TikTok Can’t Stop Raving About These Rare Beauty Products—and We Found Out Why

Selena Gomez’s brand, Rare Beauty, launched in 2020, has become a standout in the celebrity beauty industry, celebrated for its inclusive, high-quality, cruelty-free, and vegan makeup products that emphasize self-expression and mental health advocacy. With a mission to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and support the Rare Impact Fund, Rare Beauty has garnered a devoted following, with products frequently going viral on social media platforms like TikTok. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 products from Rare Beauty, based on customer reviews, expert feedback, and their popularity, as reflected in recent sources. Each review includes product details, performance, pros, cons, and application tips, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.

1. Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

• Price: $23
• Description: A lightweight, long-lasting liquid blush available in 13 shades (matte and dewy finishes), designed to deliver a natural, healthy flush. Its highly pigmented formula is a TikTok sensation, with over 240,000 posts under its hashtag.
• Review: The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is Rare Beauty’s crown jewel, often praised as a “cult favorite” for its vibrant pigmentation and blendability. With over 2,000 five-star reviews, it suits all skin types (oily, dry, combination, normal) and offers shades for diverse skin tones. A little goes a long way—one to two dots per cheek blend effortlessly with fingers, a brush, or a sponge for a soft, radiant look. The dewy finish is ideal for a fresh glow, while the matte finish suits oily skin or a more subdued look. However, its intense pigmentation can be tricky; applying too much can lead to a clownish effect if not blended quickly.
• Pros: Highly pigmented, long-lasting (all-day wear), versatile shades, buildable, cruelty-free.
• Cons: Can dry quickly, requiring fast blending; may be too intense for beginners.
• Application Tip: Start with a tiny dot on each cheek and blend upward toward the hairline using a damp sponge for a seamless finish, as suggested by Selena Gomez.
• Rating: 4.8/5

2. Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

• Price: $30
• Description: A breathable, medium-coverage foundation available in 48 shades, formulated to balance skin tone and smooth pores without caking. It’s designed for a natural, second-skin finish.
• Review: This foundation is a fan favorite for its serum-like consistency and buildable coverage, ideal for no-makeup-makeup looks. It feels lightweight, doesn’t clog pores, and blends well with a brush or sponge, though some users with dry skin needed extra moisturizer to avoid a thin feel. It performs well for daily wear but may not last through intense activity without setting powder. The inclusive shade range is a major win, catering to a wide array of undertones.
• Pros: Lightweight, breathable, inclusive shade range, non-caking, vegan.
• Cons: May feel too thin for full-coverage lovers; requires setting for long wear.
• Application Tip: Apply with Rare Beauty’s foundation brush for even coverage, starting with a small amount and building as needed.
• Rating: 4.5/5

3. Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream

• Price: $20
• Description: A hydrating, matte lip cream available in 15 shades, from bold pinks to neutral browns, offering a lightweight, non-drying finish.
• Review: With over 700 reviews, the Lip Soufflé is celebrated for its creamy texture and vibrant color payoff. Shades like Confident (rose mauve) and Inspire (bright fuchsia) are particularly popular for their versatility. It doesn’t dry out lips, unlike many matte formulas, and feels comfortable for all-day wear. However, some users note it may require reapplication after eating or drinking. Its affordability and chic packaging add to its appeal.
• Pros: Hydrating, vibrant colors, lightweight, affordable, non-drying.
• Cons: May need touch-ups after meals; not transfer-proof.
• Application Tip: Exfoliate lips beforehand and apply one to two swipes for a bold, even look. Layer with a gloss for extra dimension.
• Rating: 4.6/5

4. Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

• Price: $22
• Description: A silky, buildable liquid highlighter in eight shades, designed to add a dewy, natural glow while nourishing skin.
• Review: This highlighter is a social media darling, praised for its radiant finish that doesn’t emphasize pores. It blends seamlessly with fingers or a sponge, offering a subtle glow or bold shine depending on application. Shades like Enchant and Mesmerize are favorites for their versatility across skin tones. However, when layered over Rare Beauty’s foundation or concealer, it can sometimes lift the base, causing streaks that need fixing. It’s best used alone or with a tackier foundation for optimal results.
• Pros: Dewy finish, buildable, nourishing, suits all skin tones.
• Cons: Can disrupt base makeup if not applied carefully.
• Application Tip: Dab onto cheekbones with a sponge for a bright, natural shine. Avoid over-applying to prevent smudging.
• Rating: 4.4/5

5. Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

• Price: $21
• Description: A long-lasting, ultra-black liquid eyeliner with up to 800 vegan bristles for precise application.
• Review: This eyeliner is lauded for its precision and intense black pigment, making it ideal for sleek wings or bold cat eyes. The flexible brush tip allows for both thin and thick lines, catering to beginners and pros alike. It’s smudge-proof and lasts all day, though some users with oily eyelids report slight fading by evening. The pen’s ergonomic design makes it easy to grip, especially for those with dexterity issues, like Selena Gomez, who designed it with her lupus in mind.
• Pros: Precise, long-lasting, smudge-proof, easy-to-use brush, accessible design.
• Cons: May fade slightly on oily skin; requires practice for perfect wings.
• Application Tip: Start with small strokes at the lash line, building thickness gradually for a clean look.
• Rating: 4.7/5

6. Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush

• Price: $27
• Description: A radiant powder blush in six shades, packed with shimmering pearls for a glowing finish that complements the liquid blush.
• Review: Launched as a newer addition, this powder blush has taken TikTok by storm for its radiant, pore-minimizing finish. Shades like Hope and Love offer a buildable glow that suits various skin tones. It’s less intense than the liquid blush, making it easier for beginners to apply without overdoing it. However, those with very oily skin may find it less long-lasting unless set properly. The sleek packaging and high-quality formula make it a worthy splurge.
• Pros: Radiant finish, buildable, beginner-friendly, luxurious packaging.
• Cons: Less staying power on oily skin; slightly pricier.
• Application Tip: Use a fluffy brush to lightly dust onto cheeks, blending upward for a lifted effect.
• Rating: 4.6/5

7. Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush

• Price: $21
• Description: A creamy, buildable blush in soft hues designed for a natural, dewy look, perfect for bare skin or minimal makeup.
• Review: This cream blush is a go-to for those seeking a subtle, natural flush. Its soft texture blends effortlessly with fingertips, making it ideal for quick application. Shades like Nearly Neutral and Nearly Mauve are versatile and buildable, though the formula can apply patchily over certain foundations if not blended quickly. It’s a favorite for dry skin types but may not last as long on oily skin without setting.
• Pros: Natural finish, easy to apply, great for dry skin, affordable.
• Cons: Can be patchy over some foundations; less long-lasting on oily skin.
• Application Tip: Apply to bare skin or over a light base with fingertips for a soft, blended look.
• Rating: 4.3/5

8. With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm

• Price: $16
• Description: A nourishing lip balm with a dewy finish, offering hydration and a hint of color for a natural look.
• Review: This lip balm is a hit for its hydrating formula and subtle tint, perfect for everyday wear. It feels cushiony and non-sticky, with shades like Gratitude adding a soft, natural hue. However, some users find it less cost-effective compared to drugstore alternatives like Burt’s Bees, as the price is higher for similar hydration. It’s best for those who love a glossy, low-maintenance lip look.
• Pros: Hydrating, non-sticky, subtle color, comfortable wear.
• Cons: Pricey for a lip balm; not as long-lasting as lipsticks.
• Application Tip: Layer over a lip liner or matte lip cream for added moisture and dimension.
• Rating: 4.2/5

9. Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion

• Price: $28
• Description: Part of Rare Beauty’s 2023 body care line, this lotion is packed with niacinamide, vitamins, and antioxidants for silky, hydrated skin with a citrus scent.
• Review: The Find Comfort Body Lotion stands out for its luxurious texture and hydration, eliminating scaly patches and leaving skin glossy (not glittery). Its citrus scent is refreshing, though the bottle’s design requires shaking to dispense, which some find inconvenient. The inclusion of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide makes it a standout in the body care category, aligning with Rare Beauty’s self-care ethos.
• Pros: Deeply hydrating, silky texture, pleasant scent, skin-nourishing ingredients.
• Cons: Bottle design can be tricky; slightly expensive.
• Application Tip: Apply generously after showering, focusing on dry areas like elbows and knees for best results.
• Rating: 4.5/5

10. Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer

• Price: $26
• Description: A water-based primer infused with ultra-fine pearls to smooth pores, hydrate, and illuminate skin without silicones.
• Review: This primer is praised for its silky texture and glowing finish, making skin look less dull. It’s ideal for those avoiding silicone-based primers, as it doesn’t clog pores. However, it may not provide enough grip for heavy foundation or long wear in humid conditions. It’s best for lightweight makeup looks or as a standalone product for a radiant base.
• Pros: Illuminating, hydrating, silicone-free, smooths pores.
• Cons: Limited grip for heavy makeup; less effective in humidity.
• Application Tip: Apply with fingers for even distribution, focusing on areas with visible pores.
• Rating: 4.3/5

Overall Brand Assessment

Rare Beauty’s top 10 products shine for their quality, inclusivity, and alignment with Selena Gomez’s mission of self-acceptance and mental health advocacy. The brand’s strengths lie in its vibrant, blendable formulas, accessible packaging (designed with Gomez’s lupus in mind), and commitment to cruelty-free, vegan products. Standouts like the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation dominate for their versatility and performance, while newer additions like the body lotion expand the brand’s self-care focus.

However, some products, like the liquid highlighter and cream blush, require careful application to avoid issues like smudging or patchiness. Prices are reasonable (most under $30), making Rare Beauty competitive with brands like MAC and Tarte, though some items (e.g., lip balm) face stiff competition from drugstore alternatives.

Social Media and Consumer Sentiment

The brand’s social media presence, with 7 million followers, amplifies its reach, driven by authentic marketing and influencer collaborations. TikTok virality, especially for the liquid blush, underscores its appeal to Gen Z and makeup enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Rare Beauty’s top 10 products offer something for everyone, from bold blushes to subtle lip balms, all rooted in a mission to empower. While some products require a learning curve, their quality, inclusivity, and thoughtful design make them worth trying. For the best experience, start with the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, and explore the body care line for a touch of luxury.