19. Selena Gomez: $60M, Wizards of Waverly Place
Selena Gomez grew up before our eyes, transitioning from Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place to a successful music career and serious acting roles. She’s sold over 210 million singles worldwide, and her Instagram following exceeds 400 million—making her one of the platform’s most-followed individuals. Beyond entertainment, she launched Rare Beauty cosmetics in 2020, which emphasizes self-acceptance and has raised millions for mental health resources.
Gomez has been extraordinarily transparent about her health struggles, including her 2017 kidney transplant due to lupus complications and her ongoing management of bipolar disorder. These challenges have affected her appearance at times, causing fluctuations in her weight and facial puffiness from medications. When she appears without makeup—which she does frequently on social media—she looks youthful and fresh, though sometimes showing signs of the health battles she faces. At 32, she’s become an advocate for showing unfiltered reality, often posting bare-faced photos specifically to normalize imperfect skin. Her approach to beauty emphasizes that your worth isn’t determined by your appearance, and that taking care of your mental health matters more than perfect makeup. Her vulnerability has made her one of the most relatable celebrities, inspiring millions to embrace their authentic selves.