Honest Rhode brand review | Is it worth the hype?

Rhode is one of the most popular makeup and skincare brands on the market. Perfect for that minimal clean girl aesthetic, Rhode is known for dewy, multi-tasking, and hydrating formulas. Every time Rhode launches a new product, you can expect it to go viral on social media.

But with all of the hype surrounding Rhode, is the brand actually worth the money, or are there better products out there?

In this review, I share my honest experience of using Rhode, which products are worth it, the products you can skip, and my overall verdict of the brand.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About Rhode

Founded by Hailey Bieber, Rhode began as a skincare brand back in 2022, with a focus on barrier-strengthening, effective, and nourishing formulas. Since then, Rhode has expanded into makeup products, all centred around multi-purpose, natural, and glowy formulas. Rhode is vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and gluten-free.

How I tested Rhode

I’ve tested these Rhode products for a minimum of 1 month, with some of the products for multiple months. Some of the products in this post are ones I purchased a few years ago and have finished.

While testing these products, my criteria are performance, formula, value, whether it meets its claims, whether a similar product is better, and whether I’d repurchase. I’ve got combination skin with rosacea. My usual preference for skincare products is gentle, hydrating, and dewy formulas. For makeup products, I usually opt for medium coverage, easy-to-blend and buildable formulas, and satin finishes.

Which products have I tried?

I’ve tried the following 10 Rhode products:

1. Highlight Milk
2. Pocket Bronze
3. Pocket Blush
4. Glazing Mist
5. Pineapple Refresh
6. Peptide Glazing Fluid
7. Peptide Lip Shape
8. Peptide Lip Tint
9. Glazing Milk
10. Peptide Lip Treatment

Below, I’m going to share my honest thoughts on each product before moving on to an overall brand review.

Rhode products review

1. Rhode Highlight Milk

The Rhode Highlight Milk is a hybrid makeup-skincare formula, combining the hydrating and soothing benefits of a skincare product with the soft, pearly shimmer of a makeup product. It’s a new launch from Rhode, comes in 4 shades, and claims to be lightweight. The Highlight Milk can be used on the face and body. You can wear it by itself or mixed into makeup for added radiance.

I absolutely love the Highlight Milk.

This has a runny, non-sticky, and fluid formula. If you’ve ever tried a milky toner, it feels just like that! The consistency is pretty much the same as Rhode’s Glazing Milk.

The Highlight Milk melts into the skin seamlessly. It layers on top of skincare products or mixes with makeup products without pilling or looking streaky. Instead, it gives your skin a soft, natural, and lit-from-within luminosity. It also makes your skin look amazing in photos, as the dewyness shines through on camera. I particularly love mixing the Highlight Milk in with my foundation or skin tint to add some glow to my base.

I’ve got the shade 02 Pearly Champagne, which sits on a sheer milky base. This looks gorgeous by itself, as the sheerness of the base means it blends in seamlessly with my skin tone without me looking like an oily, glittery mess. The Highlight Milk is also wonderfully nourishing and makes my skin feel soft and smooth.

I love how versatile this formula is, as you can use it as a skincare product or a makeup product, and it performs equally well in both areas.

Rating: 5 stars

Would I repurchase? Yes.

The Highlight Milk has become one of my favourite glowy complexion products. It meets all of its claims, and I think the formula justifies the price.

2. Rhode Pocket Bronze

The Rhode Pocket Bronze is a cream bronzer stick that comes in 8 shades, from fair to deep complexions. It claims to be hydrating, buildable, and easy to blend, delivering a seamless and long-lasting bronze to your skin. The formula promises to be non-sticky and smoothing for added warmth.

I like the Rhode Pocket Bronze, but it’s not my favourite bronzer.

What I like is that the formula is smooth, moisturising, and buildable. It has a satin finish and looks soft on the skin. If you like natural-looking bronzer, this is a great pick, as it’s not crazy pigmented and can easily be diffused. I also agree that it’s not greasy, as it feels very light on the skin.

However, I don’t agree that this is long-lasting. I find that it wears off quite significantly throughout the day. After 8+ hours, a lot of the colour has faded.

