To Be or Not to Be Pleased: Let’s Talk Harry Styles’ Newest Endeavor.
It seems like the 27-year-old musician-artist-actor-writer-model-dancer-therapist-comedian can do just about anything these days. Along with the drop of a Dazed magazine cover story, Harry Styles announced his beauty brand, Pleasing. The website, pleasing.com, crashed upon release, and now, a week later, half of the online inventory is sold out and a few lucky cities are being visited by a quaint Pleasing Bus offering products and manicures.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Assuming that this is the first launch with more to come, there are currently 5 products: The Perfect Polish Set, Perfect Pearl Polish, Pearly Tops Polish, The Pleasing Pen, and ThePearlescent Illuminating Serum. The reviews are pouring in and sparking a bit of controversy.
In his Dazed interview, Styles essentially explains that beauty is found within; so, some fans find it off putting that he has chosen to release cosmetic products, which are known to enhance outward beauty. On the other hand, it’s clear that this line is meant to enhance natural beauty, taking pride in personalization and inclusivity.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
The price point is another debated topic. Though Pleasing is seemingly branded as luxe, many believe that $65 for 4 bottles and nail stickers, or $20 for one polish, is unnerving. Of course, much like the next person, the Styles Effect takes over and money seems superfluous. From a critical standpoint, though, in comparison to a leading brand like OPI, where the average cost is 50% less than that of Pleasing, it raises a couple questions.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Are you paying for the quality of the polish? Or are you paying for the founder’s name?
I’m pleased to tell you, it’s both. It was a great marketing move to release Pleasing, as Styles is famously the face of Gucci and a trailblazer in fashion and culture in general. Why not expand to cosmetics? His name takes this brand far and there are quality products to fuel the star power.
With a sustainable focus, Pleasing products are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty free. The usability of the polish is also applauded, with a comfortable spherical top and a wide brush for full coverage of the nail. The skincare products are hydrating and provide no harm to your skin. Even the packaging is made from recycled materials and can be composted. Styles and the team behind this brand did not miss a single detail.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Between the marble spheres that cap the polish, the tiny pearls in the serum, and the overall clean and intriguing vibe of their website and socials, Pleasing is, well, aesthetically pleasing.
It may cost a pretty penny, and some may view it as a money grab; but, with quality products and skillful marketing, I see it as nothing more than an already successful business endeavor (and one step closer to total “Harriefication” of society).
Strike Out,
Writer: Gabriella Hernandez
Editor: Allie Christie
Tampa
