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

The post Honest Rhode brand review | Is it worth the hype? appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is one of the most iconic primers on the market. This luxurious formula nourishes the skin while giving makeup more grip for long-lasting and comfortable wear. It’s also one of my favourite primers, but at £54 for 50ml, it’s very expensive.

So when I discovered that the No7 Pro Artist Runway Radiance Primer is meant to be a dupe for the iconic Bobbi Brown primer, I had to try it. At £19.95, it’s less than half the price of Bobbi Brown and claims to moisturise the skin, prep it for makeup application, and prolong makeup wear.

In this honest review, I put the two primers through a side-by-side comparison to see how well they perform and whether No7 is truly a good dupe for Bobbi Brown.

*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*

Need-to-knows

Before I delve into the comparison, here’s how I tested the primers. I have combination skin with mild rosacea, and my T-zone is particularly prone to makeup breakdown. I applied one primer to each side of my face, keeping all my other skincare and makeup products exactly the same for a fair comparison.

About the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a moisturiser and makeup primer in one. It claims to provide 24-hour priming, instantly hydrate skin, improve the look and wear of foundation, and leave the complexion looking smoother and more radiant. Bobbi Brown says the buttery formula creates the perfect makeup-ready canvas while helping skin feel nourished and refreshed. The primer is finished with a 100% natural grapefruit and geranium scent.

About the No7 Pro Artist Runway Radiance Primer

The No7 Pro Artist Runway Radiance Primer is designed to prep skin for makeup while delivering lasting hydration and a healthy glow. It claims to smooth the complexion, help foundation apply more evenly, and improve makeup longevity throughout the day. No7 says the rich yet lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft, nourished, and perfectly prepped for makeup. It can also be worn alone to give bare skin a radiant finish.

The comparison

Price and packaging

At £19.95, the No7 primer costs less than half the £54 RRP of Bobbi Brown. Even with my discount code at LookFantastic, Bobbi Brown is still double the price of No7. It’s difficult to compare the exact value, as Bobbi Brown gives the product weight in grams while No7 uses millilitres, but No7 may contain slightly more product at this price point. No7 wins on price, easily.

Surprisingly, I think No7 has more luxurious packaging. While I think the design of Bobbi Brown is prettier, more sophisticated, and chic, No7’s tub is weightier, which makes it feel more expensive, whereas the Bobbi Brown tub is lighter and made from plastic.

Ingredients

The two primers have a lot in common. Both contain glycerin, squalane, shea butter, panthenol, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E, giving them a similar combination of hydrating, moisturising, and skin-conditioning ingredients.

There are some differences, though. Bobbi Brown contains acetyl glucosamine and uses ascorbyl glucoside as its vitamin C derivative, while No7 uses ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and includes dimethicone, which helps give the primer a smooth, silky texture.

Overall, the INCI lists are surprisingly similar, particularly when it comes to the ingredients that hydrate, moisturise, and condition the skin.

Texture and application

While both primers have a lovely, rich, moisturiser-like texture, I prefer the consistency of the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. It’s more nourishing and luxuriously smooth, giving my skin an instant glow and making it feel noticeably softer. I could easily get away with using it as a moisturiser by itself. No7 is also creamy and hydrating, but feels more like a traditional primer and doesn’t deliver quite the same radiance or smoothing effect.

Both primers melt into the skin effortlessly, leave my skin feeling soft, and don’t feel greasy or heavy. Bobbi Brown simply delivers a more luxurious experience.

On application, both primers have a fruity and botanical scent. Interestingly, No7 describes its fragrance as having the same grapefruit and geranium scent profile as Bobbi Brown, which I can definitely pick up when using them side by side. The Bobbi Brown fragrance is more noticeable and smells particularly premium, but the No7 scent is much subtler and doesn’t linger either.

The 8-hour wear test

Most importantly, is there any difference in how well my makeup lasted, how it applied over each primer, or the overall finish? I put them to the test with an 8-hour wear test.

For this wear test, I put No7 on one side of my face and Bobbi Brown on the other, as labelled below. I kept the rest of my skincare and makeup exactly the same, didn’t touch up with setting powder or reapply any makeup, and took the photos in artificial lighting to keep the conditions as consistent as possible.

See the results below:

Honestly, in both the before and after photos, I don’t think there’s any difference between the 2 primers. Both have an equally smooth, satin finish in the before photo. Makeup applied smoothly over both primers, with no cakiness or pilling. No7 felt grippier, whereas Bobbi Brown felt more hydrating, but this had no impact on the final look.

As for lasting power, my t-zone is always the culprit for becoming oily, particularly on my nose and cheeks. I couldn’t tell any difference between the Bobbi Brown and No7 sides.There’s noticeable shine on both sides of my face, and my base makeup looks equally as patchy and worn down.

Key differences between the primers

Is the No7 primer a good dupe for the Bobbi Brown primer? The verdict

The No7 Pro Artist Runway Radiance Primer is a very good dupe for the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Bobbi Brown still wins for me on the overall experience: it has a more luxurious texture, feels more nourishing on the skin, and gives me a smoother, more radiant finish. But No7 comes remarkably close, particularly when you consider the huge difference in price.

The two primers also share many of the same key ingredients, and even have the same grapefruit and geranium scent profile, although No7’s fragrance is much more subtle.

But the real test was how they performed under makeup, and this is where No7 really impressed me.

After 8 hours, I couldn’t see a meaningful difference between the two sides of my face. Makeup had broken down to a similar extent, my T-zone was equally shiny, and both sides still had a smooth satin finish. No7 also applied makeup just as well as Bobbi Brown, despite feeling slightly grippier on the skin.

Bobbi Brown will always have a special place in my heart because it feels like such a beautiful skincare and makeup hybrid. But if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, I’d have no hesitation recommending No7. It doesn’t completely replicate the luxurious feel of Bobbi Brown, but it delivers remarkably similar results where it matters most: underneath your makeup.

The post Is this £19.95 dupe as good as the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base? A side-by-side comparison appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Rhode and Merit are two of the most popular ‘clean girl’ beauty brands out there.

Merit is known for its dewy, buildable, and minimalist formulas that cater to busy people and those who prefer a more natural look. Founded by Hailey Bieber, Rhode is a highly successful brand adored for its barrier-repairing skincare products and hydrating makeup staples that promote healthy-looking skin.

Both brands have cream stick blushes that have become cult classics in the makeup community. They’re pretty similar, so I decided to put the Merit Flush Balm and Rhode Pocket Blush to the test to find out which dewy formula is the best.

*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*

Need-to-knows

Before I delve into this comparison, I wanted to give you a rundown of how I tested the stick blushes. I’ve got combination skin with mild rosacea. Whenever I swatched or applied either product, I kept everything else as similar as possible for a true comparison. This includes the majority of my skin prep, makeup products, the brush I used to apply the products, and the time of day. When I tested the cream blushes, the weather was warm, so this could impact the longevity.

About the Merit Flush Balm

The Merit Flush Balm is a vegan and cruelty-free cream blush. It claims to be buildable, glowy, last all day, and never feel cakey or greasy. Merit says its blush stick is suitable for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin. Available in 13 shades, with a good range of colours for all skin tones, the blush costs £26 for 9g. Merit is Leaping Bunny-approved.

