Rare Beauty Review
Created by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty is making a positive impact in the beauty industry. Not only because of its products and formulas but because of its philosophy and brand values. Let’s find out more about this conscious beauty brand.
Even though Rare Beauty doesn’t stand in terms of natural ingredients, this brand is one of the most conscious brands I’ve seen lately. Their formulas are vegan and cruelty-free, plus they’ve tried to keep their waste to the minimum since day one. But I dare say that what makes this brand shine is its philosophy and social impact.
Rare Beauty is about making your beauty shine through makeup products that respect your uniqueness - instead of hiding it, unlike most beauty brands in the market. Also, 1% of all sales goes to the Rare Impact Fund - a fund created by Rare Beauty to increase access to mental health services in educational settings.
What caught my attention about this brand?
I am not a Selena Gomez fan, nor am I a fan of brands created by celebrities (even though I reviewed Honest Beauty and Florence by Mills products). So, I wasn’t excited about it the first time I heard about this brand (before its launch). Something that changed as I started listening to the first reviews.
A few months after Rare Beauty made its debut in the Spanish market, I finally decided to give it a try and purchased a few products. Enough products to create a full face review - a lot more than I usually buy when I am trying a brand for the first time.
As you might already know by now, all the products I review at The Sustainablist have been purchased by me, so that you can have access to an honest and unbiased opinion.
Which products have I purchased?
Despite being a relatively recent brand, Rare Beauty has an extensive product portfolio. Foundation (48 tones), primers, lipsticks, lip glosses, liquid lipsticks, different sorts of blushes, highlighters, eyeliners, mascara, setting spray, setting kit, eyeshadows, the list is endless.
Given the scenario, I decided to go with: the Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer, the Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, the Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara (travel-size), a Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream, and the Blot & Glow Touch-up Kit.
I had to purchase the Blot & Glow Touch-up Kit because it was the first Rare Beauty product that caught my attention as you can buy the refills you need without having to purchase the whole kit. Plus, I have combination skin, and I always struggle with a shiny complexion when I am out and about and eat something fried.
What was my first impression?
When I took the products out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the packaging. Quite minimalist and pleasant to the touch.
I tried to buy as many travel-sized versions as possible, given it allows me to save money without compromising the product experience.
As a marketeer, I tend to consider myself a packaging freak. So I was particularly pleased when I found the phrase “You are rare” inside the lid of each box.
Besides the mini mascara, all other products came in a 100% plastic-free package. Suppose we ignore the products’ containers, of course. Besides the plastic containers, the design is pretty minimalist and has a matte finish. Plus, all the elements can be recycled.
Without further ado, here’s my honest (and unbiased) review of Rare Beauty makeup products.
Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer
I usually skip the primer step when it comes to makeup because I believe that a well-moisturized skin also works as a perfect canvas for the makeup you’re going to apply afterward.
However, ever since last year’s lockdown, my skin has been looking kind of dull now and then. Something that has improved since I’ve started using Vitamin C skincare products regularly. But, since Rare Beauty had a travel-size version of its illuminating primer, I decided to give it a go.
Rare Beauty’s Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer has a light texture, plus its pump makes it easy to control the product quantity you’re using. Unlike Nyx Cosmetics Bare With Me primer (the one with hemp), the one from Rare Beauty doesn’t leave a dense or greasy feel. All you need to do is get a tiny bit of product out of the container and apply it with your fingertips all over your face. Also, I would say that half a pump would be more than enough.
I enjoyed the light feeling on my skin, which I’ve never managed to accomplish with the one from Nyx Cosmetics. Unfortunately, when you look closely, this primer from Rare Beauty has shimmer particles. Tiny shimmer particles, but still, they’re there. However, these aren’t noticeable if you’re using a foundation on top of that.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable illuminating face primer without any shimmer at all, I’ll have to recommend you Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter. Yes, it’s a high-end and expensive product, I know. But you can get the travel size version on Charlotte Tilbury’s website for 15 euros, which is a bargain. And you’ll have plenty of product to use as you please, may it be as a primer or as a highlighter.
Despite not being the biggest fan of face primers, I could tell the difference when I was using it beneath Rare Beauty’s foundation. Even though the Rare Beauty foundation has a lovely natural feel (more on that later), it looked even more natural when I was using the primer underneath.
