Why Revlon Still Matters in a Fenty Dominated World

The beauty world is a battlefield, and few brands have redefined the rules like the industry disruptors of recent years. Launched in 2017, one such brand turned heads with its extensive shade range and bold inclusivity message, racking a reported $570 million in sales in its first 15 months. Meanwhile, a name that has been around since 1932 faced financial struggles, filing for bankruptcy in 2022 under a $3.5 billion debt pile. The newer brands have taken the crown on paper, leaving legacy names behind. But dig deeper, and you’ll see a fight still left. With a legacy spanning nine decades, a knack for affordable makeup, and a fresh start post-bankruptcy, this story isn’t over. So, why does it still matter in a fast-changing beauty landscape? Let’s break it down.

The Cosmetics Industry Trends Shaping Revlon and Fenty

The cosmetics industry is changing fast, and Revlon and Fenty are caught in the shift. Today’s consumers demand more than just pretty packaging—they want inclusivity, sustainability, and products that double as skincare. Fenty nailed this from day one. Its launch wasn’t just about makeup; it was a statement. By offering shades for every skin tone, Fenty tapped into a market tired of being ignored, driving beauty brand competition to new heights.

Google Trends shows “Fenty Beauty” peaking with a search volume of around 246,000 monthly searches globally at its height in 2017, and it still holds strong at roughly 135,000 searches today.Revlon, though, plays a different game. It’s a drugstore cosmetics staple, sold everywhere from Walmart to CVS, focusing on accessibility. Its ColorStay foundation, for example, averages 40,500 monthly searches, a solid number for a mass-market product.

The broader trend of modern beauty standards—think skincare-infused cosmetics and clean formulas—is pushing Revlon to adapt, too. Post-bankruptcy, it’s rolled out hyaluronic acid-infused foundations and revamped marketing to stay relevant. The industry’s moving, and while Fenty’s leading the charge, Revlon’s not sitting still.

Revlon’s Legacy: A Beauty Giant That Paved the Way

Revlon’s roots returned to the Great Depression when brothers Charles and Joseph Revson collaborated with chemist Charles Lachman to create a game-changing nail polish. Unlike the watery dyes of the time, their pigment-based formula popped with color and lasted longer.

By 1937, they were pulling in millions. That hustle built the Revlon legacy—a brand that didn’t just sell makeup but shaped how we see it. By 1940, they’d added lipsticks, introducing the idea of matching lips and nails, a move that doubled sales overnight.The milestones kept coming. Revlon supplied makeup kits to the U.S. Army during World War II, earning an Army-Navy “E” Award in 1944.

In 1970, they broke barriers again, featuring African American model Naomi Sims in ads—a first for a major U.S. cosmetics brand. Revlon’s history is packed with these moments, and they matter. Search interest in “Revlon” still clocks in at 450,000 monthly searches globally, dwarfing Fenty’s numbers, even if it’s partly nostalgia-driven. Products like Revlon ColorSilk hair dye (49,500 searches monthly) and Super Lustrous lipstick (14,800 searches) show their loyal base hasn’t vanished.

The Fenty Beauty Impact: Redefining the Game

Fenty Beauty’s impact is impossible to ignore. When it dropped, it didn’t just sell foundation—it sold a movement. That 40-shade range (now 50) covered undertones brands had skipped for years, earning Rihanna praise and profit. The Fenty shade range became a benchmark; competitors scrambled to catch up.

Celebrity beauty lines were nothing new—Mary Kay or Elizabeth Arden—but Fenty’s inclusivity and Rihanna’s star power made it a cultural reset. Its Pro Filt’r foundation still pulls 33,100 monthly searches, a testament to its staying power.Fenty’s brilliance isn’t just product-deep—it’s marketing genius. Rihanna’s Instagram posts and YouTube tutorials turned Fenty into a social media juggernaut, with 11 million followers on Instagram alone.

The Fenty Beauty impact reshaped expectations, pressuring legacy brands like Revlon to rethink their shade ranges and outreach. It’s no surprise that “Fenty inclusivity” as a concept gets chatter online—people don’t just buy Fenty; they buy into its ethos.

Revlon vs Fenty: Where Affordable Meets Inclusive

Here’s where Revlon vs Fenty gets interesting. Fenty’s premium—$29 for a foundation isn’t cheap. Revlon’s ColorStay, at $10-$12, is a steal by comparison. That affordability keeps Revlon in the game, especially for everyday shoppers. A tube of Revlon lipstick might not have Rihanna’s name on it, but it’s in every drugstore, racking consumer loyalty from people who’ve used it for decades.

Search volume backs this up: “Revlon makeup” averages 60,500 monthly searches, showing it’s still a go-to.Fenty’s inclusivity is unmatched—50 shades vs. Revlon’s 30-ish in its top lines—but Revlon’s not clueless. It’s expanded shades over the years and leans hard into mass-market beauty. Fenty thrives on prestige and buzz; Revlon banks on reliability and reach, selling in over 150 countries.

The battle’s not just about product—it’s about who they’re for. Fenty’s got Gen Z and millennials hooked (think 18-34-year-olds, per Statista demographics), while Revlon’s broader appeal spans older loyalists, too. Both have lanes, and Revlon’s isn’t fading as fast as critics think.

Can Revlon Reclaim Its Spot Amid Bankruptcy and Competition?

Revlon’s bankruptcy in 2022 was ugly—$3.5 billion in debt, supply chain chaos, and inflation hit hard. But it emerged in May 2023, shedding $2.7 billion in debt and gaining $236 million in liquidity. New owners, including Glendon Capital, and a board with ex-Sephora CEO Martin Brok signal a reboot.

The Revlon bankruptcy story isn’t a death knell—it’s a pivot. Search interest in “Revlon bankruptcy” spiked to 22,200 monthly searches during the drama, but “Revlon products” still holds steady at 12,100, showing curiosity hasn’t killed demand.

The competition’s brutal, though. Fenty’s makeup market share grows—estimates peg it at $1 billion in revenue by 2023—while Revlon fights to reclaim its slice (once over $2 billion pre-bankruptcy). Revlon’s answer? Innovation. Think skincare-infused cosmetics like its Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation, blending makeup with hydration. It’s not Fenty’s shade game, but it’s a nod to what consumers want now. With 450,000 monthly searches for the brand, Revlon’s still got a pulse—and a chance to claw back relevance.

Why Revlon Endures

So, why does Revlon still matter? It’s not just about sales or shades—it’s about staying power. No question, Fenty’s rewritten the rules, but Revlon’s 90-year run isn’t luck. The brand brought color to the Depression, broke racial barriers, and built a global empire on affordable makeup. Fenty’s the shiny new star, with 135,000 searches and a cultural edge, but Revlon’s 450,000 searches show it’s far from forgotten.

The beauty aisle’s big enough for both. Fenty’s pushing boundaries; Revlon’s holding ground with price and presence. One’s a movement, the other’s a mainstay. Maybe Revlon won’t dominate as it did in the ’80s, but it’s not bowing out. Its story—grit, reinvention, and a little lipstick—still resonates. And in a world obsessed with the next big thing, that’s worth something.

Conclusion

Revlon’s journey proves legacy brands can still hold their ground in a fast-changing industry. While Fenty Beauty has set new standards for inclusivity and innovation, Revlon remains a household name with a strong global presence. Its ability to adapt—through product innovation, expanded shade ranges, and strategic leadership—will determine its future. The beauty landscape is vast, and while Fenty thrives on exclusivity and star power, Revlon’s enduring accessibility ensures it still has a place in the industry.