About the Rhode Pocket Blush

The Rhode Pocket Blush is a vegan and cruelty-free cream blush. It promises to be hydrating, deliver a radiant satin finish, be lightweight, and stay put all day. Rhode says this formula melts on smoothly, never feels greasy, and leaves you with baby-soft cheeks. Available in 13 shades, with a wide range of colours for all skin tones, the blush costs £25 for 5.3g. Rhode is Leaping Bunny-approved.

The comparison

Price and packaging

Merit wins on price, as it costs £26 for 9g, whereas Rhode costs £25 for 5.3g. That means you’re getting almost double the amount of product in the Merit Flush Balm for just about the same price.

However, I slightly prefer the Rhode Pocket Blush’s packaging. The lid feels sturdier, I like the sleek cylinder tube, and it looks modern. Both are very lightweight, though, making them perfect for travelling.

Shade range

Both cream blushes come in 13 shades. Rhode and Merit offer a great range of shades, from baby pinks and warm terracottas to deep berries, soft peaches, and cool mauves. I think Rhode offers a better range of colours for deeper complexions, whereas Merit has a more extensive range of soft neutral tones.

Swatches

The swatches below were done on the back of my hand. I swatched the shade Fox (a warm taupe) from Merit Beauty and the shade Sleepy Girl (a soft mauve) from Rhode below. This photo is completely unedited and taken in natural light.

While the shades are obviously different, you can also see some noticeable differences in formula. Rhode is more pigmented, smoother, and offers a satin sheen. Merit is much dewier, less pigmented, and balmier.

Formula and application

For this review, I applied both blush sticks by swiping some product on the back of my hand first, dipping an angled brush into the blush on the back of my hand to coat the bristles evenly, and then using the brush in tapping motions to distribute the blush across my cheeks.

I prefer applying the Rhode Pocket Blush using this method. The blush applies smoothly, blends effortlessly, and you can build pigmentation to your desired level. It doesn’t disturb any complexion products underneath and leaves you with an even pop of colour. It’s also very easy to buff the edges out for a soft, diffused look.

When I applied the Merit Flush Balm using this method, it applied patchily and took a fair bit of working into the skin for even coverage. As I blended this blush into my skin, it started to disturb my foundation underneath. Because this formula is very creamy, it’s easy to blend the product into nothingness. I think this blush works better when applied directly to the cheeks and blended out using a brush.

Overall, I prefer the smoother, versatile, and creamy consistency of Rhode’s cream blush, as it doesn’t slip around on the skin.

Makeup looks

I did a makeup look with both cream blushes so you can see what they look like on the skin. For this, I used the same primer, foundation, concealer, setting spray, and setting powder.

See what they look like on the skin below:

For my Merit makeup look, it’s just the blush applied directly on top of primer, foundation, concealer, setting spray, and setting powder. For my Rhode makeup look, as well as the same complexion products, I’m also wearing bronzer and highlighter.

I think both look nice on the skin. Rhode is more pigmented, satin, and smooth, whereas Merit is more natural and subtle. On the cheeks, Merit is nowhere near as glowy as the swatch. However, I think if you applied the Merit blush with your fingertips or directly onto your cheeks, it would be more radiant.

Personally, I prefer the seamless look of the Rhode Pocket Blush. I love how versatile it is, and it’s completely foolproof. If you apply too much, you can buff it out so it looks softer.

Longevity

The Rhode Pocket Blush has better lasting power than the Merit Flush Balm. After 8 hours, the Rhode blush has minimal fading and still looks smooth and even. In the same amount of time, the Merit blush fades significantly.

Key differences between Merit Flush Balm and Rhode Pocket Blush

The biggest difference between the Rhode Pocket Blush and Merit Flush Balm comes down to performance. Rhode delivers a smoother, more pigmented formula with better longevity and easier application, while Merit offers a sheerer, more natural finish and significantly better value for money thanks to its larger size. Both are lightweight, travel-friendly cream blushes with 13 shades, but they’ll appeal to different makeup preferences.

Which dewy blush balm is the best? The verdict

I like both the Merit Flush Balm and Rhode Pocket Blush. They have different strengths, with Rhode being more pigmented, smooth, and long-wearing and Merit being creamier, more natural, and better value for money.

The Rhode Pocket Blush is my favourite overall. I love how seamless it is to work with, the lit-from-within finish, and the fact it doesn’t disturb base makeup. While it’s more expensive, because it’s also more pigmented, you don’t need as much product, which makes it last that bit longer.

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I’m willing to spend a lot of money on luxury beauty products if they deliver tangible, high-quality results. If it means you end up using less product, the product is more effective, and you see and feel real benefits, then I believe it’s worth the investment. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t find amazing, affordable products, but sometimes you can tell the difference in quality by spending more £££.

But £104 for the Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops is very expensive. Even half the price would be a premium cost, and I’ve never spent anywhere close to £100 on a foundation before. However, this foundation has received so many glowing reviews, with plenty of people calling it their holy grail foundation and insisting it’s worth the money, that I was intrigued. Plus, Victoria Beckham Beauty does my favourite powder bronzer and pencil eyeliner, so I was confident the foundation would, at the very minimum, be a lovely formula.

Is the Victoria Beckham Beauty foundation worth the high-end £104 price tag, or is it simply extortionate? This honest review tells you everything you need to know, with swatches and a wear test.

*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 the Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops

The Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops is a skincare-infused foundation created in collaboration with premium skincare brand Augustinus Bader. Available in 19 shades spanning fair to deep skin tones, it offers light-to-medium, buildable coverage with a natural, skin-like finish and a soft, luminous sheen.

At the centre of the formula is Augustinus Bader’s TFC8® technology, a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and natural molecules that the brand says helps support the skin’s natural renewal processes by delivering active ingredients more effectively. It is used with the intention of helping guide active ingredients into the skin, where it is linked to supporting repair and improving overall skin condition over time.

Alongside this, the formula features squalane and jojoba oil, which provide lightweight hydration and help the product sit comfortably on the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin for a plumper, more hydrated look. Echinacea extract is included for its soothing properties, helping to reduce the look of redness and support a more even appearance.

The foundation retails for £104 for 30ml.

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops Light 4 swatch

I got the Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops in the shade Light 4, which is described as light with neutral undertones. Here’s a swatch on the back of my hand:

The shade description is accurate, as this is a truly neutral undertone, without leaning too warm or too cool. It’s a near-perfect match for my complexion.

The wear test: 10 hours

To test how well this premium foundation wears throughout the day, I did a 10-hour wear test. I took a photo as soon as I’d applied the foundation, 4 hours after, and 10 hours after.

I’ve got combination skin with an oily t-zone. My nose always goes shiny throughout the day, no matter what makeup I’m wearing. I applied the Victoria Beckham foundation on top of the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer.

I completed the wear test on a hot day when I was busy and active. At the 4-hour mark, I applied more setting powder to my t-zone, as I was attending a wedding and wanted my makeup to look its best.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the same room when taking these photos, so the lighting is different for each photo. In the final photo, I had to take this under the spotlights in my living room, as there was no natural lighting.

