RARE BEAUTY BY SELENA GOMEZ // REVIEW
Ever since Selena Gomez announced her brand new cosmetic line earlier this year, I have been anticipating the day I would finally get to try the products! Rare Beauty launched earlier this month and is exclusive to Sephora and the brand's website. They came in full swing with an extensive range of products (almost enough for a full-face of makeup!), paired with massive shade ranges for each category.
Selena is someone I have admired and been a huge fan of for basically most of my life at this point, so it was really exciting when I heard she was venturing out and creating her own makeup brand. The name corresponds with her latest album, Rare, which is a title that truly reflects the deeper meaning behind her music and now these products, as well.
"We empower our Rare Beauty community to challenge beauty norms by shaping positive conversations about self-acceptance and mental health. Our community is inclusive, welcoming and connected."
Before I even saw any of the products, I already was so excited to support this brand and all that they stand for. Earlier this year, they created the Rare Impact Fund, which is intended to break the stigma of mental health and increase access to mental health services globally. From proceeds of the first product sold onward, they aim to raise $100 million within the next ten years to fund the resources. 1% of all annual revenue is donated, as well as contributions from multiple other organizations and companies. To find out more about the Rare Impact Fund's mission and the leading members of the council, check out their website here.
The incredible mission that Rare Beauty promotes at the forefront of everything they do proves that this isn't just another celebrity beauty brand. It has a real purpose to make a positive difference in the beauty space that can often feel so over-saturated with products and consumerist ploys. For this brand to be sold on such a massive worldwide scale at Sephora while simultaneously bringing awareness to issues in our society that aren't talked about enough is truly rare to see.
"Rare Beauty is breaking down unrealistic standards of perfection. This is makeup made to feel good in, without hiding what makes you unique—because Rare Beauty is not about being someone else, but being who you are."
Before I get into my experience with the handful of products I bought, I'm going to share a quick rundown of all the products from the initial launch. As I mentioned earlier, they came out with a very extensive range of products, so there will really be something to appeal to basically anyone. When it comes to base products, they have; Always An Optimist Illuminating Face Primer ($24), Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation in 48 shades ($29), Liquid Touch Weightless Concealer in 48 shades ($19), Always An Optimist 4-in-1 mist ($24), and the Blot & Glow Touch Up Kit ($26). For cheek products they have; Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in 8 shades ($22) and Soft Pinch Liquid Blush available in 8 shades, both matte and satin finishes ($20). For lip products they have; With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in 7 shades ($16) and the Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream in 12 shades ($20). For the eyes they have; Prefect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner in 1 shade ($19) and Perfect Harmony Eyebrow Pencil & Gel in 8 shades ($22). There are also a few makeup tools available, as well.
All of the products are cruelty free, vegan, paraben free, dermatologist tested, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Along with the sophisticated and modern design of every product, all of the packaging was also designed for those with arthritis, like Selena, to be able to open every product with ease. That's a design aspect that I'm sure is often overlooked by other brands but I know will definitely have a major impact on those affected.
“Being rare is about being comfortable with yourself. I’ve stopped trying to be perfect. I just want to be me."
-Selena Gomez
On launch day, I ordered a few products that I've been using non-stop for the last few weeks so I would be able to give my fully formed review on everything!
With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm // "Thankful" // $16
This balm gives a sheer wash of color and ultimate hydration. It feels so light and moisturizing on the lips - it has a similar texture to pure coconut oil, which funny enough isn't even an ingredient. Even though the pigment is sheer upon initial application, it can be built up for a more pigmented look. It also gives such a beautiful shine to the lips. If you're eating or drinking, don't expect the pigment to last long, but the moisture will linger for the rest of the day. There is also a clear version available if you aren't looking for a tinted lip balm.
It is made primarily with shea butter and a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white water lily.
I was debating between a few different shades, but ultimately I ended up going with "Thankful", which is a nude mauve. I'm glad I chose that shade because it's so flattering and compliments the formula really nicely. When it comes to sheer balms like this, I usually go for nudes over bold reds and pinks because throughout the day it fades so much more evenly without being too noticeable.
Many of the reviews I read noted the scent, so I was a bit wary of it before I bought it - but I actually don't even notice a scent at all really. It's a very very faint floral scent, which dissipates almost immediately once applied to the lips. Most of the scent is naturally derived, with less than 1% of it being artificial.
Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream // "Inspire" // $20
I have the shade "Inspire" which is a beautiful bright red and is also Selena's go-to signature shade. I saw her wearing it a lot throughout the year in different photoshoots, music videos, and interviews and I always loved how bold, yet so classic, it looked on her. This is the perfect shade of red for anybody to wear! I love wearing red lipstick and shade-wise, this is one of the best I have found. This line of lip creams are currently available in 11 other shades, all of which look so beautiful and would be flattering to a wide range of people.