I also find this formula to be a bit too creamy for my preference. It blends into nothingness quickly, even with a light hand. As this bronze has a lot of slip, it’s hard to get a precise, sculpted application, as gentle blending just diffuses the colour too much.

The shade Sip is pretty and is a good match for my complexion.

Rating: 4 stars

Would I repurchase? No.

While this is a nice, hydrating, and natural bronzer, I wouldn’t bother repurchasing it, as I have other bronzers in my collection that perform better. The Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer is a better alternative, as it’s still smooth and creamy, but it has more lasting powder, doesn’t slip around as much, and you can get a more defined look through precise application.

3. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment claims to nourish and replenish the lips while leaving a glossy, high-shine finish. Available in 5 different scents, including unscented, the lip treatment promises to leave lips soft, visibly plump, and smooth. You can use the lip balm day and night.

I got the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in the scent Salted Caramel a few years ago, and it smelled amazing. It was sweet, tasted delicious, and was honestly addictive to apply.

This lip balm is good for everyday use, as it’s hydrating, gives lips a juicy shine, and leaves my lips feeling soft and smooth. However, the formula is fairly sticky, and I’ve used lip balms at a similar price point that are more restorative, conditioning, and soothing.

For example, the Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Baste costs £4 for the same amount of product, but it’s considerably more nourishing, repairing, and soothing. It’s a gloopier and stickier formula than Rhode, so it’s more suitable for nighttime use, but it does a better job of moisturising and relieving lips.

Rating: 4 stars

Would I repurchase? Maybe.

I like Rhode’s lip treatment, so I’d be happy to use it again, but I’d probably opt for a different lip balm instead that’s more effective.

4. Rhode Pineapple Refresh

The Rhode Pineapple Refresh claims to be a gentle balm-to-lather daily cleanser that removes SPF and makeup while leaving skin clean, soft, and hydrated post-rinse. It promises not to leave skin tight, stripped, or dry, and it can be used in the morning or evening as a first or second cleanse.

This is a decent, basic cleanser. It contains pineapple enzyme for exfoliation that’s gentle enough to be used every day. It’s never aggravated my rosacea or compromised my skin barrier. After using this cleanser, my skin feels clean, fresh, and smooth.

I use this cleanser as a morning cleanse or as the second cleanse in my evening skincare routine. You’d have to do quite a lot of scrubbing for this cleanser to dissolve makeup. Cleansing balms and oils do a better job as a first cleanse to remove SPF, makeup, dirt, etc. For that reason, I’d avoid using this cleanser for removing makeup, as the additional scrubbing could irritate your skin.

However, I’ve used cleansers that feel more hydrating, soothing, and refreshing than this one. Despite containing pineapple enzyme, Pineapple Refresh hasn’t made my skin appear any brighter than usual.

Rating: 4 stars

Would I repurchase? No.

This cleanser largely meets its claims, but there are better cleansers out there that deliver the same results for a fraction of the price. For example, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam (£12.73 for 125ml) and Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (£12.17 for 100ml) are more than half the price of the Rhode Pineapple Refresh but are more moisturising and calming, while delivering all of the same benefits. I wouldn’t repurchase the Rhode cleanser as it’s not outstanding.

5. Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid

The Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid promises to be a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that hydrates skin and immediately gives it a dewy appearance. This serum claims to visibly plump skin over time. Use it day and night, with 2-3 pumps per use. Peptides help build the skin’s barrier, hydrate and soothe skin, and give skin more elasticity and plumpness. Niacinamide improves uneven skin tone, regulates sebum production, and visibly minimises enlarged pores.

This is a great serum. If you like a glazed skin look, this is perfect. It makes skin look radiant and plump. As it’s a very dewy formula, I thought it would be quite sticky. Surprisingly, it’s non-greasy, lightweight, and absorbs quickly into the skin. It feels hydrating and smoothing when you apply it.

The Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid meets its claims and is a cheat code to healthy, strengthened skin.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Would I repurchase? Maybe.

While I really like this serum, I tend to prefer peptides and dewyness in the form of a milky toner and usually go for more concentrated actives in my serums, such as vitamin C, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid. For that reason, I may not purchase this again, especially as £32 is quite expensive, but I think it’s a fab everyday serum.

