Before our conversation, I expected Selena to be cautious, but instead I encountered a woman who was open and comfortable with the question marks that still exist in her life. When I asked her where that came from, Selena was resolute: “I'm a firm believer that everything in my life happens for a reason… I always try to say, 'What's the lesson in this?'” “I want to learn the lesson and grow from it” and I want to experience what it’s like to get through those really difficult moments.”
In many ways he practices what he preaches to his fans and it shows. She admits that there are still days when she feels depressed and just wants to lie in bed, write a little and watch a movie. However, try to approach each day with enthusiasm and incorporate small motivational challenges, from a walk with a friend to a visit to a bookstore. Now she is willingly making herself vulnerable. For Selena, this is anything but a weakness. In fact, he considers vulnerability to be his greatest strength. “I want people to understand that it feels really great to be vulnerable and let things out.”
As our time together comes to an end, my attention again falls on the body lotion from Rare Beauty that is lying on the table next to me. The words “find solace” take on a different meaning after everything Selena revealed. It's clear that finding and providing comfort is what you want most now. For them and for all of us.
“I love the name,” she tells me, “because it's basically just an extension of what I hope my makeup does for people: to allow them to feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Last question: How do you find comfort these days? “I find comfort in helping other people, and I also find comfort in having a person around me who understands me. “Let him know what I've been through.” You could say that Selena has now become that person for millions of young women. How do you feel about that? “This is the greatest gift I could ask for.”
In this report: Hair, Marissa Marino/A Frame Agency; Makeup, Kate Lee/The Wall Group; manicure, Tom Bachik; fashion assistants Charlie Burke and Saye Wuo; photo assistants Reto Sterchi and Jacob Messex; seamstress, Susie Kourinian; set design, Bryn Bowen; Production, Helena Martel Seward; Production Assistant, Zack Osterlund; entertainment director Sergio Kletnoy; Talent, Selena Gomez.