I’ve been a fan of Selena Gomez since her Wizards of Waverly Place days, so when she created her very own makeup and skincare company, Rare Beauty, I knew I was going to want to try anything and everything of her! So let’s dive into everything I’ve learned about Rare Beauty and my experience using some of these products.
Rare Beauty Social Impact
From what I’ve seen on Selena’s instagram account and Rare Beauty website, this company was built around the idea that everyone is unique and makeup should be about enhancing one’s natural beauty (at an affordable price!) over trying to become someone else. This being said, her makeup line includes a lightweight foundation and concealer with 48 shades to choose from, 5 lip products with universally flattering colors, 2 different primers, several other makeup essentials, and now skincare too!
With inclusivity and social awareness at the forefront of Selena’s company, she made sure to create packaging that would be easily accessible for anyone to use. This meant creating uniquely shaped packaging, handles, applicators, etc. The handles on the Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil, Positive Light Liquid Luminizer, Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer, and Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation all share similar cap and bottle designs that are meant to reduce resistance and strain on hands and wrists, as well as create a firm, comfortable holding experience.
Her social impact commitment continues with the Rare Beauty Fund – and organization meant to build awareness and increase access to mental health services for young people. According to the Rare Beauty site, in 2023 alone the program raised over $7 Million and reached over $1 Million people.
Rare Beauty Environmental Impact
The thoughtfulness of packaging doesn’t end with the design of the products’ packing! Selena also made a conscious effort to limit waste by creating 100% recyclable outer packaging, shipping boxes, cards, tissue, and tape.
She also made Rare Beauty Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Certified by PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies. And for those with sensitive skin – her products are dermatologist tested and made to adhere to the stricter cosmetic standards of the European Union.
Product Reviews
Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer ($28)
This gel primer is designed to minimize the look of pores and fine lines, while hydrating the skin, extending makeup wear and controlling shine. After using it for a month, I can say it definitely helps minimize the look of my pores and makes my makeup go on smoother. My skin is on the oily side though, so I found that my skin started getting shiny just 5-6 hours after applying it.
Rating: 7/10
Would I buy it again?
Yes! For $28 this primer works really well and I think it may work even better for my skin in the winter when my skin leans a bit drier.
Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation ($30)
The Rare Beauty site states that this foundation is long-lasting and combines “the weighless feel of a serum with buildable medium coverage for truly breathable, layerable wear.” I did find that the foundation felt like a second skin, even layering it! As far as longevity, I found that without setting it with a powder the primer + foundation combo could last me 5-6 hours before I started to see some shine and cracking. I will say that setting it all with powder brought it up to 8 or so hours depending on the activities I had going on that day.
Rating: 8/10
Would I buy it again?
Maybe. I think this foundation is great for a natural everyday look and the price is hard to beat at $30! That was honestly what drew me to buying it to begin with because all of my typical go to foundations/cc creams are closer to $50. I just wish the formula lasted longer, but that may just be my own issue since I have really long, busy 16+ hour days.
Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner ($21)
This waterproof liquid liner has been a favorite in my makeup collection for a few months now! I love how pigmented and precise this eyeliner is and after using it daily for over 6 months now (I’ve gone through 3+ eyeliners) I can say this is definitely attest to it being a long lasting, easy to glide on formula that won’t give you any trouble throughout a 9-5, the gym, and running errands at the end of the day. My only complaint with this product is that it dries out quicker than other eyeliners that I’ve used, so I have to keep buying it more frequently than I’m used to.
Rating: 9/10
Would I buy it again?
Absolutely! I’m hooked on this liner and the price is not bad again! I may just need to have some alternatives on hand to not overwork it throughout the month.
Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara ($20)
The Rare Beauty site states that this mascara has an “easy to build formula” and a “universal eye hugging brush to lift, lengthen curl and volumize.” Like the Rare Beauty Eyeliner, this mascara has been another favorite recently, always getting me the voluminous lashes I love. Layering is quick and easy in the mornings when I’m in a rush, but sometimes the formula can start to get clumpy.
Rating: 8.5/10
Would I buy it again?
No. Maybe, in the future, but right now I’m on the hunt for another waterproof mascara that is less likely to clump. I’ve loved tarte, lancome, and merit products in the past, so I might just have to test a few out and come back to share what I find!
Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm ($20)
I have this Lip Balm in the color Nearly Neutral and I’ve found it’s a great everyday gloss with just enough color and hydration to start off my day! It currently comes in 5 colors and after swatching them all in store I can say they’re all very flattering colors on my more olive tan skin and it didn’t feel like I could pick wrong!
Rating: 10/10
Would I buy it again?
Yes! I want every color!
Available in both matte and dewy finishes, this liquid blush is a highly pigmented, long lasting formula with easy blendability. I bought a sample trio of these blushes during the holidays last year and there is still plenty of product in them! I don’t use it every day like I use my eyeliner and mascara, but the fact that it’s last me at least 2 years now is amazing. I have even used the blush as a lip tint occasionally and find that it works beautifully combined with some lip balm or gloss on top.
Rating: 10/10
Would I buy it again?
Yes! And again, I would want this in all 13 colors!
Final thoughts
So far, all the Rare Beauty Products I’ve tried are great in their own ways and they stand apart from many of the products I’ve used before. I’d love to continue trying other products like the Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush, the Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick, and her Find Comfort Body Collection.
What would you guys like me to try next?
