e.l.f. Cosmetics co-founder to become ordained priest
- May 13
- 3 min read
e.l.f. Cosmetics co‑founder Scott‑Vincent Borba is leaving his former luxury lifestyle to become a Roman Catholic priest, with his ordination scheduled for May 23, 2026, after donating his wealth to charity and focusing on ministry.
The co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics has his sights set on a new goal: becoming a Catholic priest.
Scott-Vincent Borba, 52, co-founded the cosmetics brand, based in Oakland, California, with Joseph Shamah in 2004, according to local LA station KTVU. He also worked as an actor, designer, model and singer.
However, Borba gave up the life of luxury and now lives in a "tiny room" with "nothing in it." He told local Los Angeles news station ABC 7 Eyewitness News that he no longer felt joy despite his glamorous life.
"We ran around with the likes of Paris Hilton, and partying with Kardashians and just doing up the Hollywood life," Borba told local Los Angeles news station ABC 7 Eyewitness News. "I was a poster boy for luxury living. I was not in any which way humble. I was very prideful."
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e.l.f. co-founder to be ordained in May
Borba prayed, donated his fortune to charity and began to focus his life on ministry, he told ABC 7.
"I have never been happier in my life," Borba told the news outlet. "Once I started to reorient myself, recalibrate myself with God's help to the focus to Him, the joy started coming."
Borba is scheduled to become ordained on Saturday, May 23, by the Diocese of Fresno, according to ABC 7.
What is e.l.f. Cosmetics?
e.l.f. Cosmetics, which stands for eye, lip and face, is a beauty brand known for being affordable, vegan and cruelty-free, according to its website.
Its products, such as eyeliners, eye shadows, lipsticks, mascaras and more, can be found on store shelves at Target, Ulta, Walgreens and other national retailers across the country.
Becoming a Catholic priest
Only men can become Catholic priests, and they must be baptized and confirmed, and they must be practicing Roman Catholics, according to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Those looking to become priests must also have "faith in, and love for, Christ and His Church."
Other requirements must also be met, including the following:
Must have received a high school diploma
"Psychological readiness and capacity to pursue a sustaining, life-long commitment."
Be in good physical health
Requirements, like age limits and education levels, may vary across dioceses in the country.
After a formal interview, if a person "possesses suitable psychological, intellectual and spiritual attributes, the candidate is then invited to begin the formal application process," according to the Arlington Diocese.
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Applications can be submitted year-round, and applicants will know if they have been accepted within two months of applying.
If accepted, candidates may begin attending seminary school, which, like other forms of higher education, will include classes, exams and studying. Academic studies include "scripture, theology, philosophy, Church history, pastoral duties," and more, according to the Diocese of Kansas City.
The process of becoming a priest can take five to 13 years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated.
But once complete, a seminarian will be ordained as a “transitional” deacon, then, a year later, be ordained as a priest, according to the Diocese of Kansas City.
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