Did Hailey Bieber just react to being “pitted against” Selena Gomez after Rhode’s Sephora launch? Here’s what we know

Saint Laurent: Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 - Source: Getty
Hailey Bieber just react to being “pitted against” Selena Gomez - Source: Getty

Hailey Bieber recently took to criticizing the recent competition between her skincare brand, Rhode, and Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty following the launch of Rhode in Sephora. In an interview with WSJ. Magazine, she lamented about being "pitted against other people," and emphasized that such articles are outside her control and are not her doing. She confirmed that her focus is on Rhode's growth and prosperity, as opposed to competition with others.

While the public has been quick to compare, both Selena and Hailey have been positive towards the other's work. Selena has publicly endorsed Rhode, even liking a Sephora photo that said it was opening. Hailey, however, has indicated that she desires to move beyond polarizing headlines and push towards oneness.

Hailey Bieber Speaks Out About Comparisons with Selena Gomez After Rhode's Sephora Opening

The beauty community was abuzz when Hailey Bieber's skincare line, Rhode, became available at Sephora, nestled between Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty. Positioning easily led to public comparisons between the two lines. In her interview, Hailey candidly revealed the discomfort of being placed alongside others after having stated,

"It's always annoying being pitted against other people."

She continued to say that such judgments usually tend to rest on preconceived ideas that can't be changed.

Hailey's competitive approach is internal. She reports to be "most competitive with myself," giving greater priority to personal growth and creativity than to competition from others. That mindset has been central to Rhode's success, which just reached an important benchmark as a $1 billion buyout by e.l.f. Beauty. During the time that milestone was reached, Hailey remains deeply engaged in the creative strategy of the brand and product development.

The Sephora launch of Rhode has been greeted enthusiastically, with it reportedly achieving impressive sales results. Such success highlights the high consumer interest in the brand and Hailey's talent in connecting with her fans.

Hailey Bieber's response to comparisons with Selena Gomez says a lot about her commitment to authenticity and self-growth. Rather than engaging in public spats, she'd rather focus her energy on Rhode's growth and her own journey. Not only does this kind of behavior put the rest of the beauty community on good terms, but it also says something about the bigger message of unity and self-assurance. As both companies continue to thrive, one realizes that the beauty industry can have more than one voice and vision.

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Edited by Heba Arshad