Selena Gomez Says Her New Fragrance Made Her ‘Fall in Love All Over Again’

New beginnings can be scary, but Selena Gomez wants to make sure that they smell good too. Following the launch of Rare Eau de Parfum (EDP), her first perfume under her beauty line, she’s now launched Rare Beginnings. Gomez describes the “fruity floral” scent as “bright and sweet,” with notes of pear nectar, pistachio, gardenia, jasmine, lotus blossom, warm vanilla bean, and pink sugar.

Like Rare EDP, Rare Beginnings also features the brand’s pioneering ergonomic packaging, ‘featuring an oversized pump and a unique twist-to-lock mechanism, created in collaboration with hand therapists and packaging engineers to ensure wide accessibility and comfort. Rare Beginnings can also be paired with Rare Beauty’s Fragrance Layering Balms, which come in Juicy Pear and Sweet Marshmallow, for added customization. ELLE caught up with Gomez to learn about how this perfume was inspired by “new romance” and what still feels rare to her.

What was your first scent memory?

There are many memories I have that will take me back to my childhood. I remember my nana using that big can of Aqua Net hair spray and she had a rosy fragrance. I’m not sure of the name, but anything that reminds me of those scents feels very comforting.

What do you see as the common thread connecting Rare EDP with Beginnings?

Both fragrances are rooted in self-discovery and honoring where I am in life. They both capture specific moments in time that are special to me. The original Rare fragrance was created during a pivotal chapter. It was all about building a renewed sense of confidence across every aspect of my life. Rare Beginnings builds on that, but it captures the thrill and excitement of a new romance. I wanted this fragrance to capture that sense of possibility and adventure.

What did you ask for in the original brief for Rare Beginnings?

For me, fragrance isn’t just about matching notes, it’s completely emotionally driven and a form of self-expression. We worked with master perfumer Jerome Epinette, who we also collaborated with on Rare Eau de Parfum and our Find Comfort body collection. We gave Jerome an emotional brief rather than a list of notes we wanted incorporated.

Mood-wise, when do you reach for Rare EDP versus Beginnings?

I reach for the original Rare scent when I want something that feels grounding, warm, and comforting. With it being our very first fragrance, I have many special memories connected to that scent now. I’ve been reaching for Rare Beginnings a lot recently. I loved this fragrance from the moment I first smelled it and just kept coming back to it during the development process. It was a scent I literally could not stay away from. Every time I smelled it, I fell in love all over again. It makes me feel like something new and exciting is ahead. It starts bright and fresh and then softens into this creamy sweetness that smells like pure possibility.

What do you do to ensure your day starts off on the right note?

I tend to get up on the early side and usually before my alarm goes off. I love this time in the morning when things are quiet and I can take that time to really think about the day ahead, reflect on something that could be on my mind. I think it’s important to have a little quiet time first thing in the morning before the chaos of your day begins.

What still feels rare and special to you?

Honestly, those are the private moments that I have with my family and friends. I never take spending quality time with the people I love for granted. Also, being able to create thoughtful products that make everyone in our community feel seen and included. Their feedback is important to us.

What reactions have you gotten from people about the new scent?

Getting people’s reactions has been one of the most rewarding parts of developing fragrances. My friends have become my unofficial focus group, and the feedback has been very positive. They have said the scent feels fresh, warm, and bright while lasting throughout the day.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.