I’ll be honest, when I first heard that another celebrity was launching a makeup brand I was not too excited. The makeup industry is oversaturated with brands and as a lover of makeup, my bank account and I find it overwhelming to keep up with all of the new, trendy products. Even though I have been a fan of Selena since I was 8 years old, I was not even a little intrigued when she announced that she would be launching her makeup brand, Rare Beauty, in the summer of 2020… but then she revealed the products and the message behind the brand and I was practically begged her to take all my money.
What stood out to me most about Rare Beauty was that the brand was dedicated to donating money to mental health organizations and launching its own Impact Fund. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I genuinely connected with the brand. Another thing that stood out to me was the marketing behind the products. As the launch neared, Selena spoke about what makeup means to her and how she and her team wanted the makeup to be fun and feel like accessories. This marketing was strategic in that it made a consumer (like myself) feel confident in my own skin and reasserted that we do not need makeup to be beautiful. Makeup should be fun, not used as a mask to cover up your insecurities, and this is reflected in the products themselves.
I decided to pick up a few pieces from the launch that excited me and here are my first impressions of them.
- Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
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I was hesitant to purchase this $19 eyeliner, but winged eyeliner has become a staple in my makeup routine so I decided to add it to my shopping cart and I’m glad I did! Let me tell you, I have gone through probably 30+ eyeliners over the past 5 years and have only repurchased two. This is an eyeliner that I would definitely repurchase because I love the brush tip that doesn’t tug on your eyelids. The formula is a rich black color but it doesn’t dry down completely matte as it is advertised to. This didn’t bother me, but if you prefer a matte liner I’d probably encourage you to skip out on this product.
- Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
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I picked up this liquid highlighter in Selena’s go-to shade, ‘Mesmerize’. This liquid highlight retails for $22 and you get a lot of product in the bottle. I have never been a fan of liquid highlighter but decided to give this a go because I want to glow like Selena. This luminizer pleasantly surprised me as it sat beautifully on top of my concealer that was set with a loose powder. The liquid highlighters that I have tried in the past look patchy on my skin when applied on top of powder but this melted in with my skin beautifully and lasted all day! This product didn’t emphasize some of the texture I have on my cheeks which was also a plus for me! If you are looking for a product that gives you a natural and healthy glow, I would add this to your cart.
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With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm
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If I am being completely honest, I cannot justify spending $16 on any lip balm. I was hoping this would live up to my expectations but it fell a little short for me. Unless there is gold in the formula or makes my lips feel like they have just been kissed by Harry Styles, I don’t think any lip balm should cost over $5. I picked this lip product up in the shade ‘Praise’ and although it is a beautiful muted peach color that was rich in pigment, I did not think it was worth the price tag.
- Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
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This is the product I was most excited about from the launch. I have been obsessing over blush this summer and although no one can see it with my mask on, it makes me feel like a queen so I shall continue to wear it. This blush is exceptional! At $20 you get a lot of product that is rich in pigment, so a little goes a long way. You only need one dot on each cheek, if you use more you’ll be left looking clown-like. I picked this blush up in the shades ‘Joy’ and ‘Bliss’, and the names of these colors is how I feel when I apply them to the apples of my cheeks. If you are going to pick up anything from this line, this is the product! I think it is worth the price because it will last well over a year before the product runs out. There are also shades with dewy and matte finishes to match your preferences and it dries down to a powder. This formula is magic and has already become a staple in my everyday makeup collection.
- Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist
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I decided to pick up this mist and I am so glad I did! It gives my makeup that extra oomph and leaves my skin looking healthy and hydrated. Is it worth the $24? Probably not, but will I splurge on this product again in the future because I can’t keep my hands to myself and away from my credit card? Probably.
Overall, the makeup did not disappoint! The packaging is so beautiful, the products are well-made, vegan, and cruelty-free, and the brand is on a mission to maximize its impact in supporting mental health. They have also pledged to donate a portion of their profits to provide mental health resources to underrepresented and marginalized communities. That is outstanding! If you are someone that loves natural makeup I suggest checking out some of the products as well as the Rare Impact Fund.