I took all of these photos using the back camera on my iPhone, without flash.

Here’s how the Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops wore throughout the day:

4 hours after application, my t-zone had become a little oily, so I used setting powder to keep my base fresh. However, after 10 hours, the majority of the foundation had worn off my nose and was largely off the inner part of my cheeks, chin, and a bit from my forehead.

Despite the hot weather and being busy, the foundation wore brilliantly. On the areas of my skin that aren’t oily, the foundation hardly budged at all. It still felt fresh after 10 hours, which is very impressive.

Below, I’ll discuss my overall thoughts on the foundation and whether it’s worth £104.

Honest Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops: Is it worth £104?

Packaging

The bottle looks lovely. It’s premium and chic, with a sleek black bottle and contrasting blue-topped lid. However, the bottle doesn’t feel expensive. It’s made from plastic and is quite lightweight – something I associate more with affordable products. For example, the Haus Labs and Pat McGrath Labs foundations feel more premium and weighty. For the price point, I’d expect more luxurious packaging.

Having said that, I love the dispenser. It has a thin nozzle, so, when you squeeze the bottle, you can control how much product comes out. This means no product goes to waste, it’s easy to use, and you can dispense more foundation when you need it.

Formula, coverage, and application

One of my favourite elements of this foundation is its formula. The Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops has a runny, fluid consistency, which makes applying and blending this foundation flexible and seamless. Unlike thick foundations, which can take a lot of working into the skin, this formula buffs effortlessly into the skin with a brush, your fingertips, or a beauty blender.

As the foundation is runny, you can build the coverage in thin layers, so it never looks patchy. You can really play around with the level of coverage of this foundation too. It initially provides light-medium coverage, but you could easily work up to full coverage by buffing more product into your skin.

I personally love applying this foundation with a brush, but it works well with any tool! A beauty blender will give you sheerer coverage, whereas using your fingertips will give you fuller coverage.

How it looks on the skin

My favourite part about this foundation is the finish. It has a gorgeous skin-like finish, with a natural luminosity that mimics healthy, smooth skin. I’m obsessed with how subtly radiant, even, and smooth this makes my skin look! It’s my skin but better.

Importantly, this foundation smooths over pores, dry patches, and fine lines without emphasising texture. It also does a great job of concealing redness and pigmentation. If you’re someone who likes light coverage, you could use a concealer to subtly cover any redness or dark patches on your skin for an even more natural look.

Comfort and wear

This is a very comfortable foundation to wear. Although my t-zone became oily during my wear test, the rest of my foundation stayed intact, fresh, and comfortable, with very little fading and no patchiness. It’s breathable, and once applied, it barely feels like you’re wearing foundation at all.

The foundation slightly oxidises. It’s barely noticeable, but on my skin tone it became a bit darker after a couple of minutes.

Importantly, this foundation layers gorgeously with other makeup products. My usual concealer, setting spray, setting powder, bronzer, blush, and highlighter all blended beautifully with this foundation, with zero pilling, transfer, or muddiness.

The skincare claims and value

In terms of the skincare benefits of this foundation, I agree that the foundation is hydrating, plumping, and smoothing. But when it comes to repairing my skin and improving its overall condition, I’ve not noticed any difference. However, I don’t often wear makeup, so it’s not like I’m using this foundation every day to monitor any benefits from daily use.

As for value, this foundation delivers high-quality results. It has a beautiful skin-like finish, layers gorgeously, wears well throughout the day, feels comfortable, and offers flexible coverage. I think you’d be hard pushed to find similar results from a drugstore foundation.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Conclusion

The Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops is a beautiful high-end complexion product that gives your skin a stunning radiant finish while feeling breathable and comfortable all day. If you like natural-looking, buildable foundations, this one is brilliant, it’s one of the best I’ve tried.

While the formula is excellent, I’m not convinced the performance is dramatically better than foundations costing half the price.

However, if you’re willing to spend over £100 on a luxury foundation, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the results. It’s a stunning formula.

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For the latest post in my battle of the brands series, I’m ranking my bullet lipsticks collection to tell you which is my all-time fave.

My battle of the brands series is where I rank my makeup collection by a specific product type. From foundations and bronzers to lip liners and brow products, battle of the brands is my ultimate makeup collection rating, so you can see my holy grail products.

Starting from my least favourite product and working my way up to my number 1 product in any given category, this is the fastest way to see my thoughts on my makeup collection. I’ve previously ranked my contours, cream blushes, mascaras, skin tints and tinted moisturisers, lip glosses, brow products, and more.

Find out which bullet lipstick is my fave in terms of colour, formula, longevity, comfort, and application.

*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*

20. Avon Ultra Satin Lipstick

£6

This Avon Ultra Satin Lipstick is quite nice. It glides on easily, imparts a natural flush of colour, and is comfortable. I like the nude pink shade, as it’s soft and subtle. However, I never reach for this formula as it wears off within a couple of hours. IMO, it’s obvious this isn’t a high-quality lipstick.

19. Colourpop Velvet Blur Lipstick

Discontinued

The Colourpop Velvet Blur Lipstick is cute. It delivers a blurred lip and can really change your makeup look. However, this pink lip shade is way more vibrant on the lips than it is in the bullet. The shade doesn’t suit me, and, despite being comfortable and wearing quite well, I just never reach for it. The formula is good, but nothing special.

18. e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick

Discontinued

For a drugstore lipstick, the e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick is nice. It’s smooth, creamy, comfortable, and delivers medium pigmentation. I like this cool-toned brown nude. It’s wearable and works with a good range of neutral- and cool-toned makeup looks. I just don’t reach for this formula often, as there are other ones in my collection that perform better.

17. Milani Color Fetish Shine Lipstick

£12.50

The Milani Color Fetish Shine Lipstick is a lovely drugstore option for a smooth, satin lipstick. This one is surprisingly pigmented for a shiny formula. It’s not particularly balmy, but the shiny nature of this lipstick means it wears off within a few hours. But the formula glides on, feels comfortable, and gives lips a hydrated and smooth finish. The colour is quite intense, so I don’t reach for it regularly.

16. Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle

Discontinued

The Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle is a classic matte lipstick. Very long-wearing, fantastic colour payoff, and a range of rich, impactful shades. These have been discontinued, and I can largely see why. Fenty Beauty’s other lipstick formulas are better. The Mattemoiselle formula is fairly drying and can cling to lip texture, which isn’t flattering. However, the Mattemoiselle range had some great orange-toned shades, which are typically hard to find. They also wear exceptionally well without budging.

15. Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lipstick

£24

The Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lipstick offers medium, buildable pigmentation, a pretty range of nude shades, and feels smooth and comfortable on the lips. It delivers a satin matte finish that looks natural and glides on the lips effortlessly. But it fades fairly quickly. While I think this formula is nice, for a mid-to-high-end lipstick, the quality doesn’t blow me away. There are better lipsticks out there that cost less. I’m also not a massive fan of the shade Natasha. It washes me out and looks quite grey, even though the bullet itself doesn’t look cool-toned. It’s one I have to pair with a gloss to make the colour work for my complexion.

14. Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick

£8.99

The Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick is an underrated drugstore satin, shiny formula. Although the shade Baddest Beige doesn’t appear to be stocked anymore, I love how effortlessly this formula slips on. It’s creamy, hydrating, smoothing, and makes lips instantly look fuller and plumper. Baddest Beige is a gorgeous neutral light beige that pairs well with loads of lip liners and is ideal for when you want a more washed-out lip look. I sometimes pair it with a darker gloss on top for a richer colour, which looks so pretty. Being shiny, it wears off within a few hours, which is the downside.

13. HNB Cosmetics Creamy Soft Satin Lipstick

£14

The HNB Cosmetics Creamy Soft Satin Lipstick is a smooth and moisturising formula. This is a nude lipstick range and is perfect if you want an elevated concealer lip look. It blends easily and can be blurred for a softer finish. However, this lipstick can feel a bit heavy on the lips and wears off quickly. But I love the finished look.

12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick

Discontinued

While Anastasia Beverly Hills still makes matte lipsticks, the specific Matte Lipsticks I own from the brand have been discontinued. It’s a shame because while these lipsticks are a bit on the dry side, I love the shade range. I own a soft petal pink, peachy nude, and rosy brown, which are all gorgeous and wearable. As this formula is a bit drier, the lipsticks also have great lasting power and do not budge once applied. There are better matte lipsticks on the market, though.

11. Chanel Rouge Allure

£42

I’ve had this Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in my collection for years and still think fondly of it. This is a classic Chanel red in a vibrant, slightly luminous, and comfortable formula. It glides on seamlessly, stays put for hours, and doesn’t cling to any dry patches on the lips. Despite being a great lipstick, I prefer ones that are smoother, creamier, and more hydrating.

10. Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick

£29.90

The Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick is one of the most pigmented satin lipsticks I’ve tried. With a lovely shine, this lipstick delivers an intense, saturated colour. It’s silky, creamy, and wears surprisingly well for a satin finish. It will stay put for a good 6 hours with minimal top-up required. This is really flattering too, as it doesn’t look dull or dry on the lips.

9. Pat McGrath Labs LuxeTrance Lipstick

Discontinued

The Pat McGrath Labs LuxeTrance Lipstick has been discontinued. It’s a shame because the formula is lovely. It’s velvety, richly pigmented, and feels expensive. The lipstick is creamy, offers a slight sheen, and doesn’t budge, flake, or transfer throughout the day. It wears all day and night. Plus, it’s pretty hydrating and feels lightweight on the lips. I don’t reach for this lipstick often, but I still really like it.

8. Chanel Rouge Coco

£43

Chanel Rouge Coco is a gorgeous satin lipstick. This formula offers medium, buildable colour payoff, a gorgeous creamy formula, smooth application, and a flattering sheen. My lips feel hydrated, comfortable, and nourished. It wears well, lasting a good 4 hours before needing any sort of reapplication. This lipstick feels effortlessly chic, timeless, and sophisticated. It’s a stunning rosewood mauve that looks good with every makeup look.

7. Glossier Generation G

£20

Glossier Generation G is the most unique formula in this post. This lipstick provides a distinct, blurred, diffused, and soft-edged lip look that gives your lips a cloud-like finish. It’s completely weightless and provides a smooth flush of colour that looks as though it’s your actual lip colour. I own the shade Zip, which is a stunning poppy red that is wearable, dialled down, and reminiscent of a warm summer’s evening. I love this formula.

6. Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour

£27

The Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour is the most long-wearing lipstick in this post, lasting up to 10 hours without budging, smudging, fading, or flaking. I’ve got the shade Velvet Ribbon, which is the classic pillarbox red. This is a neutral/blue-red that suits everybody. If I want a statement red lip that’s vivid, bold, and makes my lips look smooth and full, this is the one I reach for. The formula is creamy, velvety, moisturising, and non-drying. It never looks dull or flat.

5. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick

Discontinued

I was surprised to learn that the Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick has been discontinued, as the formula and shade are gorgeous. It’s a neutral-toned soft nude pink in a formula that’s creamy and nourishing. My lips feel silky and smooth when I’ve applied this lippie, while delivering a natural matte finish that doesn’t look flat, dull, or one-dimensional. This is the lipstick I go for when I want a reliable shade that looks good with everything and a formula that wears well without fading patchily.

4. MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick

£25

The MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick is perhaps the most iconic matte lipstick in this post. I still own the older version of this formula, but it has since been upgraded to a newer, silkier, and smoother consistency. My version is perhaps a little bit on the dry side, but this is completely forgiven, as this cult classic does not budge, wears for 8 hours without fading, and has the best shade range on the market. MAC’s matte nudes provide a brilliant array of undertones to ensure you can find a colour that works for your complexion. MAC Chili is my fave red lipstick of all time – a warm brick red that’s wearable, flattering, and versatile.

3. Tom Ford Lip Colour

£49

The Tom Ford Lip Colour is my fave satin lipstick of all time. These lippies are insanely pigmented, offering rich, multi-dimensional colours that look and feel expensive. While £49 is a lot of money for a lipstick, this formula is a standout. The colours are creamy, glide on in just 1 swipe, feel comfortable, and stay vivid on my lips for hours and hours. The shine reflects the light beautifully to ensure your lips look smooth, plump, and full. If I’m after a bold lip look that’s sure to get compliments, this formula is my go-to.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution

£29.50

The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution is my number 1 matte lipstick. This offers everything I want in a matte formula: long-wearing, creamy, hydrating, matte but not flat, non-drying, comfortable, easy to apply, buildable, and transfer-proof. Pillow Talk is the ultimate nude pink lipstick that I reach for time and time again. There’s a reason why this shade is universally loved and revered! It always looks phenomenal and works with so many different makeup looks. This formula makes lips look soft and kissable. I’m obsessed and will always repurchase it.

1. MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

£25

The MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick is my favourite bullet lipstick formula. It’s shiny, smoothing, nourishing, flattering, pigmented, buildable, comfortable, has good lasting power, and makes lips look juicy and plump. While this satin formula isn’t as long-lasting as its matte counterpart, I just love the sheen and visible hydration that this formula imparts. It always makes lips look conditioned with a rich, creamy colour that can be dialled up or down, depending on your mood. Of course, MAC’s shade range is to die for, with everything from flesh-toned beiges and mid-toned plums to reddish browns and dusty lavenders. I can’t praise this formula enough and am always looking at new colours from this beautiful range. It’s just the best.

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Indie makeup brands create some of the most exciting, fun, imaginative, and unique products on the market. Driven by passion and a desire to make waves in the makeup industry, these brands often fill a gap in the market and deliver some of the best and most inspired formulations.

This post highlights 9 of the best indie makeup brands to check out right now, including Tower 28, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Half Magic, and Saie.

*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*

What is an indie makeup brand?

An indie makeup brand (short for independent makeup brand) is a beauty company that operates without the backing of a major parent corporation. Instead of being owned by conglomerates like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, or Coty, indie brands are typically founded and run by individuals or small teams with a strong creative vision.

