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I Tried Every Single Rare Beauty Product—These Ones are Actually Worth the TikTok Hype

Selena Gomez's biggest hits aren't actually on her new album.

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If I had to assemble a Mount Rushmore of celebrities I worshipped as a tween, among their stony faces would certainly sit Selena Gomez (along with Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, and Zac Efron, obviously). It's uncommon for such adoration to persist and evolve into adulthood, but Selena has made it incredibly easy, particularly thanks to her makeup/skincare brand Rare Beauty. I've been buying the products since the day it first launched and have an ever-evolving collection of the best Rare Beauty products at this point.

Nearly every launch goes viral on TikTok, along with the brand's MVPs that consistently sell out (lookin' at you, Rare Beauty liquid blush). But the brand is about a whole lot more. The Rare Impact Fund supports mental health awareness and treatment, while the brand is committed to inclusivity through its Made Accessible Initiative that prioritizes easy-to-use packaging. And ofc, they've also got a curated collection of products that are constantly loved by editors, makeup artists, and celebs. But what's actually worth it?

I consulted the Cosmo team to pull together our holy grails, hidden gems, and everyday must-haves from Rare Beauty. Keep reading for our full reviews:

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Pros

  • Extremely pigmented, so it shows up on a range of skin tones
  • Lasts on skin all day, per testing
  • One of the most universally loved and viral products on TikTok

Cons

  • Have to blend quickly to avoid streakiness

The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush forever changed how we blush-- from the pigment to the applicator, this product has been duped to the moon and back to no avail. Our readers agree that there's simply no other blush on this level, voting it best blush in our Readers' Choice Awards. With 13 shades in both dewy and matte formulas, there's a little something for everyone. And if you're afraid of the intense pigment, scrape the doefoot applicator against the inside of the rim before placing one to two dots on your cheeks (or the back of your hand and pick up with a brush).

  • Key ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily
  • Size: .25 oz
  • Shades: 13

One Cosmo editor says: “I own three of these blushes, one of which I bought in 2021. Don’t come for me, but I’m still using it because it’s nowhere NEAR empty. It’s my favorite blush; it blends out beautifully and lasts all day. It's prob expired, but you’ll have to pry this blush from my cold, dead hands.” —Jayne Lemire, executive assistant

    Brow Harmony Flexible Eyebrow Gel
    AmazonAlso Consider

    Pros

    • Looks and feels natural (not *at all* crusty or flakey)
    • Small brush helps set your brows in place

    Cons

    • I wish it came in a bigger size

    Brow gel is a subtle but key part to any makeup routine. However, it can be disastrous when brow gel causes eyebrows to flake. Thankfully, Rare Beauty’s brow gel applies completely clear (like, actually) and stays that way without hardening and getting crusty by the end of the day.

    • Key ingredients: Water, beheneth-30, and VP/VA copolymer
    • Size: .15 oz
    • Shades: 1 (clear)

    One Cosmo editor says: “As someone with dark hair and a cowlicked brow, it’s hard for me to find a brow gel that tames the unwieldy sisters (not twins) without leaving a sticky residue or tiny white flakes. This gel applies almost dry with none of that typical gooey/wet feeling, and leaves almost no trace. It doesn’t appear like I have any brow gel on, other than the fact that my brows actually cooperate and stay put all day.” — JL

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      Find Comfort: Awaken Confidence Bouncy Body Cream

      Pros

      • Sinks into skin without leaving any lingering greasy feel
      • A little goes a long way, so the tub will last a while

      Cons

      • Not for people who prefer light/no fragrance

      My poor, dry skin hasn’t gotten the memo that winter is over just yet and has been begging and pleading for relief. Thankfully, this body cream exists, and is formulated with shea and jojoba–ingredients that lock in moisture and give this cream its thick, luxe feel. As if that weren’t enough, the scent is super lovely. I smell like a fresh summer peach plucked straight from a flower garden. Low-key, I kinda feel like one too.

        • Key ingredients: Murumuru butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and niacinamide
        • Size: 8.45 fl oz
        • Shades: N/A

      One Cosmo editor says: “This is unlike any other body cream I have at home—and I have about 10—all thanks to the whipped, bouncy texture. It's so easy to rub in, immediately absorbs, and leaves my skin feeling extremely hydrated. And the citrus scent is so lovely to wake me up in the morning.” —Beth Gillette, beauty editor

      Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
      AmazonAlso Consider

      Pros

      • Testers love that this highlighter doesn’t emphasize texture
      • Adds a subtle glow sans chunky glitter

      Cons

      • Dries down quickly, so you have to blend right away

      This highlighter is perfect for those of us who want a very natural glow without going full strobe. Dab a bit of this product onto the back of your hand, then pat it onto the high points of your face with a finger to get dewy, healthy-looking skin.

      • Key ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily
      • Size: .5 oz
      • Shades: 10

      One Cosmo editor says: “If you love a two-in-one product, let me put you onto this pigmented highlighter. Like all Rare Beauty cheek products, it's super pigmented, so a little drop goes a long way. This multitasker blends out to a radiant cheek tint, eliminating the need for a blush and highlighter in your makeup kit.” —Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor

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      Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

      Pros

      • Doesn’t smudge or smear easily
      • Lengthens and volumizes in a few coats without clumping

      Cons

      • Flakes throughout the day, according to a few reviews

      Have you been searching for a mascara that is easily buildable without smudging or flaking throughout the day? Well, when you're ready, come and get it (nana na na). Rare's volumizing mascara does just that; while you can achieve very subtle but defined lashes in just a few strokes, continuing to build will lift and separate, creating a more dramatic look. This is also more of a “dry” formula, which helps keep lashes from drooping and being weighed down.

