I tried a 5-minute beauty look with Rare Beauty products, and here's my verdict
Updated
9Product Reviews
In all honesty, I'm a big fan of just not wearing makeup day-to-day. It's mostly because I don't give myself enough time in the morning to put much effort into it.
But whenever I have a five-minute window pre-running for the bus to the office, I like a speedy, minimal, fuss-free makeup look that gives me a nice glow. Sometimes it is quite nice to look like you're not running on half-empty.
I'm always on the lookout for products that deliver on these fronts. After all the hype around Selena Gomez's beauty brand, Rare Beauty, which prides itself on being customisable, blendable, effortless, and airy, I figured I'd give it a go myself.
I left the house with nothing but a pop of serum and moisturiser on my skin, and a dream. When I got to my desk, I applied a thin layer of CC cream before applying the rest of the makeup. I stupidly forgot to bring any brushes, so that speaks volumes about how easy it all was to use...
I spent about ten minutes trying some of the brand's best-selling products, including blush, highlighter, contour, and mascara. Did they deliver on an easy, natural look as promised?
NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer
9Product Reviews
While a primer is typically the first step in a more rigorous makeup routine, I enjoy using it as a base even for a minimalist look. This primer definitely helped soften the uneven texture of my skin. My colleague also complimented how much my skin looked smoother and glossier, thanks to the formula's hydrating and illuminating ultra-fine pearls.
This water-based, cooling primer helps keep skin smoothed and fresh. (9Product Reviews) 9Product Reviews
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
9Product Reviews
The bronzer is very pigmented, so again, you don't need much to get the desired results. It's creamy and blendable, creating a natural summery glow.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Contour
9Product Reviews
I was a little bit scared of the liquid contour, I won't lie. Mostly because it's not a product I'm overly familiar with. Since I didn't have any tools to hand, I dotted some of the product on the back of my hand and then applied it with my finger.
A little certainly goes a long way, which is an important factor when investing in makeup these days. I dotted around my cheeks, nose, forehead, jawline, and chin, and it applied well to create a naturally sculpted look.
I used the liquid contour in the shade Mellow. (9Product Reviews) 9Product Reviews
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
9Product Reviews
I followed a similar approach when applying the liquid blush, too. I blended two different shades (Happy and Believe) to create depth with a pop of fresh colour – and it came out nicely! With 16 shades to choose from, there's an option that complements every skin tone.
I also applied a little to my lips to give them a burst of colour, too. So versatile.
The two tones blended well together. (9Product Reviews) 9Product Reviews
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush
9Product Reviews
Then, I applied the Matte Bouncy Blush for a touch of pigmented colour to the cheeks that creates a natural flush. It has a cream-like texture, but blends out to blur like powder, which I loved. For an everyday look, I don't want a product sitting too heavily on my face.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
9Product Reviews
To give a pearlescent finish to the matte base, a pinch of Luminous Powder Blush adds an extra dimension. As I'm creating an everyday, office look, I only used a little to give a pop of vibrancy, but for a night out, I'd be sure to add more.
I love the combination of the blushes as you have a vibrant base with a dewy finish. And you can keep it minimal, or make it more statement.
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
9Product Reviews
I hate, hate a clumpy mascara. I like a smooth, clean sweep whenever I'm applying the product – and that is still surprisingly hard to come by.
This was perfect. It gave my lashes depth and length, without it looking overdone or heavy. I'm a big fan of this for a simple look.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter
9Product Reviews
Using a highlighter for a casual look isn't something I've really considered, but a dab of this Silky Touch Highlighter on my temples and on the end of my nose added a subtle, healthy glow. It's not too overpowering, but it can be built up for a more striking evening look.
My final verdict
In all honesty, I can't fault the range. It delivered on a simple, everyday look, as well as when I wanted something more elevated as the day turned into night.
All the products felt easy to apply (despite only using my fingertips), they were lightweight on my skin, and were easily blendable, creating beautiful depth and colour.
I'll definitely be recreating this when I want a quick, minimal makeup look.
If you need to restock some of your makeup bag or are looking to treat yourself, give Rare Beauty a go and see the results for yourself.
READ MORE: The hair tools and products I simply refuse to be without