Indie beauty companies often start small, building loyal followings through social media, artistry, or word of mouth. Many are founded by makeup artists, influencers, or entrepreneurs who want to bring something different to the industry. Indie brands typically champion individuality, creativity, and a direct connection with their customers. They’re known for listening closely to their communities, innovating, and shaping beauty trends rather than simply following them.

The best indie makeup brands

1. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Get 15% off Danessa Myricks Beauty at Sephora with SARAHSSPH. Shop here.

Danessa Myricks Beauty was founded by self-taught makeup artist Danessa Myricks, whose early frustrations with makeup that didn’t work for deeper or textured skin inspired her to build her own line. Starting in 2015, Danessa leveraged her experience as a makeup artist and educator to create products that empower creative expression and inclusivity, especially for underrepresented skin tones.

The brand quickly became known for multi-functional, unique, and highly pigmented formulations, such as the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, a TikTok sensation that can be used as a primer, foundation, or finishing powder to blur pores, reduce excess oiliness and shine, and leave skin with a smooth and soft matte finish. Danessa Myricks Beauty’s eyeshadow palettes are also well known for offering insane colour payoff, the most gorgeous sparkly duochromes, and shades you won’t find anywhere else.

The Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint is one of my fave skin tints, as it blends the benefits of skincare with glowy makeup for a buildable, natural, and sheer base.

2. Half Magic

Half Magic comes from makeup artist Doniella “Donni” Davy, best known for her Emmy-winning work designing the expressive makeup aesthetic on Euphoria. Launched in 2022, Half Magic encapsulates the show’s bold, glitter-infused looks but is built as a standalone beauty brand for anyone who wants to explore makeup playfully. The brand’s ethos is about self-expression and “wearing your heart on your face,” attracting devotees of statement colour and whimsical beauty. If you adore shimmery, playful, and out-there makeup looks, Half Magic is a must-try!

Wing Magician is one of the brand’s most inventive products: a silicone, star-shaped tool that enables you to draw a perfect and symmetrical eyeliner wing, every single time. Glitterpuck is a viral glitter that can be used on your eyes, face, and body, giving a wet-looking and multidimensional sparkle.

The brand’s Eyeshadow Single in Blushing Lizard is one of the best duochromes in my collection, which shifts from mauve taupe to blue. 

3. Saie

Saie was founded in 2019 by Laney Crowell, a beauty blogger and former Estée Lauder and StyleCaster communicator who saw a gap for clean, effective makeup that also supports skin health. Pronounced “say,” Saie blends makeup with skincare benefits. Cult favourites include the Glowy Super Gel, a fluid gel highlighter that provides lit-from-within luminosity, and Dew Blush, a dewy and seamlessly blendable blush that moisturises and provides a flush of colour.

Saie’s minimal, effortless aesthetic reflects its mission to make beauty feel intuitive and skin-friendly without sacrificing performance. I’m a huge fan of the Glowy Super Gel and frequently mix it with my foundation for a radiant – but never greasy – complexion boost.

4. Tower 28

Tower 28 was created by Amy Liu, a beauty industry veteran and eczema sufferer who wanted makeup that truly worked on sensitive skin. The brand’s name nods to a Santa Monica lifeguard tower — representing inclusivity, community, and care. From its 2019 launch, Tower 28 has emphasised non-irritating formulas that adhere to the National Eczema Association’s strict guidelines, making it a go-to for those with sensitive skin.

Its best-known products — Swipe Serum Concealer, MakeWaves Mascara, and LipSoftie Tinted Lip Treatment — blur the lines between makeup and skincare with nourishing, easy-to-wear finishes. The overall style is fresh and subtly radiant, perfect for minimalistic beauty with skin-first performance.

Tower 28’s ShineOn Lip Jelly blends a shiny lip gloss with the pigmentation of a lipstick for a nourished, non-sticky lip colour that’s wearable. I love it!

5. Made by Mitchell

Made by Mitchell was founded in 2020 by British makeup artist Mitchell Halliday, who built the brand around bold, vibrant products that resonate with a digitally native beauty community. The brand gained massive traction through TikTok, where its viral releases — particularly the cult-favorite Blursh Liquid Blusher — helped it rapidly grow into a breakout indie sensation.

Made by Mitchell’s ethos centres on creativity, inclusivity, and expressive colour, offering affordable palettes, blushes, highlighters, and beauty cases that channel the founder’s dynamic, theatrical makeup approach. Its community-driven content and bold aesthetic have defined it as a youthful, trend-forward indie makeup brand.

The Curve Case is hailed as a must-have product for makeup artists, as its compact, travel-friendly design and multi-purpose cream colours can be used on the eyes, lips, and face to sculpt and add a pop of healthy colour to any makeup look.

6. Kaleidos

Kaleidos was founded by beauty blogger Zoey Pu alongside Tony Chen and Mark Henry, driven by a shared desire to make makeup celebrate individuality and creative self-expression. Frustrated with mainstream beauty’s conformity, they built a brand rooted in playful, bold colour and fearless experimentation. Kaleidos champions authenticity and eccentricity — its name evokes the shifting mosaic of a kaleidoscope, reflecting ever-evolving beauty and diverse identities. The brand’s lineup features vibrant eyeshadow palettes, distinctive multichrome highlighters, and formulations that encourage users to define beauty on their own terms.

If you love multichrome products and out-of-this-world shades, Kaleidos is exceptional. The Space Age Highlighter offers otherworldly shifts that look mystical, while the brand’s Eyeliner delivers saturated melt-on multichromes for disruptive and bold makeup looks.

7. Kulfi

Kulfi was launched in 2021 by Priyanka Ganjoo, a former corporate beauty executive who felt South Asian consumers were underrepresented in beauty. The brand’s name nods to the colourful South Asian frozen dessert, symbolising joy and cultural pride. Kulfi focuses on inclusive shade ranges and culturally inspired products such as kajal eyeliners, long-wear concealers, and richly pigmented blushes — all crafted to honour diverse undertones and expressive play. Its aesthetic blends heritage and modern fun, aiming to make beauty feel accessible, joyful, and reflective of varied cultural identities.

The Badi Lash Mascara, a tubing mascara that supports lash health and doesn’t flake; Underlined Kajal Liner, a smudge-proof pencil liner that offers intense, long-lasting colour; and Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil, a unique formula that applies as a lip oil but leaves behind a matte lip tint, are some of Kulfi’s bestsellers.

8. EM Cosmetics

EM Cosmetics is the makeup brand of beauty pioneer Michelle Phan, one of the earliest and most influential beauty vloggers on YouTube. Built with Michelle’s community in mind, EM Cosmetics focuses on empowering users at any skill level with standout basics and innovative formulations. Its philosophy emphasises dermatologist-tested products designed to enhance natural features. EM Cosmetics helps people tell their own beauty stories confidently, blending artistry with accessible, everyday makeup formulas.

Among the brand’s staples are the Color Drops Serum Blush, which gives the most gorgeous dewy flush of colour while feeling hydrating, and the Daydream Cushion Foundation SPF, a buildable cloud-like cushion foundation that smooths imperfections and blemishes but still looks like skin.

