On Saturday, Selena Gomez posted a picture to Instagram blowing out candles on a cake for her 31st birthday. In the image, the Only Murders In the Building star was seated on a big bed and holding up a tray with a chocolate cake stuffed with white icing and covered in white and pink flowers. She’s wearing a pink t-shirt, two strings of pearls, and gold hoop earrings. Her hair is down in gentle waves, and she has on light purple eye shadow and glamorously long lashes.
“I am thankful for so much in my life and one of the things I am most thankful for is the work we’ve been able to do with the Rare Impact Fund through @Rarebeauty,” Gomez wrote in the caption.
“Because of YOU we’ve been able to raise awareness and increase access to mental health services for young people,” she went on. “This is my true passion in life. People keep asking me what I want for my birthday, and I tell everyone the same thing please do not get me anything but if you want to do something for my birthday, please donate to the Rare Impact Fund. If you have the means, consider donating to help us make a difference.”
She added, “I LOVE YOU ALL!”
Gomez’s friend Nicola Peltz also posted a birthday message to the pop star, sharing an image of herself, Gomez, and Peltz’s husband Brooklyn Beckham laying together in a big net.
“Happy birthday to my soul sister @selenagomez,” Peltz wrote. “I love you more than you know. I am so blessed to have you by my side in this life thank you for being such a beautiful light in this world. I hope your day is so perfect and all your wishes come true.”
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.