Billy Porter has never been one to follow conventional paths. From his Tony Award-winning performance in Kinky Boots to his scene-stealing – and Emmy winning – turns on Pose, the 55-year-old entertainer has built a career on challenging expectations. Now, he’s channeling that same disruptive energy into an entirely new arena: the beauty industry.
As Rolling Out reports, Porter’s latest venture, Black Mona Lisa cosmetics, represents more than just another celebrity makeup line. Named after his 2023 musical release, the brand embodies Porter’s philosophy that beauty should be liberating, not limiting. The initial product lineup includes facial cleansers and serums alongside eye shimmers and lipsticks, but Porter’s vision extends far beyond cosmetics.
“Black Mona Lisa Beauty was created from my desire to give all people everything they need to feel beautiful,” Porter said in a statement. “I have always loved makeup, and my vision is a beauty space where diversity isn’t a feature, it’s the foundation, regardless of skin tone, gender or style.”
The actor’s entrepreneurial ambitions stretch across multiple industries. Black Mona Lisa represents a lifestyle concept that Porter says could eventually encompass fashion, footwear, and even home goods. “Black Mona Lisa to me is ever-present. It’s classic forever and doesn’t go out of style,” Porter explains. “This is just Black Mona Lisa beyond the music. But I also want Black Mona Lisa clothes, shoes and cookware.”
This philosophy aligns with broader shifts in the beauty market, where consumers increasingly seek brands that celebrate individuality over conformity. Porter’s personal journey with makeup serves as the foundation for his business approach, transforming his own self-discovery into a commercial opportunity.
The brand’s mission emphasizes liberation through self-expression. “This is my authentic self, and I didn’t even know it,” Porter reflects. “That’s what I want this brand to be. I want it to free people, and to be whatever they want to be.”
As Black Mona Lisa prepares for its market debut, Porter’s empire-building aspirations signal a new chapter in his multifaceted career. By combining entertainment industry expertise with entrepreneurial vision, he’s positioning himself to influence culture through commerce while staying true to his core values of authenticity and liberation.
Black Mona Lisa is available to shop now at blackmonalisabeauty.com.
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