Celebrity Beauty Brands Are So Not My Thing, But This One Really Surprised Me

I am not a primer person. Having said that, this has quickly become one of my most reached-for products, and that speaks volumes. It delivers a dewy, hydrating base for any products that you apply over the top, giving skin a lit-from-within look without a hint of tackiness. 

I'll admit this foundation is totally not what I was expecting. Typically, the word weightless implies that a foundation is hydrating, glowing and dewy, but this isn't really any of that. It is, quite literally, weightless, veiling the skin in a thin layer of medium-coverage pigment. It doesn't dull the skin in any way but has a second-skin, matte finish. When used with the illuminating primer, it's a match made in heaven.

The first thing that's worth noting about this concealer is the precise doe-foot applicator. It is truly unlike anything I have ever used or come across before with a sharply angled applicator, ideal for getting into the corners of the eye. The formula is creamy and easily blended, has a similar finish to the foundation, just with an extra radiance boost, and refuses to settle in fine lines and creases at any point throughout the day.

This is without a doubt my favourite product in the Rare Beauty offering. The creamy blush literally melts into fingers to create a subtle, watercolour-like tint that leaves cheeks with a subtle, dewy flush. This could just take the trophy for the best cream blusher ever created.

This liquid blush couldn't be further apart from the aforementioned Melting Blush. This stuff is seriously pigmented—like an inky stain. A little goes a very long way, and it fuses with skin to leave a matte-finish, natural-looking colour on the cheeks.

If subtle, understated lashes are your thing, this mascara is sure to be a hit. Don't expect any sort of majorly impressive lengthening or volumising results, though. A few coats make lashes appear slightly thicker and more fluttery, making it a great option for everyday wear.

I feel like I can't give this product the credit it likely deserves. You see, I'm not a massive fan of matte lip products, because my lips are naturally very dry. However, in comparison to other lip creams that I have tried, this one was surprisingly lightweight and nourishing. It is neither comfortable nor uncomfortable, but the colour offering is beautiful.

The main reason I don't find myself reaching for liquid eyeliner very often is that I simply do not possess the adequate skills to execute a great winged-liner look. This pen, however, blew me away. After just a couple of attempts, I had managed to create the perfect wing (on both eyes)! The nib is fine and precise, while the pigment pay-off is potentially the best I've come across in years.

As an oily gal, I often find myself reaching for powder to take down oiliness around my T-zone. Weirdly, because the Rare Beauty Foundation is so great at mattifying, I didn't feel as though I needed to apply a powder afterwards. However, I wanted to give this stuff a real run for its money, so tried it with a different, dewy foundation. All in all, I'm impressed. It certainly takes down shine and doesn't make the skin look cakey. However, I do like my powders to leave some trace of glow behind, and this stuff takes it all away.