13 Celebrity-Endorsed Items That Completely Flopped
These 13 celebrity-endorsed products failed to meet consumer expectations and were eventually pulled from the market.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Celebrity endorsements do not always lead to success. Several well-known public figures have launched products that failed to attract lasting consumer interest. These 13 items were backed by celebrities but could not survive in the market due to poor reviews, low sales, or quality issues.
1. Beyoncé’s House of Deréon Clothing Line
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Beyoncé co-founded House of Deréon with her mother in 2004. The clothing line aimed to mix high fashion with casual streetwear. Critics said the branding lacked focus, and the styles did not reflect Beyoncé’s personal image. Sales declined, and the brand quietly ended operations a few years later.
2. Kim Kardashian’s Glamour Tan Self-Tanner
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Kim Kardashian endorsed Glamour Tan, a self-tanning product. It was sold online and marketed as a safer way to achieve a tan. Many users reported uneven application and an unpleasant scent. It received limited distribution and was later discontinued.
3. David Beckham’s Instinct Deodorant
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David Beckham released a deodorant under his Instinct fragrance line. It was introduced as a part of his growing personal care brand. Consumers noted it had weak staying power compared to competitors. It did not achieve the same popularity as the Instinct cologne and was subsequently removed from shelves.
4. Jessica Simpson’s Dessert Beauty
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Jessica Simpson launched Dessert Beauty in 2004, a line of edible skincare and beauty products. The idea attracted attention but led to confusion about usage. Some products were reported to melt or leak, and others caused skin reactions. The brand was discontinued after legal disputes with business partners.
5. Lady Gaga’s Fame Perfume
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Lady Gaga released Fame in 2012, a perfume notable for its black liquid. The launch included a large promotional campaign, and initial sales were high. However, reviews criticized the scent as generic. It did not remain competitive and was later pulled from production.
6. Kanye West’s Yeezy x Gap Collection
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Kanye West partnered with Gap to release the Yeezy x Gap line starting in 2021. The project was announced with long-term goals but faced multiple delays. Buyers criticized the clothing for being expensive and hard to purchase. The partnership officially ended in 2022 after limited product drops.
7. Britney Spears’ Britney Jean Merchandise
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Britney Spears offered merchandise in connection with her 2013 album “Britney Jean.” Items included T-shirts, posters, and accessories. Fans reported poor quality and shipping problems. The merchandise did not sell well and was removed from sale.
8. Justin Bieber’s Someday Perfume
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Justin Bieber introduced the Someday perfume in 2011, targeting his teenage fan base. It performed well during its first release. Over time, interest declined, and it was no longer restocked by major retailers. The scent received mixed reviews and was seen as too sweet for most consumers.
9. Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Line
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Gwen Stefani launched Harajuku Lovers in 2008, a perfume line inspired by Japanese street fashion. The packaging received attention, but the fragrances were described as overly sweet or youthful. The line was considered more collectible than wearable. It gradually lost popularity and was phased out.
10. 50 Cent’s SMS Audio Headphones
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50 Cent introduced SMS Audio as a headphone brand in 2011 to compete with other celebrity-backed tech. The headphones received some positive feedback for their design. However, many users felt the audio quality did not match the price. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2017.
11. Rihanna’s Styled to Rock Fashion TV Project
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Rihanna produced “Styled to Rock,” a fashion competition show launched in 2013. It aired in the United States and the United Kingdom. The show received low ratings and was not renewed. Merchandise or designer exposure from the series was also limited.
12. Lindsay Lohan’s Sevin Nyne Tanning Mist
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Lindsay Lohan launched Sevin Nyne, a tanning mist she co-created in 2009. It was sold at Sephora and marketed as vegan and organic. Customers complained about packaging problems and uneven application. The product was later removed from the store’s inventory.
13. Jay-Z’s Gold Cologne
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Jay-Z released Gold by Jay-Z, a men’s cologne, in 2013. The product was positioned as a high-end fragrance with premium pricing. Reviews were mixed, and some said the scent was too overpowering. Sales did not meet expectations, and the product was eventually discontinued.