6. Rhode Glazing Mist

The Rhode Glazing Mist claims to be a hydrating and refreshing mist that gives skin a glowy finish. You can use it after cleansing for a nourishing boost, to top up moisture levels throughout the day, or spritz over makeup for a glazed finish. It’s a versatile and superfine mist to keep your skin fresh all day. Ceramides help restore skin and ensure it’s moisturised and healthy, while beta-glucan delivers immediate and lasting hydration.

This is one of the best mists I’ve used.

I find a lot of face mists to be quite lacklustre, offering some hydration when you first apply it but nothing long-lasting or substantial. The Rhode Glazing Mist, on the other hand, provides instant deep nourishment and undeniable dewyness. If your skin looks dull or feels dehydrated, this mist will immediately revitalise and add life back to your skin.

My favourite ways to use this mist are after applying my moisturiser but before SPF to add noticeable luminosity to my skin, and as the finishing touch to any makeup look for long-lasting glow and hydration. However I use this spray, it just makes my skin look healthy and plump.

Rating: 5 stars

Would I repurchase? Yes.

While this is quite pricey and more of a nice-to-have than a must-have product, I just love how glazed my skin looks after I use it. I’d definitely buy this again and think it’s worth the money.

7. Rhode Pocket Blush

The Rhode Pocket Blush is a cream blush stick with a soft, satin finish. Available in 13 shades, the formula promises to be smooth, hydrating, long-wearing, and easy to blend. It leaves a glowy and non-greasy finish. You can apply the blush with your fingertips or a brush; each shade is buildable so you can get your desired colour payoff. It can be worn on the lips and cheeks. Rhode’s blush is one of the brand’s most well-known and iconic products.

I love the Rhode Pocket Blush. It’s one of my most-used and favourite blushes.

Firstly, I adore the shade range. There isn’t a single bad shade in the collection, and there’s everything from natural and subtle shades to brighter pops of colour that suit a wide range of undertones and skin tones. I own 3 shades (pictured below): Toasted Teddy (bronze terracotta), Sleepy Girl (soft mauve), and Piggy (baby pink). They’re all equally beautiful and diffuse into gorgeous creamy flushes of colours that never look patchy, streaky, or OTT. My current fixation is Piggy for a stunning pop of baby pink that’s girly, flirty, and very summery. However, all 3 shades have seen a lot of love, and I want to expand my collection of Rhode Pocket Blush shades.

I’m a massive fan of the formula. Unlike the Pocket Bronze, which can easily blend into nothingness, the Pocket Blushes are still creamy but have more grip, which means you have better control over the blending. Each shade has medium pigmentation but can be blended out to look softer or is easily buildable for more saturated colour payoff. They apply equally well with a brush or your fingertips. They feel soft, non-greasy, lightweight, and smooth, which makes skin look healthy and youthful.

For a cream blush, they’re also long-lasting. After 8 hours, there is some fading, but the blush never becomes patchy or streaky, and the colour is still visible.

Rating: 5 stars

Would I repurchase? Yes.

I recently wrote a post comparing the Rhode Pocket Blush and Merit Flush Balm, as the formulas are quite similar. While the Merit Flush Balm is worth checking out, especially for a dewier finish, the Rhode Pocket Blush is still my favourite. I can’t recommend the blush enough and want more shades.

8. Rhode Glazing Milk

Along with the Rhode Pocket Blush, the Rhode Glazing Milk is one of the brand’s most popular and renowned products. This milky toner claims to hydrate the skin, strengthen its barrier over time, and leave you with a glowy complexion. It soothes the skin, and is designed to make skincare and makeup application smoother. It can be mixed in with your favourite foundation or skin tint for a more radiant base. It’s enriched with ceramides, which help reinforce the skin’s barrier, prevent moisture loss, and help it look younger. 

The Rhode Glazing Milk is one of my favourite milky toners of all time.

This gorgeous formula is nourishing, softening, calming, restoring, and leaves my skin with the most beautiful dewy glow. It isn’t too rich or greasy for my combination skin, and it layers beautifully with other skincare products and underneath makeup without pilling.

