Rare Beauty Review: Selena Gomez’s Makeup Line Tested & Rated

From glowy primers to cult liquid blush, here’s everything you need to know about Rare Beauty’s top products in 2025.

By Medha deb
Created on

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez: A Comprehensive Review

In a saturated world of celebrity makeup brands, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez stands out for its authentic approach to beauty and self-expression. Since its launch, the brand has gained cult status among beauty enthusiasts, editors, and makeup artists alike, thanks to its inclusive philosophy and genuinely innovative products. In this article, we break down the best and worst of Rare Beauty—from core makeup classics to the new body care range—backed by first-hand testing and expert insights.

Why Rare Beauty Is Different

  • Focus on natural, minimal finishes: Rare Beauty celebrates individuality rather than masking it, emphasizing lightweight formulas and buildable coverage. The brand believes in feeling good in makeup, not hiding what makes you unique.
  • Mental health mission: Rare Beauty donates a portion of annual profits to mental health charities founded by Selena Gomez, fostering empowerment and confidence.
  • Sleek, functional packaging: The rounded shapes and accessible applicators reflect the brand’s attention to inclusivity—even the packaging is designed with people with limited mobility in mind.

The Best Rare Beauty Products (Tested & Reviewed)

We put the most talked-about Rare Beauty picks through real-world testing, examining how they perform on different skin types, their wear time, and how they make us feel.

Always an Optimist Illuminating Primer

  • Texture: Lightweight, silky gel that glides on with ease.
  • Effect: Instantly hydrates and gives a glowy, luminous finish without greasiness.
  • Longevity: Helps makeup look fresh for hours, smoothing the skin and minimizing pores.

This primer is a cult favorite for its ability to create a hydrated canvas. It pairs perfectly with Rare Beauty foundation and is versatile enough for all skin types.

Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

  • Coverage: Medium, buildable coverage that feels feather-light.
  • Finish: Natural matte look without caking; dries down to a hydrated, skin-like feel.
  • Blending: Blends seamlessly, even at the end of the day.
  • Applicator: Features a doe-foot applicator for easy, smooth application.

Best for those who prefer a natural look over heavy coverage. While it’s not ideal for those seeking full-coverage glam, it scores major points for everyday, weightless wear.

Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

  • Coverage: Medium, but buildable for fuller coverage.
  • Finish: Radiant, instantly brightening effect—especially under eyes.
  • Applicator: Life-changing; smooth, easy to maneuver for precise placement.

This concealer is a standout for tired eyes and dark circles, offering luminosity without creasing. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a radiant finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey.

Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush

  • Pigmentation: Exceptionally pigmented—a tiny dot goes a long way.
  • Texture: Lightweight, blends easily into skin for a natural flush.
  • Finish: Dewy, luminous color; available in multiple shades.

Widely hailed as the brand’s ‘cult product,’ the Soft Pinch Dewy Blush is loved for its vivid payoff, ease of blending, and long-lasting wear. Makeup artists and consumers agree: it’s a game-changer for instant glow.

Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick

  • Texture: Creamy, blendable formula that feels weightless.
  • Application: Glides onto skin, blends with fingertips or brush for natural warmth.

The bronzer stick is ideal for subtle contouring or adding warmth to any look. Its blendable formula suits a spectrum of skin tones, delivering a natural sun-kissed effect without harsh lines.

Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion

  • Ingredients: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants (including niacinamide) for skin health.
  • Effect: Leaves skin soft, glossy, and intensely hydrated with no greasy residue.
  • Scent: Uplifting citrus aroma.
  • Packaging: Sleek, contemporary bottle, though usability could be improved.

This body lotion surprised reviewers with its nourishing formula and self-care vibe. It prioritizes comfort over style, making skin feel pampered and moisturized.

Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist

  • Scent profile: Citrus blend of jasmine, lemon zest, and cashmere wood.
  • Multi-use: Spritz for body, hair, or as a calming pillow/desk mist.
  • Added benefits: Infused with niacinamide and biotin for skin and hair health.

While body mists are sometimes confusing, this formula quickly became a desk-side favorite for its uplifting notes and relaxation benefits.

