Selena Gomez Sparked Buzz with Her Outfit at Her Foundation Event

What could have been another glamorous night in Hollywood took on a more personal meaning for the "Calm Down" singer — a night where the spotlight revealed not just her style, but her strength.

Pop icon Selena Gomez, who has become a mental health advocate, made a striking entrance at the 2025 Rare Impact Fund Benefit on October 29, 2025, enveloped in a metallic lavender satin mini dress.

Selena Gomez attends the 2025 Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles, California on October 29. | Source: Getty Images

A dramatic matching train spilled from her arms to the floor like liquid silk, drawing attention under the soft glow of floral arrangements and warm lighting. While her sophisticated look drew admiration on the carpet, social media quickly became a stage for criticism, confusion, and unverified claims.

Selena Gomez's sophisticated look at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit in California on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Paired with pointed lavender heels and minimal accessories, Gomez's styling remained elegant — yet the spotlight shifted to her face and makeup. "Why did she choose this shade of lip liner [sic]," one baffled Instagrammer asked, while another chimed in with, "I love her but that lip color!" But it didn't stop at cosmetics.

Selena Gomez attends the Rare Impact Fund Benefit held at Nya Studios in Los Angeles, California on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Speculation about cosmetic procedures soon dominated the comments sections. "I think she had thread lifts," someone claimed. Another snapped back, "That's all I could see!" The opinions grew more pointed and harsh, with a few saying, "She looks so different," and "I did not recognize her."

Selena Gomez and Laufey are at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit held at Nya Studios in Los Angeles on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

One particularly biting remark read, "What??? The face ….. don't get it girl what's wrong? Is that whar Rare does? Or is it Botox and fillers [sic]?" Despite the wave of commentary dissecting her appearance, some supporters stood firm behind the singer and entrepreneur. "Absolutely beautiful lady," one admirer wrote. Another declared, "She looks stunning."

Selena Gomez. | Source: Getty Images

The event wasn't just about the glitz and glamor — it marked a five-year milestone for Gomez's tireless mental health mission. The benefit took place in Los Angeles' Nya Studios West, bringing together entertainers, executives, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropists in a sleek, cocktail-style setting.

Selena Gomez is seen at her 2025 Rare Impact Fund Benefit, as seen from a video dated October 29, 2025. | Source: Facebook Reel/People

At the benefit, Gomez spoke in an interview about how she handles life's toughest days, saying, "Some days you just have to let yourself get it out and then afterwards, you could laugh [...] I don't know the key, I just know what works for me."

Selena Gomez in an interview at the event, as seen from a video dated October 29, 2025. | Source: Facebook Reel/People

Speaking about the evening, she added, "I hope that we continue to raise funds for what we're doing all over the world [...] It's something I couldn't be more enthused about because it's something that we're actively seeing on the ground."

Ahead of the fundraiser, a September 2025 report by The Hollywood Reporter noted that Jimmy Kimmel would host the event, with a performance by The Marías.

Jimmy Kimmel attends the Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles, California on October 29, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Speaking at the time, Gomez described the occasion as both a milestone and a call to action, expressing deep gratitude to Kimmel and The Marías for lending their voices to the cause and helping spotlight the ongoing fight for youth mental health worldwide.

Selena Gomez at the Fifth Annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California on October 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

In the same report, Kimmel shared his appreciation for being part of the fundraiser, reflecting on how vital it is to prioritize mental health — especially for young people navigating an increasingly complex world. He noted his gratitude to Gomez for the opportunity to contribute to a cause centered on care, awareness, and lasting impact.

Jimmy Kimmel during the Bloomberg Screentime event in Los Angeles, California on October 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Since its inception in 2020, the charity event has generated over $20 million in support of 30 nonprofit organizations working across five continents, reaching an estimated 2.2 million people yearly.

Selena Gomez and Jimmy Kimmel are seen at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit held at Nya Studios in California on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

For 2025, the initiative set its sights even higher, aiming to secure $100 million to expand access to mental health care and education for young people worldwide. The effort drew backing from partners including Rare Beauty, Sephora, Pinterest, Pacsun, lululemon, Google.org, and UCLA Health.

Laufey, Selena Gomez and Jimmy Kimmel take photo at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit held at Nya Studios in California on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

The previous year's event — hosted by Billy Crudup and featuring performances from Karol G and Teddy Swims — brought in upwards of $2 million, setting a high bar for this year's fundraiser to surpass.

Jimmy Kimmel and Laufey speak onstage during the Rare Impact Fund Benefit held at Nya Studios in California on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

For Gomez, the night was about more than celebration — it was a testament to turning pain into purpose. Under the shimmer of her satin gown and the scrutiny of a watching world, she continued doing what she's done for years: using her platform not to chase perfection, but to fight for hope.