In this series we call Tried & True, we shortlist the holy grails and the OGs, the top-shelf regulars, under-the-radar picks, as well as the new and fresh-off-the-lab and the viral sensations worth the hype from reputable brands that we’ve road-tested ourselves.
Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether it’s how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need. In this edition, we take a look at Rare Beauty, which, more than just a celebrity label, challenges beauty norms and promotes self-love with every product.
We might be more familiar with Selena Gomez as a multi-talented artist, from her chart-topping hits to her captivating roles on the silver screen. But in 2020, she took a bold step into the beauty industry with the launch of Rare Beauty, her very own makeup line. Unlike many celebrity brands that come and go, Rare Beauty has quickly made a lasting impact and it’s not just because Selena Gomez’s name is on the label, but because of the brand’s unique philosophy and genuine approach to beauty. Rare Beauty strives to redefine beauty standards and promote self-love, making it a refreshing addition to the beauty scene. It’s quickly carved out its niche in the beauty industry and for good reasons!
Gomez started Rare Beauty with a mission to empower people to embrace their unique qualities rather than hide them. She wanted to create a brand that challenged unrealistic beauty standards and promoted self-acceptance. Drawing from her own experiences with makeup and mental health, the actress, singer, and entrepreneur aimed to build a brand that doesn’t just make one look good, but feel good, too.
Inspired by her own experiences, Gomez also established the Rare Impact Fund, which seeks to address the often-overlooked issue of mental health among young people. A portion of all sales from Rare Beauty is donated to the Rare Impact Fund, which helps provide the youth with mental health services and educational programs.
From its inclusive shade range to its focus on natural beauty and self-expression, Rare Beauty is all about finding confidence from within. Plus, Gomez’s mission to promote mental health awareness through the brand gives it a depth that’s rare (pun intended) in the beauty industry. Whether one might just be starting to explore makeup or is already a seasoned pro, Rare Beauty’s commitment to quality and inclusivity ensures that everyone can find a product to create a look that makes them feel seen and beautiful.
HERO PRODUCT
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has quickly become a fan favorite mainly for its formula. Many users have raved about its lightweight and creamy texture that makes it so easy to blend, and it’s easy to build up its intensity which allows for both subtle flushes and bolder dramatic looks. The blush is also highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
The ease of application is also a major plus. The product comes with a doe-foot applicator that helps with precise placement, and many find that blending it is a breeze, whether with the use of one’s fingers, a brush, or a sponge. The quick-drying formula also helps it stay in place without transferring.
The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush comes in a wide shade range, from soft pinks to deeper berry tones that flatter a variety of skin tones. Those with different complexions have found shades that perfectly matched, reflecting Rare Beauty’s commitment to inclusivity.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
P1,600, Sephora
CULT CLASSIC
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
The Positive Light Liquid Luminizer is famous for its lightweight and silky formula that creates a luminous finish without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin. Its consistency strikes a perfect balance between being creamy and fluid, which helps for easy application and blending.
This liquid highlighter provides a soft, dewy glow that gives off a natural finish. A major selling point is that it doesn’t contain chunky glitter, but rather a finely milled shimmer that gives a more sophisticated, my-skin-but-better sheen. While it comes off sheer on the first application, it can be layered on for a more intense glow without looking overdone, so it can cater to those who prefer a natural look or a bolder, strobing effect.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
P1,750, Sephora
UNDER-THE-RADAR ESSENTIAL
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer
The Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer is widely praised for being lightweight and comfortable. Users appreciate how weightless this product feels on the skin, making it a perfect everyday essential as it allows the skin to breathe. It also evens out skin tone without looking cakey or mask-like to provide a healthy, dewy glow. Not to mention, the built-in SPF 20 sunscreen provides additional sun protection, helping to shield the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
While it may provide light to medium coverage on its own, it can be layered for slightly more coverage without losing the natural look. For those looking to conceal blemishes or redness heavily, consider applying concealer alongside this.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
P2,200, Sephora
UNDERRATED HOLY GRAIL
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
This waterproof lip liner has a smooth and creamy texture that easily glides on the lips and provides precise definition without tugging or skipping. Its pigmentation is rich, providing long-lasting color that doesn’t feather or bleed throughout the day. Plus, this gem is highly versatile: It can double as a liner and a full lip color, which makes it a valuable addition for a more simplified makeup routine.
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
P1,050, Sephora
SECRET OBSESSION
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
As its name implies, this has a weightless and fluid texture that can minimize imperfections to create a natural look. Despite being lightweight, a lot of users have said that the foundation had lasted them throughout the day. Plus, while it may not be marketed as a dewy foundation, some users with normal to dry skin find it quite hydrating without the greasy feeling.
This foundation works well for normal, dry, and combination skin types. For those with oily skin, using a setting powder is recommended.
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
P2,200, Sephora
POPULAR PICK
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream
One of the most lauded aspects of this lip cream is its unique formula. As with a soufflé that’s light and airy, the lip cream’s whipped texture provides a comfortable, airy feel on the lips. Unlike many other matte lip products, it doesn’t feel drying or heavy, which is a great advantage for those with sensitive or dry lips.
For its finish, it provides a soft matte look that’s velvety and smooth. Its soft blurring effect gives the appearance of a matte lipstick without emphasizing the fine lines or imperfections on the lips. Apply a single layer for a natural-looking tint or layer it for a more intense and statement-making lip.
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream
P1,450, Sephora
HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
This tinted lip oil delivers a beautiful, high-shine finish that creates a plump, juicy look that makes it ideal for everyday wear. The gel-like texture is also a standout feature. It feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips which gives it an advantage over sticky lip glosses. It also provides buildable color with a long-lasting stain. As an added bonus, the lip oil is infused with mint oil that gives off a subtle tingle and provides a refreshing sensation.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
P1,450, Sephora
TOOL OF THE TRADE
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Blush
This brush features a unique, angled shape that helps with precise concealer application, especially in those hard-to-reach areas like the inner corner of the eyes and around the nose. It’s soft enough to be gentle on the skin, which is important for the under-eye area, yet firm enough to provide precise control and ensure smooth, even coverage. It also doesn’t absorb too much product so you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of it while achieving the desired level of coverage.
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush
P1,250, Sephora
NEW ICON
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
This blush feels luxuriously soft and silky to the touch. It comes in an airy, buildable texture, which makes it user-friendly as its intensity can easily be controlled. The shimmer in this blush complements the buildable pigmentation as it adds a glow without overwhelming the color itself. Plus, it’s suitable for most skin types, including those with oily skin because it can provide a hint of luminosity that doesn’t emphasize texture or pores.
EDITOR FAVORITE
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Collection
This line doesn’t just offer body care products, it gives a unique experience. The calming scents and the lightweight textures work together to provide a sense of calm and well-being to give you a complete self-care routine. It features body and hair fragrance mists, hydrating body lotions, hand creams, and aromatherapy pens.
Firstly, this body care line embraces the power of aromatherapy. The Body & Hair Fragrance Mist and the Stop & Soothe Aromatherapy Pen are infused with calming essential oils like jasmine and lavender that don’t just smell delightful but also promote relaxation and help melt away stress—a welcome addition for anyone seeking a more holistic approach to self-care.
The collection also prioritizes hydration minus the heavy and sticky feeling. The Hydrating Body Lotion features hero ingredients like niacinamide which helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture, great for those who crave long-lasting hydration. The Hydrating Hand Cream delivers intense moisture without the greasy residue, leaving your hands soft and smooth throughout the day.
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist
P1,900, Sephora
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Stop And Soothe Pen
P1,450, Sephora