9. Karla Cosmetics

Karla Cosmetics is a UK-based indie makeup brand focused on rich pigments crafted to inspire confidence and creative expression. Founded by Karla, the brand prides itself on insanely shimmery eyeshadow pigments and whimsical colour stories. The style is bold and expressive, with an emphasis on individuality and standout eye looks, particularly with stunning duochromes and multichromes. Handmade elements and a commitment to safety and compliance reflect Karla’s dedication to quality.

Want to try a one-of-a-kind pastel rainbow multichrome eyeshadow? Check out the Velvet Dreams Opal Multichrome Pressed Eyeshadow. Looking for your duochrome and multichrome shadows to pop? Try the Eclipse Shadow Potion Paint with a black base.

The post 9 of the best indie makeup brands to check out appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

As 2025 is over, I’m sharing some of the best hair, skincare, body, fragrance, and makeup products from the year.

These are the products that I’m reaching for the most. They improve the look and feel of my skin, add lots of volume and body to my hair, facilitate gorgeous makeup looks, and ensure I smell incredible all day long. I had a hard time narrowing down this list to my faves, as I tried loads of excellent products in 2025, but here are my beauty must-haves.

*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*

The Valentino Born In Roma Donna Extradose Parfum (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is a gorgeous perfume. With notes of vanilla, jasmine, cassis accord, and rhum accord, this perfume is sweet, slightly floral, and romantic. It’s elegant and is the type of perfume you can wear for any occasion, as it’s not overpowering. This perfume lasts all day without fading. I’m obsessed.

The Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre is one of my favourite shimmery single eyeshadows. They’re creamy, insanely pigmented, easy to blend, and come in a beautiful range of shades. You can pack on intense colour to your eyelids by using your fingertips, or use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to diffuse the colour for a softer shimmery look. From golden olive and warm rose gold to navy blue and silver chrome, the shades look expensive. These are perfect ‘one and done’ shadows that deliver incredible results every time. I frequently reach for them.

The Redken Volume Injection Shampoo (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is one of the best shampoos for adding volume and lift to my hair. This shampoo makes my hair look fuller and thicker, while preventing my scalp from getting oily as quickly. A little bit of product goes a long way.

The Redken Volume Injection Conditioner (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is an excellent conditioner for adding volume to my scalp without weighing my hair down or making it greasy. This conditioner ensures my hair stays moisturised and healthy, all while giving it extra body.

The Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner and Moisturiser (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is my fave milky toner. It adds moisture, hydration, and dewiness to my skin instantly, without making my skin oily. This toner instantly refreshes my skin; it’s a cheat code to healthy skin in a bottle and absolutely worth the hype.

The Sculpted by Aimee LashLift has quickly become one of my fave mascaras. It adds effortless length and lift to my lashes without looking clumpy or flaking. It’s pretty smudge-proof, too. I love that the formula is lightweight, separates lashes, and delivers length with just 1 coat. I’ve got this mascara in Ultra-Black and Rich Brown, and both shades are stunning.

The Wavytalk Blowout Boost (25% off with Sarah25) is my first foray into thermal brushes, and I wish I’d tried it sooner. This heated brush allows you to easily get a ’90s blowout hairstyle, add volume to your hair, or get smooth waves. It heats up quickly and allows you to get salon-worthy results at home. Obsessed.

The Rhode Pocket Blush is a beautiful and versatile formula. Whether you apply the blush directly to your cheeks and lips, use a brush, or use your fingertips, it will blend easily and never look overdone. I find this blush works best when warmed on the back of my hand, and then using a brush to pick up the product from my hand and diffuse across my cheeks. This blush has a soft matte, skin-like finish that gives skin a natural flush of colour. The shade range is gorgeous. Sleepy Girl (a soft mauve) and Toasted Teddy (a bronze terracotta) are my go-to shades.

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is fantastic. This cleanser makes my skin feel clean, fresh, hydrated, and smooth after use. As the exfoliation comes in a cleanser form, this is more tolerable for sensitive skin, as the formula is washed off your skin, which makes it great for those looking to introduce an exfoliator into their skincare routine without damaging their skin’s barrier. This cleanser foams easily, so a little bit of product goes a long way. My complexion looks brighter and more even after using this cleanser.

The Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum is an expensive and innovative serum that’s worth the money. It contains skin-loving ingredients like ferulic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to smooth, brighten, and moisturise the skin. It’s also designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since using this serum, my skin looks more radiant and feels firmer.

The Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. UVMUNE SPF50 Cream is one of my fave moisturisers in recent years. It’s rich, luxurious, and thick. Yet, despite being ultra-nourishing, it never feels heavy or greasy. Instead, it melts into the skin easily and provides long-lasting hydration. Some moisturisers containing SPF feel like they never absorb into the skin and just sit on top in a heavy, clogging way. This one smooths into the skin like a breeze, thanks to the plumping peptide complex.

The ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray is perfect for locking makeup into place. If I’m wearing makeup for over 6 hours or want my base to stay perfectly in place, this setting spray is my go-to. It means my makeup won’t budge and will look fresh all day. I love how fine the mister is on this setting spray, as it ensures even distribution of the product across my face.

The Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream balances being lightweight and absorbent, alongside delivering long-lasting nourishment. After using this on my feet, which can get quite dry and cracked after swimming, this helps repair any soreness and soothe dryness for soft, supple skin.

The Jones Road Gel Liner is creamy, which means it doesn’t drag across the eyelids on application or feel drying. It glides on seamlessly and doesn’t budge once applied. The gel liner foolproof to use, as you can achieve smooth, precise lines, without it wobbling or smudging. I’ve got the shade Navy, which adds a subtle touch of colour to eye makeup for a sophisticated look.

The Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry | 48 (15% off at Sephora with SARAHSSPH) has quickly become one of my fave gourmand scents. This cherry fragrance has an elevated and complex fragrance profile, with notes like caramelised praline, patchouli, palo santo, and guaiac wood. On paper, I wouldn’t opt for this perfume, as I don’t tend to like woody fragrances, but this one smells balanced, sophisticated, and not overpowering. I love it.

The Skinfood Rice Brightening Pad (money off YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10) is a toner pad that’s worth investing in. These sumptuous toner pads make skin hydrated, look glowy, and feel refreshed. Rice pore complex helps restore elasticity and tighten the skin, PHA gently exfoliates the skin, and niacinamide helps brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. After using these toner pads, my skin instantly looks and feels better.

The By Beauty Bay Desert Haze 20 Colour Palette is a colour story that instantly stood out to me, with fiery coppers and golds, royal blue, earthy khakis and browns, stunning rose golds, and soft beige sandy tones. Although this palette is cheap, the shadows feel expensive. The mattes are soft and buttery with minimal fallout, while the shimmers are fiercly pigmented and deliver a range of shimmer intensities to create a diverse range of looks. I reach for this palette quite regularly at the moment.

The MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Alone Time is a unique cool-toned lipstick. I don’t always suit cool-toned lipsticks, as they can wash me out and appear greyish on my complexion, but Alone Time is wearable. It’s a pretty mauve brown that will work with just about any neutral or cool-toned makeup look. The formula is smoothing, flattering, sheer, and buildable. It makes lips look glossy and keeps them hydrated. 

