These days, being a celebrity means way more than just dropping albums or starring in movies. If you’re not building a multi-million dollar business empire, what are you even doing? From skincare lines that sell out in minutes to tequila brands that are literally redefining what’s cool to drink, celebs are taking the entrepreneurial world by storm. With their social media prowess and loyal fanbases, it’s no wonder they’re making serious bank. So, buckle up! We’re diving into the most successful celebrity-owned businesses.
Whether you’re obsessed with clean beauty, shapewear, or premium tequila, these brands are shaking up industries — and your bank account. A recent study by Arka dives deep into revenue and popularity-based analysis of these brands and gives us all the tea. Let’s break down the stars who have mastered the business world and what makes their brands so iconic.
Most successful celebrity-owned businesses you ought to know
1. Dr. Dre – Beats by Dre
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Kicking off the list is Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dre, a brand synonymous with premium audio quality. What started as a simple headphone brand back in 2006 quickly morphed into a cultural symbol for the music and tech worlds. Dre leveraged his expertise in the music industry to create headphones that weren’t just functional but also incredibly stylish. That move paid off — Beats by Dre now pulls in USD 1.5 billion annually.
In 2014, Apple acquired Beats for a whopping USD 3 billion, marking one of the biggest celebrity business deals in history. Dre’s brand continues to thrive under Apple’s ownership, with its sleek design and high-quality sound attracting a massive audience. Whether you’re a casual listener or a hardcore audiophile, Beats has become a go-to product, especially with a search popularity of 3.7 million annually. The brand also taps into pop culture, regularly featuring in music videos and athletic meets, solidifying its global appeal among all audiences.
2. Kim Kardashian – Skims
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Let’s talk about Skims. Kim K didn’t just create a shapewear brand; she redefined shapewear. Skims is all about inclusivity — serving up body-positive solutions that actually make you feel good. No more suffocating shapewear that leaves you feeling like you need to exhale for the rest of your life. Skims? It’s comfy, stylish, and practical. Whether you’re lounging in their buttery-soft loungewear or rocking one of their iconic bodysuits, you’re always looking snatched and feeling yourself.
With an annual revenue of USD 750 million and 4.2 million searches, Skims is blowing up. One of the reasons it’s so successful? Kim’s unmatched social media game. She brings Skims directly to her 360 million Instagram followers, showing off real bodies (like her sisters and celebrity friends) in her campaigns, proving it’s not just about looking good — it’s also about embracing your shape.
What’s more, Skims’ collabs with everyone from high-fashion brands to Team USA during the Olympics have helped catapult it from shapewear company to fashion empire. Add to that some major celeb endorsements (like Charlie XCX, Nicola Coughlan and more), and it’s clear that Skims is here to stay.
3. Selena Gomez – Rare Beauty
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Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez is doing more than selling makeup — it’s spreading a message. Launched in 2020, Rare Beauty champions self-acceptance and inclusivity, which is totally in line with Gomez’s personal advocacy for mental health. Rare isn’t about covering up your flaws; it’s about celebrating what makes you, well, YOU.
With USD 600 million in revenue and 3.3 million searches annually, Rare Beauty is a movement. Selena’s vulnerability about her own struggles with mental health resonates with all audiences. Since its launch, Rare Beauty has been a hit, with products like the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Liquid Touch Foundation flying off the shelves. The best part? The brand has made inclusivity its priority, offering a 48-shade foundation range right out of the gate and setting the standard for other beauty brands.
Rare Beauty’s social campaigns? Pure fire. The brand leans heavily into TikTok, with influencers and everyday users showing how they use the products in authentic, easy-to-digest ways. Gomez herself often posts makeup tutorials that feel like you’re watching your best friend get ready in her bedroom. It’s this kind of relatability that’s driving Rare’s ongoing success.
4. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty
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When Fenty Beauty launched in 2017, it broke the internet. Rihanna wasn’t playing around — she changed the beauty game forever by launching with 40 shades of foundation (which later expanded to 50), setting a new standard for inclusivity in the beauty world. No more guessing your shade or mixing foundations — Fenty made sure that everyone could find their match.
Fenty Beauty’s annual revenue sits at USD 582 million with a staggering 4.9 million searches, making it the most-searched, and one of the most successful celebrity-owned businesses. The numbers don’t lie: people are obsessed with RiRi’s brainchild. Its success is largely due to Rihanna’s unapologetic approach to beauty and branding. It’s for the people who’ve been left out of beauty conversations for way too long.
Rihanna’s marketing? On point. From the iconic Fenty Beauty Body Lava campaigns to the “Beauty for All” tagline, Fenty’s advertising is as fierce as its creator. Let’s not forget the influencer partnerships, where everyone from top-tier makeup artists to micro-influencers are hyping up the products on social media. Plus, Fenty Beauty’s digital-first strategy with Sephora, YouTube tutorials, and real user-generated content makes the brand feel incredibly approachable.