It’s the skincare counterpart to Rhode’s new Highlight Milk, with a more nourishing, repairing, and skin-first approach. I particularly love using the Rhode Glazing Milk as part of my skin prep before makeup application, as base products look smoother and more seamless on top. Plus, it keeps my skin hydrated all day.

Rating: 5 stars

Would I repurchase? Yes.

I wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase this formula. It meets all of its claims, my skin looks and feels noticeably more moisturised and glowy after using it, and it helps strengthen your skin’s barrier. I’m obsessed. This is healthy skin in a bottle. While £32 isn’t cheap, the formula is totally worth it.

9. Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

The Rhode Peptide Lip Shape claims to be a soft-focus, creamy lip liner that enhances lip volume and gives a contoured effect. It promises to be hydrating and smoothing, while gliding on effortlessly. It comes in 14 subtle shades, from caramel brown and neutral beige to soft neutral pink and rich plum brown.

I’m not a fan of the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape.

While I appreciate the smooth, hydrating, and blurring effect of this lip liner, it’s too creamy. I got the shade Twist, which is described as a warm taupe, and it provides barely any definition to my lips. Plus, this lip liner will come off within a couple of hours, and even sooner if you eat or drink. It’s not long-wearing and is way too subtle for my liking.

I think this is quite a nice formula if you like a very natural look and want a quick on-the-go lip liner that’s easy to apply. However, for how little this lip liner actually does, it’s overpriced, and I never reach for it. The Banila Co Smuding Lip Pencil costs £10.33 for 0.8g and delivers that same blurred, soft-focus finish, and creamy formula for a fraction of the price.

Rating: 3 stars

Would I repurchase? No.

I don’t rate the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape, and there are more affordable, long-wearing, and soft-focus lip liners on the market that do a much better job.

10. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

The Rhode Peptide Lip Tint combines the hydrating and replenishing benefits of a lip treatment with the high-shine finish of a lip gloss. This formula claims to be nourishing and smoothing, with a sheer and buildable colour that leaves your lips soft. It can be used alone or paired with the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape and Rhode Pocket Blush. This lip tint comes in 7 shades, like rose taupe and crushed berry, with some limited edition shades available.

I like the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint. The shade range is pretty, the formula is hydrating and it makes lips look plump and smooth. This tinted lip treatment can look natural with one coat or built up to medium intensity with a few layers.

It’s not as nourishing as the brand’s Peptide Lip Treatment, but it still feels moisturising and makes lips soft. I’ve got the shade PBJ, a warm berry brown, and it’s a lovely autumnal tone. Although, I don’t think it looks as deep or rich in person as it does on the photos on Rhode’s website. Nonetheless, I like the formula, and it’s great for everyday wear.

You can wear this by itself with just your skincare routine as a hydrating lip balm or as part of a makeup look, and it’ll look great either way.

Rating: 4 stars

Would I repurchase? Maybe.

While I like the formula, I’m not sure that I’d repurchase it, as there are similar products in the tinted lip balm category that I prefer. Most notably, the best one is the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, which is more nourishing, provides more gloss, has nicer scents, and has more versatile colour payoff (from sheer to more intense, depending on which shade you get).

Is Rhode worth the hype? Final verdict

Overall, Rhode is worth the hype. After testing 10 products, I think the brand does dewy, hydrating, and easy-to-use formulas particularly well, whether you’re looking for natural-looking makeup or skincare that leaves your skin feeling soft, nourished, and glowy.

However, I don’t think every Rhode product is worth the money. My standout products are the Highlight Milk, Glazing Milk, Pocket Blush, and Glazing Mist, which are all products I’d happily repurchase. The Pocket Bronze, Peptide Lip Treatment, Peptide Glazing Fluid, and Peptide Lip Tint are nice products that I enjoy using, but there are alternatives I’d choose over them. The Peptide Lip Shape and Pineapple Refresh are the two products I’d personally skip, as I don’t think they offer enough for the price.

I’d particularly recommend Rhode if you love dewy, natural-looking makeup and hydrating skincare, and don’t mind paying mid-range prices for beautifully formulated, easy-to-use products. If you prefer highly pigmented or long-wearing makeup, or you’re looking for the best possible value, there are better options out there.

Overall brand rating: 4.5 stars

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 7 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has combination skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.