Essence Corp launched Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin and Fenty Eau de Parfum across nine Caribbean islands last week (24 October).
Fenty is owned by Barbadian singer/songwriter and entrepreneur Rihanna, while Essence Corp is the official distributor for the brand in the region.
The roll-out encompasses both travel retail and domestic channels in Antigua, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Saint Maarten & Saint Martin, and Trinidad & Tobago.
As reported, Avolta has introduced Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin and Fenty edp fragrance to duty free in Barbados. Avolta opened two Fenty doors on the island, one at the retailer’s main downtown store on Broad Street, Bridgetown and the other at Sunset Mall on the west coast.
Commenting on the launch, Rihanna said: “To say I’m excited about bringing Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin to the Caribbean is an understatement. It is so special to be able to bring our brands to the place and the people that started it all.”
Fenty Beauty was launched in 2017 with a mission to celebrate inclusivity. The brand offers a diverse range of high-performance products suited to all skin tones and types.
The brand’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, available in 50 shades, is renowned for its humidity-proof, transfer-resistant and long-lasting formula, making it ideal for warm climates.
The Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, another hero product, provides high-shine gloss in cream, shimmer, shine and plumping formulas.
Alongside Fenty Beauty, the Caribbean launch also introduces Fenty Skin, a clean, vegan and eco-conscious skincare line that offers simple and effective beauty solutions.
Inspired by the Caribbean and formulated with ingredients such as Barbados cherry and Kalahari melon, Fenty Skin caters to all skin tones and textures. Highlights include the Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, which offers invisible SPF coverage and the viral Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oils which are rich in hydrating fruit oils and vitamins.
Completing the launch is Fenty Eau de Parfum, a warm floral fragrance with notes of magnolia, musk, tangerine and Bulgarian rose. The fragrance is housed in a sleek amber bottle.
To mark its Caribbean debut, Fenty Beauty is hosting celebratory events, including beauty talks and Master Artistry classes in the Bahamas and Barbados. Notably, Rihanna’s personal makeup artist and Fenty Beauty Global Makeup Artist Priscilla Ono will lead events in the Bahamas on 1 November and in Barbados on 6 November. Customers can purchase tickets for the sessions, each of which will welcome 150 guests.
In addition, Fenty Beauty is expanding its support for the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), founded by Rihanna in 2012 in honour of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. With a focus on supporting Caribbean communities, Fenty Beauty’s additional investment will support CLF’s initiatives in Barbados, including education, job training, cultural projects and climate resilience efforts.
“Essence Corp is thrilled to be part of this momentous launch, bringing Rihanna’s visionary beauty brands to the Caribbean,” said Essence Corp Vice President of Sales Guillaume Bona.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LVMH team, Kendo Brands, Inc., and all our Caribbean retail partners whose enthusiasm and dedication have been instrumental in making this launch possible. Together, we’re not just introducing products; we’re bringing Rihanna’s inclusive vision of beauty back to its roots.”
Essence Corp Area Sales Director Adel Azibi added: “This launch embodies the true spirit of inclusion that Fenty Beauty stands for. By bringing these products to the Caribbean, we’re not just expanding a brand’s reach; we’re celebrating diversity and empowering people across the islands to express their beauty.
“As representatives of this vibrant region, we are proud to see the Caribbean – often overlooked – finally put on the global map, receiving the recognition it so rightfully deserves. It is an honour to showcase both the beauty of Fenty and the diverse beauty of the Caribbean.”
Rihanna added: “Our expansion hasn’t been complete without the Caribbean. I am so excited to finally bring Fenty Beauty, Skin and Fragrance to all my fans there, especially in my home country of Barbados.” ✈
