Selena Gomez’s influence knows no bounds. She’s got one of the largest Instagram followings on the planet – 424 million, in case you were wondering – and is the founder of Rare Beauty, a make-up brand worth $2 billion (£1.52bn) according to reports. It’s safe to say that she’s accomplished a lot since she first graced our screens in Wizards Of Waverly Place during the Disney Channel’s heyday. Arguably her most powerful accomplishment is the conversations she’s started around mental health.

Her documentary, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, told the story of the star behind all the glitz and glamour and the raw realities of her mental health journey and struggles with lupus. She’s advocated for taking breaks from social media – which is no small feat considering how vast her following is – and changed the conversation around mental health and appearances, placing value on putting herself first.

In the run-up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Stylist sat down with the beauty mogul to get her self-care tips and how her Rare Impact Fund (a charity set up by Gomez to fund mental health services for all) intends to make a difference within the realm of mental health. 

What is your go-to self-care technique when the outside noise starts to feel really loud?

Therapy is a really important part of my routine. I also like to take a break from scrolling; spending time with the people I love always re-energises me.

What encourages you to be open with your mental health journey?

At a certain point, I realised my story was going to be told for me, and I knew I wanted to tell it with my own voice. I’ve realised how much strength there is in being vulnerable. I wanted to share my journey so other people could feel comfortable sharing theirs. I want them to know they’re not alone, and if hearing my story can encourage them to ask for help, that’s all I can hope for.

If you could use three words to sum up your mental headspace today, what would that be?

Grateful. Present. Curious.

What is the one piece of advice that transformed your relationship with your mental health?

It’s OK to not be OK. It helped me realise that I can give myself the space to work through things and struggle, but it’s going to be OK.

What is one thing we’re still getting wrong in our conversations about mental health?

I think there’s so much great work being done, but we’re just getting started. I truly believe mental health is as important as physical health, which is why I’m pushing for more education in schools. We need to continue to have these conversations in learning atmospheres that destigmatise mental health and empower those around us to share their stories.

How does the Make a Rare Impact campaign help to support the Rare Impact Fund’s mission, and how does Sephora support the initiative ?

I am so honoured to partner with Sephora for the second year in a row on Make a Rare Impact for World Mental Health Day. On [10 October], 100% of Rare Beauty sales at Sephora will be donated to the Rare Impact Fund. Key partners like Sephora allow us to make the biggest impact and reach more young people in communities around the world.  

Shop Rare Beauty at Sephora UK.

Images: Courtesy of Rare Beauty