What did I like the most about it? Its lightness and how it made the foundation look even more beautiful.
What have I liked the least? The shimmer particles.
Would I recommend it? If you’re thinking about purchasing Rare Beauty’s foundation, this face primer makes the difference. And once you apply the foundation on top of it, the shimmer particles are no longer visible. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile illuminating primer, I would instead recommend you the one from Charlotte Tilbury. Their mini version (that still has a large quantity of formula) retails for pretty much the same as Rare Beauty’s travel size, illuminating primer.
Would I repurchase it? Well, I have enjoyed the product overall, and I don’t regret purchasing it in the first place. Unfortunately, the shimmer particles are a big no for me. So, knowing that I would get the same result with a different product would be more in tune with me. I wouldn’t repurchase it.
7/10
Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
The name says it all. This foundation is so light that you don’t feel like you’re wearing a foundation. Plus, it works like a sort of veil in your skin that perfects your complexion without covering any “imperfections” that you might have.
And that’s what I like the most about Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation. How beautiful and natural it looks. You need a tiny amount of product to cover the whole face. Unlike most foundations that come with a pump, this one comes with an applicator that resembles the ones from concealers - but only larger. The product that comes with the applicator is more than enough to cover the whole face, so don’t deep it another time on the container.
How to apply it? Remove the applicator from the foundation container and do small dots with it (as you do with your concealer) to deposit the formula on strategic spots on your face. Then, you can spread the product throughout your face using a beauty blender, brush, or even your fingertips. In my case, I have been applying it with my fingertips ever since I bought it.
I’ve been testing this foundation for over a month now (to give you a more profound insight on the product) on different occasions/situations, and I was pleasantly surprised how the foundation held up after using it for many hours.
Besides its long-lasting effect, its light sensation hasn’t disappeared throughout the hours - definitely a huge plus. However, I can tell that the formula oxidized a little bit soon after applying it - which was quite helpful in my case, as I purchased a lighter shade. I still haven’t found the trick to finding the right shade while shopping online.
What did I like the most about it? Pretty much everything. Even though I am not a fan of foundation these days (I prefer BB creams), this one won a special place in my heart. Mainly because of how it makes me feel (and look) when I am wearing it. I also enjoy that I can apply it with my hands and still look polished. Another massive plus for me was a large number of shades available, 48 to be exact.
What have I liked the least? It’s price. This foundation isn’t precisely low cost, and when Sephora has a special sale (or discount code), this foundation is usually left out. So, if you want it, you’ll have to pay the total price. Plus, there’s no travel-sized version to it.
If you’re thinking about purchasing this foundation, but you’re having second thoughts or worried about if it will be the right fit for you, feel free to stop by a Sephora store and ask for a sample of the right shade for you.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you’re looking for a light foundation. No, if you’re looking for something full-coverage alternative. I would also recommend it if you’re not a makeup fan and looking for something to use when you have a meeting or special event.
Would I repurchase it? I would say yes. Even though I am more on a BB cream vibe these days, I enjoyed how simple and versatile this foundation is. Plus, as I only need to use a small amount of product, I know I’ll be using it for many, many months. In case you’re wondering, this is the only foundation I currently own. And no, I am not thinking about buying a new one any time soon.
9/10
Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Here we go again! If there’s a product that I always have to try is mascara. You can tell by the number of mascara reviews available here at the Sustainablist. So, when trying a new beauty brand for the first time, I really couldn’t leave this product out of my selection.
What does the brand say about it? According to Rare Beauty’s website, the Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara is a weightless all-in-one mascara created for every lash type. With an easy-to-build formula with a universal eye-hugging brush to lift, lengthen, curl, and volumize every lash from every angle.
Not too wet, not too dry. This mascara is perfect for creating lash looks that are true to you - all while volumizing, defining, and separating for clean, clump-resistant results. Ultra-black, water-resistant formula lasts all day without flaking or smudging.
The brand also claims that according to some tests and studies:
100% said the brush captures and coats every lash from root to tip.
100% of all lash types had more length and volume.
95% of all lash types had more lift.
93% said it separates and defines lashes without clumping.
92% said it creates longer-looking lashes that last all day.
