underrated' & 'Unmatched' in that same pigmented, long-wearing formula!
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Last July, Rihanna further expanded her beauty empire by launching Fenty Skin, a skincare line that includes a cleanser, toner and moisturiser for a start. She has also expanded into lingerie with body inclusive line Savage x Fenty. In a Forbes report last year, Rihanna is now worth US$600 million and is the world’s richest female musician.
Rihanna's Savage x Fenty show premieres on Amazon Prime on October 2.
Fenty Beauty is now available at Sephora stores, Sephora online, and the official website.
Lady Gaga - Haus Laboratories
Founded in 2018, Lady Gaga launched her own beauty brand, Haus Laboratories (Haus Labs in short). The brand aims to spread self-love, kindness, and creativity through providing the tools for self-expression. Lady Gaga has never been one to shy away from unconventional beauty standards and she wants to spread that message with her makeup collections.
Gaga's makeup line comprises of vibrant colours and tebxtures, making sure there is something for everyone. To celebrate her new Chromatica era, she also created an eyeshadow palette named after her single, ‘Stupid Love’, which is now sold out.
It was also revealed that Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga were both decked in Haus Labs cosmetics in the ‘Rain On Me’ music video, especially the statement white eyeliner that stole the hearts of Arianators and Little Monsters.
Rosalia x MAC
After conquering the Grammys, Rosalía is now ruling the beauty game as the new global ambassador for the MAC Viva Glam campaign. 100% of sales will go towards local organisations to help those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, supporting women and girls and helping the LGBTQIA+ community. Launching the Viva Glam 26, a limited-edition, fiery-red matte lipstick, the aim of this campaign is to spread awareness about the health and rights of all girls and women.
Rosalía joins the slew of superstar female artists that have worked on the Viva Glam campaign, such as Fergie in 2008, Lady Gaga in 2011, and Ariana Grande in 2015 and 2016.
MAC Viva Glam VG26 is available on MAC’s official website and select MAC stores.
Red Velvet and Etude House
In 2018, SM Entertainment's Red Velvet collaborated with K-beauty brand, Etude House on a line of liquid lipsticks. The limited-edition Matte Chic Lip Lacquer collection has a total of five shades, one dedicated to each member of the girl group. The shade range was designed by the girls, namely Seulgi Burgundy, Wendy Brown, Irene Red, Joy Grapefruit, and Yeri Pink.
It quickly received tons of rave reviews online, many praising it for how long-lasting, transfer-proof, and pigmented it was. Unfortunately, as the collection is limited-edition, you can no longer get the original Red Velvet shades but you can still get the Matte Chic Lip Lacquer in the same formula, in a slightly different shade. But trust us, no one will be able to tell the difference!
Matte Chic Lip Lacquer is now available in Etude House stores.
Moonshot
Home to BLACKPINK, TREASURE, and BIGBANG, YG Entertainment is an all-rounded business that is also home to its own beauty brand, Moonshot. It was recently announced this June that BLACKPINK's Lisa will be the global ambassador for the makeup brand, as it branches out to the China market.
Launched in 2014, Moonshot has expanded its presence across Asia by distributing its products in Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and more. Over the years, Moonshot has done multiple collaborations with its in-house artists such as the GD Eau De Toilette fragrance for both men and women, and the GD Fantastic Shining Sheet Mask.
Other popular Moonshot products are cushion compacts, foundations, and lipsticks.
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Moonshot is now available at select Sephora stores, Sephora online and the official website.
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