Lisa Rinna opens up on building an empire at 57

Lisa Rinna is now 58, but she was 57 when she launched Rinna Beauty. “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star last year took a leaf out of Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner’s books, launching her Lip Kits and causing a massive hoopla as she branched out into beauty.

Lisa’s Lip Kits, retailing for $45 and including shades from No Apologies to Birthday Suit, are now loved by the likes of talk show queen Kelly Ripa. Turns out, Lisa has plenty to reveal on why she founded her brand and decided to make money via filling America’s bathroom shelves.

Lisa Rinna Building Makeup Empire

Lisa spoke to Allure last year, this ahead of the December launch of Rinna Beauty. The Bravo star mentioned her mother, also confirming why she’d braved the business waters – and it was a long time coming.

“It’s been in the works a long, long time. It was something that seemed like the perfect fit, start a lip line. I first wanted to do it… I would say at least 10 years ago, maybe even more. I kept getting close to finding the right partner, the right cosmetic company to work with,” Rinna revealed, adding that deals kept falling through – but she persevered. The former “Melrose Place” actress continued:

“I felt like, “Gosh, maybe I’m not supposed to do it. Maybe I’m supposed to concentrate on clothes.” But in the back of my mind, I was like, “I’m not going to give up. I’m just not.” I never take no for an answer, and here we are.”

Lisa, who has been promoting her brand on Instagram and for her 2.9 million followers, has gone skimpy in backless gowns and even thigh-highs to catch the eye, but it’s business as the mom of two even eyes up a full-blown lifestyle brand.

Wants A ‘Lifestyle’ Brand

“Of course I want to go into everything down the line. Rinna Beauty is going to be a lifestyle brand. But we started with three lip kits — in nude, nude-pink, and nude-coral, because that is what I wear,” she said.

The move came in a year seeing multiple reality stars start dabbling in makeup. “Chrisley Knows Best” face Savannah Chrisley launched her SASSY by Savannah cosmetics last year, as did “Growing Up Hip-Hop” star Angela Simmons. 2021, meanwhile, has brought Kristin Cavallari launching her Uncommon Beauty brand.

“I think I’ve been in this business now, what, about 31 years? I’ve had a lot of time to try lipstick and lip glosses. I was super, super picky and super, super hands-on. It took me a very long time because I’m very, very picky about the texture and the feel of my lipstick and my lip pencil and especially my lip gloss,” Lisa continued.