92% of all lash types had more curl.
What was my experience? The first thing that caught my attention was the brush. Initially, it looks like an hourglass mascara brush, but without the hourglass part. Let me explain: it has a similar structure and length, but it has the same depth from one point to another. Plus, the brush is conventional and not made with silicone - which is a plus for me.
I’ve been using this mascara for over a month now, and I’ve put it to test through different situations: over 12 hours, gym sessions, running errands around town with a face mask on, family events, you name it!
Unlike most mascaras, which tend to be runny and smudgy when you use them for the first time, Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara has had a steady performance since day one. Easy to apply, coating the lashes from root to tip, adding more length, volume and keeping it lift for hours. Plus, the formula hasn’t smudged on any occasion.
Unfortunately, I was never able to apply it without leaving any clumps. However, it wasn’t so drastic as with other mascaras I’ve tried before. This one does a more polished yet natural look.
Out of all the mascaras that I’ve tried this year, this one was my favorite. Not only it gives you a reliable, long-lasting, flake-free, and smudge-free performance (even when you’re sweating or there’s moisture in the air). Plus, it has very comfortable wear. You won’t feel your lashes hard or try even when you’ve been using this mascara for over 12 hours.
What did I like the most about it? It’s long-lasting effect and the fact that it hasn’t flaked or smudge. As I wear prescription glasses, more moisture tends to form around my eye area when I am out and about (and wearing a face mask) - so most mascaras tend to smudge after a few hours. So, I am pleased that I found a reliable mascara for all occasions.
What have I liked the least? I would say the clumps. Even though it’s not something extremely noticeable, I prefer the polished look I get when I wear Milk Makeup’s mascara. So, I guess the perfect mascara for me would be Rare Beauty’s or ILIA beauty’s formula with Milk Makeup’s brush.
Would I recommend it? Definitely, yes. It’s a perfect and reliable mascara - which isn’t that easy to find. Plus, it’s available in two different sizes - so you can get all the perks without blowing the bank.
Would I repurchase it? Absolutely, yes. I have a few mascara tubes open now due to recent reviews, but Rare Beauty’s mascara is the one I have been picking over and over. So, I am 100% sure I’ll repurchase this one when it dries up.
9,5/10
Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream
I barely have lip products in my makeup collection (if I can call it that), but I was inquisitive when I’ve read the product description of Rare Beauty’s Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Balm.
What does the brand say about it? It’s an air-whipped lip cream that hugs lips with rich, melted-in color and nourishing hydration that won’t weigh you down. It has a velvety matte finish with a soft blurring effect, making your lips look fuller, smoother, and plumper. It hydrates, softens, and stays put. Lips feel comfortable all day - no drying or caking. Its precise applicator tip makes it easy to apply.
What was my experience? Even though I prefer standard lipsticks to liquid ones, the word “soufflé” in this product description caught my attention. Mainly because I often find liquid lipsticks too drying or too glossy. So, I was curious to see how this one would turn out.
Unlike most liquid lipstick applicators (most are heart-shaped), this one from Rare Beauty is entirely flat. I’ve never been able to apply a liquid lipstick so perfectly and evenly as with this one. So, I have to agree with the brand on how easy it is to use this lipstick precisely.
Also, the formula is light and soft. Besides being easy to apply, it feels comfortable on the lips - even when I was wearing it for a few hours. This liquid lipstick has a powdery finish, so I haven’t had that glossy sensation that I was afraid of having.
On the other hand, this formula doesn’t fully dry out. So, it would transfer whenever I touched my lips (even lightly). I had to apply it more often than I would like to or wear a more long-lasting formula like the ones from Pat McGrath or Charlotte Tilbury. I could also tell that my lips looked more plumped without going through that itchy sensation that plumping lipsticks usually make us go through.
What did I like the most about it? The applicator and the soft-velvety feel. I usually have to use a lip-liner whenever I wear liquid lipstick. However, I am happy that it wasn’t necessary with this one. Out of all the liquid lipsticks I’ve tried so far, this was without any doubt the most comfortable.
