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| Only Murders in the Building, starring Selena Gomez |
I’ve been meaning to write about one of my favorite shows—Only Murders in the Building, starring Selena Gomez. Some shows grab your attention. Others earn your affection. This one does both—with a wink and a twist. It’s a series that blends quirky mystery, sharp wit, and surprising emotional resonance. It’s clever enough to keep you guessing—and tender enough to move you. A mystery stitched with humor and heart.
And at the heart of its appeal is the unlikely trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The legendary comedians bring decades of timing and theatrical flair, but it’s Selena’s dry humor and restrained emotional depth as Mabel Mora that gives the show its edge—and makes it quietly irresistible.
Her performance might surprise those who only know her from her Disney days—but Selena’s acting journey began even earlier. At just 10 years old, she starred on Barney & Friends as Gianna, learning the ropes of performance alongside fellow child actor Demi Lovato. That early exposure to the spotlight laid the foundation for a career as a creative that would span television, music, film, and entrepreneurship.
Her breakout role came as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, where she played a sarcastic, spell-casting teen who was as relatable as she was magical. But Selena didn’t stop at sitcom fame—she expanded into music with Selena Gomez & the Scene, then launched a solo career that gave us hits like “Come & Get It,” “Good for You,” and the soul-baring “Lose You to Love Me.”
While Wizards was her signature Disney role, Selena also appeared in crossover episodes and original movies like Princess Protection Program, Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, and guest-starred on Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck, and Sonny with a Chance. These roles helped solidify her status as one of the defining faces of Disney’s golden era.
Her film career has since evolved from family-friendly favorites like Ramona and Beezus and Monte Carlo to more daring and dramatic performances in Spring Breakers, The Fundamentals of Caring, and A Rainy Day in New York. She also voiced Mavis in the Hotel Transylvania franchise, bringing warmth and wit to the animated screen. Most recently, her role in Emilia Pérez earned her widespread acclaim, including a Best Actress win at Cannes and nominations from BAFTA and the Critics Choice Awards.
Across television, music, and film, Selena has earned over 200 awards and more than 500 nominations—including multiple Teen Choice and Kids’ Choice Awards, an ALMA Award, and an American Music Award. Her evolution from child star to critically recognized artist is a testament to her versatility, quiet power, and resilience.
Of course, no story about Selena is complete without acknowledging her high-profile relationship with Justin Bieber. Their on-again, off-again romance intrigued millions and became one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships of the 2010s. But what’s remarkable is how Selena has transformed her public heartbreak and other life struggles into art and advocacy.
She’s spoken openly about the emotional toll of fame, heartbreak, and health struggles—including her battle with lupus and her life-saving kidney transplant. Her vulnerability has helped destigmatize mental health and shown young women that healing is not linear—but it is possible.
In 2020, Selena launched Rare Beauty, which has become much more than a cosmetics brand—it’s now a movement that’s as much about self-love as it is about makeup. With a mission to break down unrealistic standards and promote self-acceptance, Rare Beauty champions the idea that makeup should enhance, not mask. With inclusive shades, minimalist eco-conscious packaging, and a commitment to mental health advocacy, Rare Beauty is redefining what it means to feel beautiful.
The brand’s Rare Impact Fund is committed to raising $100 million for mental health services, making it one of the most socially conscious beauty brands in the industry. For girls growing up in a world of filters and comparison, Selena’s marketing message: “You are rare. You are enough.”—has become a mantra.
Life as a teacher, writer, and dog mom isn’t exactly glamorous right now—I don’t need makeup to teach kids or teach self-realization yoga, hiking trails, or trips to the dog park. But I noticed that Rare Beauty’s formulas often feature natural botanicals like lotus, gardenia, and white water lily. These plant‑derived ingredients are known for soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant support, and are considered safe and beneficial in cosmetics, adding a health‑minded touch to each product. That sparked my curiosity, so I went on a little spree to try them out.
Here are my favorites, and why:
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: Ultra‑pigmented yet airy, it blends into a natural blush with minimal effort. Key ingredients include lotus, gardenia, and white water lily—plant‑derived botanicals traditionally valued for soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant support. They’re considered safe in well‑formulated cosmetics and help the color feel comfortable on skin.
Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel: Provides clear, flexible hold that shapes and lifts brows without stiffness or flakes, keeping them natural yet defined.
Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation: Delivers serum‑like coverage that evens tone while feeling barely there, creating a breathable, skin‑like finish.
Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer: Buildable coverage that refreshes the under‑eyes without heavy creasing. Hydrators and light‑diffusing pigments soften the look of fatigue, while plant‑derived emollients support a smoother, more comfortable finish.
Positive Light Liquid Luminizer (Highlighter): A silky, blendable glow that enhances radiance. This vegan, gentle formula is designed to add luminosity while remaining comfortable on skin.
Positive Light Under Eye Brightener: Sheer‑to‑light coverage with a cooling effect that wakes up the eye area. Hydrating components and light reflectors soften shadows, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and comforted.
Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick: Creamy and blendable, it melts into skin for natural dimension. Emollients and waxes help it glide smoothly, while plant‑derived oils add a conditioned feel without greasiness.
True to Myself Tinted Pressed Talc‑Free Finishing Powder: Offers a sheer, soft‑focus finish that reduces shine while staying natural and breathable. Its talc‑free mineral base is a thoughtful choice, with silky textures and oil‑balancing components that support a smooth complexion.
All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick: Quick, one‑and‑done color that blends effortlessly and sets without tugging. Lightweight emollients provide slip for easy blending, while gentle pigments keep the look soft and wearable.
Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm: Cushiony hydration with a soft tint and non‑sticky feel. Plant‑derived oils and emollients nourish and protect lips from dryness, offering comfort and a healthy‑looking sheen.
Bouncy Body Cream: A rich, pudding‑like moisturizer that leaves skin soft, supple, and resilient. Key ingredients include shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and other plant‑derived emollients—known for deep hydration, barrier support, and antioxidant protection. These ingredients are widely considered safe and beneficial for skin health, helping maintain elasticity and a “bouncy” feel.
While these favorites highlight the thoughtful side of Rare Beauty, the brand’s founder has also been living her own luminous moment.
On September 27, 2025, Selena married music producer Benny Blanco in an intimate and elegant ceremony. Among the most memorable moments was a heartfelt speech from her best friend, Taylor Swift.
“She wasn’t just the most beautiful bride,” Taylor said. “She was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Just so happy, and she deserves it so much.” Her speech—equal parts heartfelt and humorous—touched on everything from Selena’s past heartbreaks to the joy of watching her find lasting love. She even joked, “Selena beat me to the altar,” a nod to her own engagement to Travis Kelce. Their friendship, which began in 2008 as both were healing from breakups with the Jonas Brothers, has grown into a rare kind of sisterhood—one built on loyalty and unwavering support in an industry that often pits women against each other.
With marriage marking a new beginning, fans are eagerly anticipating Selena’s next artistic chapter. Will it be more introspective? More joyful? More daring? If Only Murders in the Building, her entrepreneurship, her films, and recent music are any indication, we’re about to witness yet another transformation—an artist creating from a place of emotional stability, healing, and love.
Selena Gomez is a creative, an entrepreneur, a resilient woman, a champion for inclusivity, and a pop culture force. She reminds us that strength isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. It’s about resilience, grit. And for girls and women everywhere, she’s proof that you can be soft and strong, famous and grounded, stylish and sincere, a little messy and still magnificent. You can be rare—and beautiful.
