Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty in China: Analysis of the launch


Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, a brand widely celebrated for its inclusivity and innovation in the beauty industry, is expanding its global footprint by launching in mainland China.

Announced by Rihanna herself via the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the launch is set for 2024 April 1st and will be executed in partnership with Sephora China. This move is part of Fenty Beauty’s ongoing Asian expansion and follows the brand’s earlier debut in Hong Kong and Macau back in 2019

The entry into the Chinese market is marked by a strategic marketing approach, including a high-profile media campaign and leveraging local celebrities to align with the brand’s ethos of diversity and inclusivity. Fenty Beauty’s approach remains consistent with its global strategy, emphasizing “Beauty for All,” and now brings its wide range of products to the world’s second-largest makeup market without compromising on its cruelty-free commitments​ (Jing Daily)​.

This expansion is significant not just for Fenty Beauty but also for the beauty industry in China, offering a fresh infusion of diverse and inclusive beauty standards and products tailored to a broad demographic. The brand has previously demonstrated its global appeal and capacity to engage diverse consumer bases, making its launch in China a promising development for both the brand and its potential customers in Asia​

Fenty Beauty’s presence on Tmall:

  1. Launch in 2019: Fenty Beauty launched its Tmall Global import store in 2019, marking a significant step in its Asian market expansion strategy.
  2. Rapid Follower Growth: Upon its debut on Tmall Global, Fenty Beauty rapidly gained over 50,000 followers within just half a day, showcasing the brand’s strong appeal and anticipated entry into the Chinese market.
  3. Direct Access to Products: The Tmall Global platform allows Chinese consumers to purchase Fenty Beauty products directly from overseas, bypassing the need for physical store visits and providing a convenient online shopping experience.
  4. Integration with Chinese Social Media: Alongside its launch on Tmall, Fenty Beauty also made strategic entries into Chinese social media platforms, such as Xiaohongshu (RED), helping to increase its visibility and engagement with Chinese consumers.
  5. Growth: Since its launch, Fenty Beauty has continued to grow its presence on ecommerce like Tmall Global, catering to a vast audience in China interested in premium, inclusive beauty products. This platform has been essential in enabling Fenty Beauty to reach a broader audience across the country.
  6. Sales are “unknowed” and not communicate now

Social Media marketing of Fenti in China

Fenty Beauty’s presence on social media platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu (Redbook), and Douyin:

  1. Active Engagement on Weibo: Fenty Beauty uses Weibo, one of China’s largest social media platforms, to engage directly with Chinese consumers. The brand has used this platform for major announcements, including the launch of their products in China, and regularly posts updates and promotional content.
  2. Strong Presence on Xiaohongshu (Redbook): On Xiaohongshu, a platform popular for beauty and lifestyle content, Fenty Beauty not only promotes its products but also leverages user-generated content and reviews. This has helped the brand build a community of loyal followers who share tips and their experiences with Fenty Beauty products.
  3. Influencer Collaborations: Across these platforms, Fenty Beauty collaborates with local influencers and celebrities to reach a wider audience. These collaborations often include makeup tutorials, product reviews, and giveaways, which help increase engagement and brand visibility.
  4. Localization content : Fenty Beauty tailors its social media content to fit the local culture and trends, which resonates well with the Chinese audience. This includes participation in local events, special promotions during Chinese festivals, and posts that align with local beauty standards and preferences.
  5. Visual and Interactive Content on Douyin: On Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, Fenty Beauty focuses on more visual and interactive content, such as short video clips showcasing product uses, behind-the-scenes looks at photoshoots, and engaging challenges that encourage user participation.

Through these App, Fenty Beauty effectively communicates its brand message and connects with its Chinese audience, enhancing its brand recognition and loyalty in the region.

Read more about Social media Marketing in China

Fenti Beauty

Here are 10 key fact about Fenty Beauty, Rihanna’s cosmetics brand:

  1. Inclusivity in Shade Range: Fenty Beauty is renowned for its broad inclusivity across skin tones, particularly notable with its Pro Filt’r foundation that originally launched in 40 shades, a benchmark now expanded to 50 shades.
  2. Cruelty-Free Products: Fenty Beauty maintains a commitment to cruelty-free product formulations. None of their products are tested on animals.
  3. Global Brand: Launched in September 2017, Fenty Beauty has quickly become a global brand available online and in stores around the world.
  4. Award-Winning: The brand has received numerous accolades, including Time magazine’s “Best Inventions of 2017” for its impact on the beauty industry.
  5. Celebrity Founder: Founded by Rihanna, the brand reflects her vision of beauty for all, inspired by her own experiences and personal tastes.
  6. Wide Product Range: Beyond foundations, Fenty Beauty offers a wide range of products including lip colors, highlighters, eyeshadow palettes, and skincare items.
  7. Innovative Formulations: The brand is known for its innovative product formulations, such as the soft matte long-wear foundation and the glossy lip luminizers.
  8. Cultural Impact: Fenty Beauty has been credited with initiating the “Fenty Effect,” prompting other cosmetic companies to expand their own product lines to be more inclusive of diverse skin tones.
  9. Sustainability Efforts: While primarily focused on beauty, the brand also makes efforts toward sustainability, such as reducing secondary packaging and incorporating post-consumer recycled materials.
  10. Expansion into Asia: Recently, Fenty Beauty has expanded its market reach into Asia, launching in countries like China and India, broadening its global influence and accessibility.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna has not only revolutionized the beauty industry by setting new standards for inclusivity and product quality but also continues to grow globally, influencing other brands and delighting consumers worldwide.

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