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is another excellent milky toner. This formula is richer and more nourishing than the Laneige one in this best beauty products of 2025 list, which makes it ideal for drier skin or in colder weather. The toner is ultra-hydrating and seals in moisture all day. It also makes my skin look radiant, feel soft and smooth, and removes the need for a thick moisturiser.

The Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Glassy Lip + Cheek Stick is perfect for when I want a glossy cheek look. This gorgeous formula blends effortlessly. Whether I’m after a saturated pop of glassy colour or a more subtle flush of colour, this stick blush will work. It removes the need for a highlighter, as it provides a glowy non-shimmery finish, which is flattering and never clings to skin texture. The shade range is phenomenal, offering pretty lilacs, berries, nude browns, peaches, and soft pinks. This is one of my fave blushes of all time.

The TYMO CurlGo is a great styling tool for soft, bouncy curls or silky waves. Although I wish the curls lasted longer, I love the results: elegant, classy curls with minimal effort. The curler does all of the hard work for you, as the barrel auto-rotates your hair in the wand. Once you get the hang of using the device, the CurlGo truly is easy to use.

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever tried. No white cast, no sticky feeling, and it absorbs instantly. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and refreshing. It layers over skincare products without pilling and sits underneath makeup without disturbing it. This SPF50 also has a cooling sensation on application, so it’s refreshing to use on a hot day. I’d repurchase this in an instant.

The post The best beauty products of 2025 appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

It’s time to ditch the makeup wipes – which are terrible for both your skin and the environment – and learn how to remove your makeup properly. This post breaks down how to remove face, lip, and eye makeup like a pro, ensuring your skin is in great condition afterwards.

*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*

Step 1: Get hair out of your face

Begin by getting your hair out of your face by either tying it up or using a skincare headband. The last thing you want is for skincare products to get in your hair while you’re removing makeup. This is also the time to remove any jewellery to ensure it doesn’t get ruined.

Step 2: Use a cleansing balm or oil

The first step of a double cleanse is to use a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to break down any makeup, SPF, dirt, or grease from your skin. These formulas are designed to easily emulsify, lift, and remove any product or oil from your skin, without any irritation. If you’re wearing eye makeup, it’s important to look for formulas that are designed for use around the eyes to avoid any irritation.

To use a cleansing oil, dispense 3-4 pumps of the product into your palms and then massage the oil onto dry skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently massage the formula into your skin. As you do this, you’ll notice your makeup removing and lifting. Then, use water to emulsify the oil so that it (along with any makeup) easily rinses off your skin. If you’re wearing stubborn makeup, you can repeat this process to lift any lingering makeup.

To use a cleansing balm, take a grape-sized amount of product and massage it onto dry skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently massage the formula into your skin. As you do this, you’ll notice your makeup removing and lifting. Then, use water to emulsify the balm so that it (along with any makeup) easily rinses off your skin. If there’s still some makeup left on your skin afterwards, you can repeat this process to remove any remaining makeup.

With both cleansing balms or oils, you can also use a damp muslin cloth to remove your makeup. I find this option less messy than using my hands to remove the emulsified makeup.

Product recommendations:

• The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter
• iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
• Heimish All Clean Balm

Step 3: Use a dedicated eye makeup remover (optional)

If you find that a cleansing balm or oil didn’t remove all of your eye makeup, you can use a dedicated eye makeup remover. Mascara – especially waterproof formulas – can be particularly stubborn, so this optional step can make it easier to remove.

I personally never find a need to use an eye makeup remover, as cleansing balms or oils do an excellent job, but they can make the process more seamless.

Product recommendations:

• Charlotte Tilbury Take It All Off
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover
• Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Step 4: Use a cleansing gel or foam

To remove any residue leftover from your cleansing balm or oil, go in with a sensitive skin-friendly cleansing gel or foam. This is the second step in your double cleansing routine and will ensure your skin is left feeling clean, fresh, soft, and hydrated.

To use a cleansing gel or foam, dispense 2-3 pumps into your palms and apply to damp skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently work the formula into your skin. Then gently splash water onto your skin to rinse off the formula. If your skin feels tight or dry after using a cleansing gel or goam, that means the formula is too harsh or drying for your skin. Opt for formulas that are hydrating, work for sensitive skin, and don’t “bubble up” too much (as they tend to be quite drying).

Product recommendations:

• Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser (SARAHAWC2 for 10% off)
• Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
• KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser 

Step 5: Follow up with your usual skincare routine

After double cleansing, it’s time to follow up with your regular skincare routine, whether that’s applying a toner, serum, moisturiser, facial oil, or SPF (in the daytime). Your makeup should now be thoroughly removed, with your skin left fresh, clean, hydrated, calm, and soft.

The post How to remove makeup properly appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

For the latest post in my battle of the brands series, I’m ranking my entire contour collection to tell you which is my all-time fave.

My battle of the brands series is where I rank my makeup collection by a specific product type. From foundations and bronzers to lip liners and brow products, battle of the brands is my ultimate makeup collection rating, so you can see my holy grail products.

Starting from my least favourite product and working my way up to my number 1 product in any given category, this is the fastest way to see my thoughts on my makeup collection. I’ve previously ranked my cream blushes, mascaras, skin tints and tinted moisturisers, lip glosses, brow products, and more.

Find out which contour is my fave in terms of colour, definition, ease of blending, texture, longevity, and application.

*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*

8. e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand

£10 for 10ml

The e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand is affordable, easy to apply, and glides smoothly onto the skin. For a drugstore contour, it’s pretty good. However, it’s shimmery, which I don’t think works for a contour, as the areas where you create shadows and definition on your face should not be reflective. I also find the shade to be a bit too warm, so I use this as a liquid bronzer instead of a contour wand. It’s fine, but I just don’t reach for it.

7. Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

£26 for 6g

The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour is a cult classic and loved by many. This contour stick is easy to apply, blends seamlessly, and never looks patchy. However, I find the shade too warm for a contour. I love that it doesn’t have an orange undertone, but I’d only ever use this as a bronzer for that reason. Also, I find this contour stick almost too creamy, as it blends into nothingness quickly. I prefer my contours to be a bit firmer, so I can get a more precise application.

6. Illamasqua Gel Sculpt

£25 for 8g

The Illamasqua Gel Sculpt is a great natural contour product. In my full review of this product, I noted that the contour stick has a lovely cooling effect when applied, which is really fun. Despite its ease of application and buffing into the skin, this contour stick is a bit too natural for my liking. It easily blends into nothingness, and I find that any definition I’ve created disappears quickly. Although this is largely due to me not being great at applying contour, but other products in this post work better for me.

5. Peripera V Shading

£11.10 for 9.5g + up to 5% off at YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10

I included the Peripera V Shading compact in my powder bronzers ranking post, as this product works as both a bronzer and a contour due to its neutral hue. This is a gorgeous and affordable powder contour product. The consistency is buttery, smooth, and soft. It blends beautifully without any patchiness. And the compact is very versatile, because the neutral tone means it works with any makeup look. It’s not super pigmented, but it’s great for soft definition across the cheekbones, jawline, side of the nose, and forehead.

4. Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

£37 for 15.8g

I also included the Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo in my powder bronzers ranking post, as this duo contains both a powder bronzer and a cream contour. For this post, I’m focusing on the contour section. This is a stunning contour. It’s cool-toned without looking too grey or ashy, blends like an absolute dream, and is impossible to overdo. It never looks like a strip of colour on my face. Instead, the formula buffs into the skin effortlessly. This is more of a natural contour, but it adds noticeable definition to any makeup look.

3. Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick

£22 for 5.7g

The Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick is a true cool-toned contour, without looking ashy or too grey. This is my favourite product for when I want to add sharp definition, as it creates a realistic matte shadow, which is what you want when you’re trying to sculpt and highlight different areas of your face. This formula is quite stiff and firm, which I love, as when you buff it into the skin, the product doesn’t just disappear. But if you apply too much product, you can just keep blending to get your desired intensity. This contour stick is also the longest-wearing in this post, as the formula doesn’t budge throughout the day.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

£49 for 22.5g

I’ve had the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow for years, and it’s still my favourite powder contour. The powder is so finely milled that it’s buttery soft, blends itself out, and never looks patchy. It doesn’t cling to skin texture and always looks seamless. If I want to contour in a hurry, this is the product I’ll reach for, as the results are excellent every time. This is a fairly neutral contour shade too, so it works with any makeup look. It can be layered for more intense definition or buffed out for soft sculpting of the face. I love it.

1. Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick

£32 for 10.5g

My holy grail contour product is the Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick. This contour stick everything I want: cool-toned without being ashy or dull, easy blending but doesn’t fade away, creamy, doesn’t cling to texture, creates soft or sharp definition, layers seamlessly, never looks patchy, and is super comfortable. I find this contour pretty long-lasting too, despite its soft consistency. It has a gorgeous natural matte finish that never looks or feels dry.

Whether you draw this contour directly onto your face and blend with a brush or beauty sponge, warm the product on the back of your hand and dip a brush or sponge into it, or use a brush and dab it onto the contour then apply the product to your skin, this formula will work. It’s super flexible and forgiving, and you’ll never overdo it. This contour stick is absolutely worth the hype.

The post Battle of the brands: Contour ranking appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I love glowy beauty products. Whether it’s a dewy serum, sparkly duochrome eyeshadow, or luminous complexion product, I’m here for it all.

The recently launched Perricone MD No Makeup Radiant Glow Balm promises to deliver radiance and a sheer wash of colour to the complexion. I’ve tried lots of products from Perricone MD’s No Makeup line, including blushes, bronzers, mascaras, primers, and lip oils. They’re fantastic for creating effortless and natural makeup looks. I had high hopes for the new Glow Balm, as it looked and sounded amazing.

In this review, I share my thoughts on the Perricone MD Glow Balm, including the formula, how long-wearing it is, the shade range, and how easy it is to work with.

Get 20% off Perricone MD products with PMDM20. Shop today!

*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 the Perricone MD Glow Balm

The Perricone MD No Makeup Radiant Glow Balm is a multi-use complexion balm that delivers a sheer wash of colour with a dewy, luminous finish. It comes in 3 shades – Pearl, Cool Rose and Bronze – each adding a soft tint that brightens the skin while still looking natural. It’s fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The formula blends skincare with makeup, featuring vitamin C ester to help brighten and smooth skin, niacinamide to even out skin tone and reduce dullness, and shea butter to nourish skin. With regular use, it’s designed to visibly improve dullness and discolouration over time.

It’s easy to apply. Warm the surface of the balm with your fingertip on first use and tap it onto the cheeks, high points of the face, or anywhere you want extra glow. It works well on bare skin, over makeup, or under makeup, and the shades can be mixed for a customised finish.

The balm normally costs £35 for 35g. Use PMDM20 for 20% off, making the Perricone MD Glow Balm just £28! Shop here.

Perricone MD Radiant Glow Balm swatches

I’ve swatched all 3 shades of the Perricone MD Glow Balm so you can see the depth of colour, differences in colours, radiance, and shimmer. These swatches were done on my bare arm.

Pearl is described as having natural sheer luminosity with opal shimmer. Cool Rose is described as a cool sheen of pink with silver shimmer. Bronze is described as a natural, sheer bronze tint with golden shimmer. See the swatches below.

There isn’t much variation in each shade, as they impart a subtle and soft tint. Pearl is the most shimmery of the 3. The shimmer particles look natural and aren’t big chunks of glitter. Instead, they capture the light beautifully.

Makeup look using the balm highlighter

I created a makeup look using the Perricone MD Glow Balm. I applied Pearl on top of my skincare, but before any makeup products, to add some luminosity to my base. Then I mixed the shades Cool Rose and Bronze and applied them on top of my blush as a tinted highlighter. Here’s how the look turned out:

I’m really pleased with this look. I stuck to autumnal tones and used a blonzer so that the balm could be tapped on top.

In the section below, I delve into more detail as to how easy the balms were to work with, how well they wore throughout the day, and whether they’re must-have products in your makeup collection.

Get 20% off Perricone MD products with PMDM20. Shop today!

Honest Perricone MD Glow Balm review

I’m thoroughly impressed with the Perricone MD Glow Balm.

Firstly, I like the packaging. The balms feel sturdy and luxurious, and the pots mean the accompanying Perricone MD Makeup Brush fits into them perfectly.

I like the texture of the balms. They’re quite solid and not greasy. Instead, when you tap your brush or fingers into the balms and apply them to your face, they don’t slip around.

The formula is hydrating, smoothing, and applies effortlessly. On my skin, the balms feel creamy and non-sticky. Even on the oily areas of my face, the Perricone MD balm is comfortable. They glide over the skin with a moisturising finish.

I swirled the Perricone MD Makeup Brush into the balms and tapped them onto my skin. Initially, I was concerned that this method might lift the blush and foundation underneath, but it didn’t. My complexion products stayed put.

Having said that, even with multiple layers, you can’t build much colour payoff. These balms are very sheer. To say that these balms provide a wash of colour is a stretch. You wouldn’t be able to wear any of these shades alone in place of a blush or bronzer. Instead, I’d view these balms as purely highlighters, glow boosters, or blush/bronzer toppers.

All 3 shades are pretty, but as the tint is so subtle, you don’t need the entire collection. Pearl is my favourite shade, as it’s the most light reflective, so it looks glowier on the skin. It’s also the most versatile colour.

As a highlighter, I’m obsessed. They’re shimmery, without looking chunky, as the particles are tiny. This means they’ve got a gorgeous reflective quality. The luminosity is soft, healthy, and so pretty.

Most impressively, the Perricone MD Glow Balm is pretty long-wearing. After 10 hours, my skin had become a bit greasier, but I didn’t look like a sweaty mess. A little translucent powder would fix any excess shine. On my cheeks, the highlighter was still glowy and hadn’t budged.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Overall, I love these glow balms. They’re easy to apply and give skin a healthy glow. The Perricone MD No Makeup Radiant Glow Balm is a better version of the Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm IMO. It’s less greasy, provides soft light-reflecting shimmer, and is more long-wearing.

If you love radiant balm highlighters that aren’t greasy, the Perricone MD Glow Balm is excellent.

Get 20% off Perricone MD products with PMDM20. Shop today!

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