Our Honest Take: Pros & Cons

ProsCons
  • Lightweight, skin-friendly formulas
  • Buildable coverage for customizable looks
  • Pigmented, long-lasting blush and bronzer
  • Inclusive shade ranges
  • Thoughtful packaging
  • Foundation/concealer may not suit full-coverage fans
  • Body lotion bottle design could be improved
  • Body mist’s role may be unclear for new buyers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Rare Beauty good for sensitive skin?

Most Rare Beauty products feature gentle, non-irritating formulations with added hydration, making them suitable for sensitive skin. However, always check ingredients or patch test for specific sensitivities.

Does Rare Beauty foundation offer full coverage?

No. Rare Beauty’s foundation offers buildable medium coverage designed for a natural, skin-like finish. It’s not designed for full-coverage glam looks, but layers well for moderate coverage.

Are Rare Beauty products vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes. Rare Beauty is committed to vegan and cruelty-free standards across its product line, aligning with its values of inclusivity and ethical beauty.

How do Rare Beauty’s liquid blushes compare to powders?

Rare Beauty’s liquid blushes deliver more intense color payoff and blend seamlessly for a dewy finish, whereas traditional powder blushes offer softer pigmentation and a matte look.

Does Rare Beauty support mental health initiatives?

Selena Gomez and Rare Beauty fund mental health charities and prioritize fostering confidence and self-care within their product range and brand mission.

Rare Beauty Products at a Glance

ProductBest ForKey Features
Illuminating PrimerAll skin types; prepping for makeupGlow, hydration, smoothing
Weightless FoundationNatural, medium coverage loversFeather-light, buildable, non-cakey
Brightening ConcealerDark circles, quick touch-upsRadiant, blendable, smooth applicator
Dewy Liquid BlushBold, lasting flush of colorPigmented, effortless blending
Effortless Bronzer StickSubtle contouring, warmthCreamy, easy to blend
Body LotionSoftening, hydration, comfortVitamins, niacinamide, soothing scent
Body & Hair MistUplifting, calming daily spritzCitrus, jasmine, biotin

User Tips for Getting the Most Out of Rare Beauty

  • Apply illuminating primer before foundation to create the perfect fresh canvas.
  • Start with a small amount of liquid blush—blend with fingers or a brush for a seamless result.
  • Pair brightening concealer with the foundation for a unified, radiant complexion.
  • Use bronzer stick to sculpt cheekbones or add all-over warmth; blend swiftly before the formula sets.
  • Layer the body mist over freshly moisturized skin or spritz a pillow for an uplifting aroma.

Final Thoughts: Is Rare Beauty Worth It?

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez is proof that a celebrity makeup line can offer real innovation and authenticity. Its gentle formulas, inclusive shade range, and thoughtful blend of self-care and makeup artistry have earned it a passionate fanbase. While a few products may not fit every need—particularly for those desiring full coverage—the bulk of Rare Beauty’s offerings are genuinely worth trying, whether you’re a seasoned beauty guru or a makeup minimalist.

Rare Beauty vs. Other Celebrity Brands

BrandBest QualityNotable Weakness
Rare BeautyLightweight, buildable formulasLess suited for full-coverage looks
Fenty BeautyVast shade range; bold pigmentsSome formulas can be drying
RhodeMinimalist skincareLimited product selection

Related Questions

How do I choose the right Rare Beauty foundation shade?

Use online shade finder tools or visit a store for color-matching. The range is diverse and forgiving, suited to most undertones.

Can Rare Beauty blush be used on lips?

Yes. The formula is safe and wears beautifully as a sheer lip tint as well.

Where is Rare Beauty available?

Rare Beauty is stocked globally at major online retailers and brick-and-mortar beauty stores.

If You’re Looking for…

  • A hydrated, radiant primer: Always an Optimist Illuminating Primer
  • Naturally flawless coverage: Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
  • Pigmented blush that lasts: Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush
  • Breezy body care: Find Comfort Body Lotion & Mist

Rare Beauty combines performance, wellness, and an inclusive spirit—setting the standard for beauty brands in 2025 and beyond.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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