Rihanna’s net worth in 2025 stands at approximately $1 billion, marking a significant decrease from her previous $1.4 billion fortune. This represents a nearly 30 percent decrease that caused her to drop from number 23 to number 35 on Forbes’ America’s Richest Self-Made Women list.
Despite this decline, Rihanna remains the richest female musician in the world, maintaining her status as one of the most financially successful artists of her generation. She achieved billionaire status in August 2021, becoming one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in America.
Primary Sources of Wealth
Rihanna’s fortune primarily stems from her business ventures rather than her music career. As a 50% owner of the $2.8 billion cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, Rihanna makes the majority of her wealth from sales generated by the company. The LVMH partnership has been instrumental in this success.
Business Portfolio Breakdown
Business Venture | Ownership Stake | Estimated Value | Revenue Contribution |
---|---|---|---|
Fenty Beauty | 50% | $1.4 billion | Primary wealth source |
Savage X Fenty | ~28% | $270 million | Secondary income |
Music Catalog | 100% | $50+ million | Declining revenue |
Real Estate | 100% | $25+ million | Investment portfolio |
The Fenty Beauty Empire
Fenty Beauty launched on September 8, 2017, when Rihanna was 29 years old, developed in partnership with luxury conglomerate LVMH through their Kendo division. The brand revolutionized the beauty industry by offering inclusive shade ranges for all skin tones.
In its first full year in operation, Fenty Beauty generated a reported €500 million in sales, establishing itself as one of the most successful celebrity beauty brands in history. The company’s success stems from addressing the historically underserved market of darker-skinned women in cosmetics.
Recent Business Challenges
Forbes attributes the decrease in Rihanna’s net worth to changes at her biggest businesses, including flat sales at Fenty Beauty and major leadership changes at Savage X Fenty. In 2024, Savage X Fenty experienced a major shakeup when then-CEO Hillary Super left the company for an 18-million-dollar offer to lead Victoria’s Secret.
The SEC filings from LVMH indicate the complexity of managing multiple brand partnerships and the competitive beauty market landscape.
Investment Strategy and Partnerships
Rihanna’s business acumen extends beyond product development to strategic partnerships. LVMH invested €30 million in cash for a 50.01% stake, while Rihanna contributed €30 million in “in-kind” contributions including her time, effort, and name for the remaining 49.99%.
The LVMH investor relations reports demonstrate the conglomerate’s commitment to beauty innovation and celebrity partnerships, providing Rihanna with extensive distribution networks through Sephora and global luxury retail channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Rihanna lose $400 million from her net worth?
A: The decline resulted from flat sales at Fenty Beauty, leadership changes at Savage X Fenty including CEO departure, and challenging market conditions affecting her primary business ventures.
Q: Is Rihanna still the richest female musician?
A: Yes, despite the recent decline, Rihanna remains the wealthiest female musician globally with a $1 billion net worth, ahead of other music industry billionaires.
Q: What percentage of Rihanna’s wealth comes from music vs. business?
A: Approximately 90% of Rihanna’s wealth derives from her business ventures (primarily Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty), with music contributing less than 10% to her total net worth.