What have I liked the least? That it transfers and isn’t as long-lasting as I’d like it to be. However, I believe that if it was thoroughly dried, it wouldn’t be this comfortable.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, yes. Especially if you’re getting started on liquid lipsticks, it’s super comfortable, and it leaves a matte evenly color, has a beautiful powdery finish, and is super easy to apply. I’ve never had a liquid lipstick that was this easy to use, which is perfect for me as I tend to be particularly clumsy when applying my makeup in a rush.
Would I repurchase it? Definitely, yes. I’ve purchased the tone Courage (such a beautiful name), and as I enjoyed this product so much, I am willing to get it in a couple more shades.
9/10
Blot & Glow Touch-up Kit
No matter how well Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation had an outstanding performance when put through the test during many hours, I have combination skin. My skin tends to get oily, even when I am not wearing any makeup. For example, when I am out and about and eat something fried.
So, out of Rare Beauty’s entire portfolio, this was the first product that caught my attention. Why? Because of its concept. Rare Beauty’s Blot & Glow Touch-up Kit is a compact with a mirror, blotting papers, and a powder-filled puff. That’s right. The powder is already inside the puff, and this is perfect for when you’re on the go. Plus, once you run out of one of these products, you have to buy the refill (not the whole thing).
What does the brand say about it? It’s a refillable 2-in-1 compact that combines your touch-up essentials - blotting papers and a radiant powder-filled puff for freshening up on the go with this refillable mess-free, stress-free kit. Smooth, absorbent blotting sheets gently lift away excess oil from the skin while keeping makeup in place. Universal pre-filled powder puff contains a radiant, talc-free powder. Dab it on for extra shine control with a soft blurring effect that never looks flat - and won’t flashback.
What was my experience? I am the kind of person that needs to carry a small pack of blotting paper at all times. Otherwise, my skin looks glow and shiny as soon as I eat French fries (for example). So, I had high expectations of this product.
When I saw the kit online, I was a bit afraid that the set would be too big or too heavy for me. I usually wear a small cross-body bag, and I thought that it would take a lot of space. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case.
The blotting sheets surprised me for being sturdier than all the others I’ve tried before. They don’t crumble so fast, making it easier to use and absorb the excess oil from the skin.
When it comes to the powder puff, I had to give it a couple of hard taps before using it for the first time - so the powder started coming out. I am pleased with the concept, given that the setting powder is already inside. Otherwise, I know it would get quite messy (at least for me).
The pre-filled powder puff performed well. It has a nice size, making it relatively easy to apply the product all over the face and control shine. Also, I like and appreciate that the embedded powder is talc-free (just like the one I have from RMS Beauty).
Besides being easy to use, Rare Beauty’s Blot & Glow Touch-up Kit is a practical, reliable product that I’ll be using for a long time.
What did I like the most about it? How simple it is to use when you’re on the go. This kit has it all in a compact and lightbox, so one can touch up anywhere, even when there’s no restroom nearby. I also enjoy the fact that I can purchase only the items I need. Even if it doesn’t mean a considerable monetary saving, it’s a nice gesture towards the environment.
What have I liked the least? It’s price. Rare Beauty’s Blot & Glow Touch-up Kit retails for 30,99€ at Sephora Spain (where I purchased it) and for $26 at Rare beauty’s website. The puff refill costs 19,99€, and the blotting paper sheets retail for 6,99€ at Sephora Spain. There’s not a significant saving in comparison to when you buy the complete set.
Would I recommend it? If you have combination skin and you’re constantly trying to control shine, I would say that this product is a nice add-on to your makeup kit, and I am sure it will gain a permanent place in your purse - ever since the moment you try it for the first time. Plus, the fact that you have everything you need in one place is also very positive.
However, if you have combination skin and you can’t (or you’re not willing to) spend so much money on a single product, I would recommend you to purchase only the blotting sheets - as these are more resistant than most in the market.
Now, if you have dry skin, this product isn’t the right fit for you. So, you can save your money and invest it in a further development that you might fancy.
Would I repurchase it? Yes, yes, and yes. Luckily, thanks to this product’s concept, I don’t have to repurchase the kit as it is (unless I lose mine, which can happen). So, I’ll purchase the bits I need whenever I run out of one of the items. My main goal with this purchase was to have a reliable product that I could keep for a long time, and I have to say that it was mission accomplished.
8/10