5. Scarlett Johansson – The Outset
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Scarlett Johansson’s The Outset is a fresh entry into the world of the most successful celebrity-owned skincare businesses. Launched in 2022, The Outset focuses on simple, effective skincare with a minimalist approach. The brand’s product lineup is built around clean beauty, using plant-based ingredients that are vegan and cruelty-free.
Despite being a newer brand, The Outset is already generating USD 153 million annually, though it has lower search visibility with 25.8K searches. Johansson’s focus on clean, sustainable beauty is well-timed, as consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in their skincare. With a few hero products like the Firming Vegan Collagen Serum, The Outset is poised to grow in the skincare market.
6. Lady Gaga – Haus Labs
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Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs reflects her persona — bold, unapologetic, and creative. Launched in 2019, Haus Labs is all about self-expression, offering makeup products that encourage creativity. From vivid eyeliners to high-shine lip glosses, Gaga’s makeup line invites users to embrace their inner artist, no matter their style.
With annual revenue of USD 141.7 million and 451.6K searches, Haus Labs is carving its own space in the beauty industry. The brand embraces inclusivity and gender-fluid beauty, with its vegan and cruelty-free formulas earning it points in the clean beauty movement. Known as Little Monsters, Gaga’s fans have rallied behind the brand, helping it to become a cult favourite among makeup enthusiasts.
7. Ariana Grande – R.E.M. Beauty and God is a Woman
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Ariana Grande’s entry into the beauty world is twofold: she made waves by launching R.E.M. Beauty as well as her body care line, God is a Woman. First launched in 2021, R.E.M. Beauty is inspired by Grande’s love of space and dreamy aesthetics, offering fun, playful makeup products like bold lip glosses and ethereal highlighters. Meanwhile, God is a Woman focuses on vegan, sustainable body care products.
Together, these two ventures bring in USD 84 million annually, with 592.9K searches. Ariana’s fanbase has naturally gravitated toward her beauty lines, thanks to her approachable persona and the fun, high-quality products she offers. The brand is quickly becoming a go-to for those who want cruelty-free, clean beauty that’s still glamorous.
8. Dwayne Johnson – Teremana Tequila
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Now let’s switch gears (literally) to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who went from wrestling legend to Hollywood superstar. And now? He’s a tequila kingpin. Launched in 2020, Teremana Tequila is already pulling in USD 83.3 million annually. But here’s the thing: Teremana isn’t just another celeb-backed booze brand. It’s personal. The name “Teremana” comes from the words “Terre,” meaning earth, and “Mana,” meaning spirit, representing Johnson’s connection to the land and his Polynesian heritage. It’s got heart — and that’s what’s made it resonate with consumers.
So why is it gaining such momentum? Well, first off, Johnson is involved in every aspect of the brand. We’re talking Instagram videos where he’s behind the bar mixing margaritas and giving actual recommendations. Teremana’s vibe is all about being premium, but approachable. You don’t need to be a tequila snob to enjoy it — and that’s what makes it a hit with younger consumers who are looking for authenticity.
Its sustainability efforts also give it a major edge — Teremana’s tequila is made using traditional methods with a focus on eco-friendly production. The Rock’s fans love that he’s putting his personal stamp on something that’s high-quality but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Throw in some epic “Tera Tuesday” campaigns on social media, where Johnson shows off how to enjoy the perfect Teremana cocktail, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
9. Jennifer Lopez – JLo Beauty
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Closing out our list of the most successful celebrity-owned businesses is Jennifer Lopez with her luxury skincare brand, JLo Beauty. Known for her flawless skin and ageless beauty, Lopez launched her line to give fans access to her beauty secrets. The brand is built on the concept of achieving the “JLo glow,” offering premium skincare products designed to deliver radiant, youthful skin.
With USD 75 million in annual revenue and 166.2K searches, JLo Beauty has quickly become a favourite among consumers looking for luxury skincare. The brand’s hero product, the That JLo Glow Serum, promises to give users Lopez’s signature glow, making it a hit among members of her loyal fanbase.
(Main and Featured Image: Rare Beauty/Instagram)
This story first appeared here.
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As a pop-culture enthusiast with a penchant for fashion, Srijoni found herself graduating with a degree in History from Miranda House, DU and a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. Apart from binging on the latest web series, trying DIY recipes from TikTok, and spending hours window shopping on the latest Instagram stores, she loves spending time with her family and curating vacation mood boards. Writing opinion pieces, and critiquing international fashion trends are a part of her forte. Srijoni was previously employed at iDiva as their ‘Chief Fashion Writer’ for 5 years.
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