When it comes to red lipstick, or any bold lip shade, I almost always tend to go for a long-wear matte liquid lipstick to ensure it stays on all day without any touchups (my favorites are from Kylie Cosmetics). The Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé's are unlike any other liquid lipstick I have used before. Like I mentioned, it has a whipped feeling that isn't fully transfer-proof in the way many other liquid lipsticks are. Reapplication will be needed throughout the day, especially after eating and drinking. My favorite aspect of the product is how evenly it wears and fades throughout the day. Especially when it comes to red lipstick, shades like this can be so messy and smudge all over - but the Rare Beauty formula fades off without any hassle.
I know many have moved away from using matte liquid lipsticks because they can feel drying and flaky - if you're one of those people, I would highly recommend giving these a chance. Even though they have a matte finish, it somehow still feels so light and moisturizing on the lips. It doesn't flake when you layer it up or accentuate any lines on your lips.
If I had to compare it to a product I've used before, I would say it's most reminiscent of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, but with an elevated formula. The velvety smooth texture paired with the high pigment is something that differentiates these Lip Soufflés from all of the otherwise comparable products on the market.
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush // "Grace" // $20
The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush comes in 8 different shades; 4 with a matte finish and 4 with a radiant finish. I have the shade "Grace", which is a matte bright rose mauve.
This is very pigmented and a little bit goes a long way, so be cautioned when you use it for the first time. I use less than a pea-sized amount for both of my cheeks, which is more than enough. Luckily if you do go overboard (like I have many times), it is so easy to blend and sheer out the pigment. I just dot the product on straight from the applicator and blend it in with my fingers. Of course it works well with a sponge or a brush as well, but the warmth of your fingers helps it blend in so naturally. It's ultra-lightweight formula and natural finish makes this blush so easy to work with. It also lasts all day on the cheeks, as well (even after wearing a mask for several hours!).
I have very fair skin and the shade "Grace" works really well on my skin tone, but since it is so pigmented, this shade will likely work on most complexions if it is built up. A lot of the blushes look very bright and bold in the bottle, but they can all be sheered out or built up based on your needs.
PS: If you're wondering why the bottle I have pictured above is so tiny, it's because I was able to get a free sample of this on the launch day at Sephora. It worked out perfectly, because "Grace" was the exact shade I was going to buy so it's great I was able to get a mini sample before I commit to the full size. When I run out of this sample, I will definitely be purchasing the full size right away - even though that probably won't be for a while since I use so little of it for each application. I'm sure Sephora will do another promo like that in the future, so keep an eye out on their website for it if you're interested! The full sized bottle and applicator looks very similar to the liquid highlighter I'll be sharing next!
Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight // "Enchant" // $22
The large doe-foot applicator makes it easy to dot the product onto the skin to give the most flattering glow possible. Once again, I just use my fingers to blend it in because it gives the most radiant and seamless finish that way.
This is also the type of product that would work so well mixed into your foundation, primer, or moisturizer! Because it has an emollient texture, be careful layering too much on top of already-set foundation, because it may lift up the product underneath. I personally don't use foundation, but some of the reviews I have seen have noted that.
There are currently 8 shades in the Positive Light Liquid Luminizers, with a range that will cater to so many skin tones. There are shades in this lineup that I rarely see for highlighters, especially those that are catering to deeper skin tones. I absolutely love how inclusive Rare Beauty is just from their first launch. I can tell that every single product and every single shade was created with the intention of including everybody. Even though more brands are coming out with extensive shade ranges of their complexion products, it unfortunately still isn't the standard for many others. For a brand new company to come out with a range of shades this extensive in every single product is definitely something to shine a light on in the beauty industry.
I have the shade "Enchant" which is a soft pink shade. The light pearl reflect is so beautiful and gives a "glow from within" type of look.
Even though I love wearing bold and glittery highlighters, there is just something so effortless about a dewy and natural luminizer like this. It looks subtle on first glance, but when the light hits it, it has such a beautiful reflect!
Overall, Rare Beauty has met all of my expectations and then some. I truly haven't been this excited about new makeup in so long! Every product I bought has become some of my favorite products in my makeup collection in just the last few weeks.
When a brand like Rare Beauty comes along with exciting, high quality, and well-curated products it really stands out amongst the rest. It feels like every celebrity is coming out with a makeup line these days, but Rare Beauty is so much more than that in my opinion - it has a deeper message and mission that is at the forefront of everything they do. I'm excited to see what's next for Selena and the brand product-wise, as well as following the Rare Impact Fund's work in the mental health space.
Thanks for reading! Since Rare Beauty is all about embracing individuality and enhancing your natural beauty - let me know what makes you rare in the comment section below! If you have any thoughts on the brand or your own experience with these products, I'd love to hear that too!
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