      • Key ingredients: Castor oil
      • Size: .45 fl oz
      • Shades: 1 (black)

      One Cosmo editor says: "Applying mascara probably takes the longest out of everything in my makeup routine because I like to build the product up without clumping my lashes together, and Rare’s mascara seems to be made for exactly that. Also, I wore this mascara on a three-hour train ride after working a full eight-hour day, and when I got home and looked in the mirror, it hadn't budged. Selena, I’m begging you: release this in brown!” —JL

      Soft Pinch Liquid Contour
      AmazonAlso Consider

      Pros

      • Pigmented, but also blendable
      • We love the cool-toned shade range

      Cons

      • A few reviewers found it a bit patchy (though, none of our editors noticed this)

      A liquid contour in the same packaging as the iconic blush? Sign me up! Thankfully, the contour also has the same incred formula: great pigment, easy to blend, and impressive shade range. TBH, it's actually even creamier, IMO, to help avoid any splotchiness.

      • Key ingredients: Hydrogenated polyisobutene, mica
      • Size: .5 fl oz
      • Shades: 7

      One Cosmo editor says: “Okay, I usually hate liquid contour products because they blend out muddy and are never actually cool-toned... but this one seriously changed the game. The formula is so soft on the skin and diffuses out like butter—no patchiness or streaks. The shade range is expansive, and the applicator is super easy to work with too. No notes!” —JH

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      Positive Light Under Eye Brightener
      AmazonAlso Consider

      Pros

      • Brightens appearance of dark undereyes without needing to cake product on
      • Cool metal applicator feels so soothing on puffy under-eyes

      Cons

      • Some testers feel that this product settled into their fine lines

      A product that brightens the appearance of my under eye circles without caking up? Yes, pls! It's worth noting that while this is definitely not full coverage, it significantly improves the appearance of dark under-eye bags. And, as a bonus, the applicator has a metal tip, which is a refreshing cool touch to treat your skin. Not only do my eyes look brighter, but they feel brighter, too. Pro tip: Apply one dot of product under each eye, a bit further down than you typically would, and use your finger to blend the product up towards your eyes for a seamless look.

      • Key ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily
      • Size: .25 oz
      • Shades: 8

      One Cosmo editor says: "This product is filed under 'if I ever get pink eye and have to throw out all of my makeup and can only buy a few new things because I'm responsible and won't splurge, I will absolutely be re-purchasing this.' I don't love full-coverage under-eye products because they settle into my fine lines and are incredibly drying. This brightener helps me fake a good night's sleep! One tube lasted me about two years, so it's absolutely worth the money." —JL

        Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick

        Pros

        • Readers' Choice Award winner
        • Extremely easy to apply and blend, according to testers

        Cons

        • Some found it too warm-toned for contouring

        With this bronzer, no one will even know you've been hidden in your bedroom cave all winter long! Selena wasn’t kidding when she called this bronzer stick “effortless”; it glides on incredibly easily and blends like a dream. Before the launch of the new liquid contour, many purchased this in a cooler tone for contouring since it's so easy to place exactly where you want it. And, unsurprisingly, this product was also named best bronzer in Cosmo's Readers' Choice Awards.

        • Key ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily
        • Size: .25 oz
        • Shades: 8

        One Cosmo reader says: “The contour is so creamy, and the shade range is awesome."

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        Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
        Now 50% Off

        Pros

        • Smooths and blurs skin while maintaining a natural finish

        Cons

        • Might not be hydrating enough for dry skin types

        Selena wasn’t messing around when she named this foundation. As soon as this is applied and blended in, it feels like there’s nothing on my skin. Yet, miraculously, my redness is evened out and my blemishes have all but disappeared. This formula is incredibly buildable; I’ve found that the best way to apply is by dabbing onto the back of my hand, using a finger to tap onto my cheeks, forehead, and chin, and then blend out with a foundation brush.

        • Key ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily
        • Size: .94 oz
        • Shades: 48

        One Cosmo editor says: "This was the first Rare Beauty launch, and from there, I knew I had a new fave brand in my hands. This foundation, now years later, is still one of my go-tos for covering acne and dark spots and evening out my skin tone without feeling like I'm wearing a heavy full-coverage formula. And its got a wide shade range, so I can always find my right match." — BG

        Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm

        Pros

        • Hydrating and long-lasting

        Cons

        • Some testers find this gloss a little sticky

        This product is a perfect spring/summer lip gloss. It applies and feels like a gloss but is long-lasting like a balm. And, thanks to jojoba and sunflower seed oils, it keeps my lips hydrated long after it’s worn off. I'm partial to Nearly Neutral as my go-to shade, but there are five others to choose from depending on your ~vibes~.

        • Key ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil
        • Size: .12 fl oz
        • Shades: 6

        One Cosmo editor says: “I’m a big fan of lip gloss, but it’s hard to find one that isn’t sticky and actually keeps my lips hydrated. The Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm delivers every time. It’s one of the first lip glosses I’ve used all the way until it was completely empty! My favorite shade is Nearly Berry—it gives the perfect amount of color to complement my dark hair.” —Tori Polizzotto, executive assistant

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        True to Myself Tinted Pressed Talc-Free Finishing Powder

        Pros

        • Doesn't make skin look dry
        • Has a little bit of extra coverage

        Cons

        • Doesn't come with a powder puff

        This powder is super light and effortless but definitely helps my makeup stay on longer. It seamlessly sets foundation, concealer, skin tint—whatever—without drying out your face or completely mattifying your shine. It’s also perfect for anyone on the go, thanks to its chic half-moon compact that can be stuffed in virtually any bag.

        • Key ingredients: Synthetic fluorphlogopite, calcium carbonate, zinc stearate
        • Size: .28 oz
        • Shades: 14

        One Cosmo editor says: “I have combo skin, and I really struggle to keep my makeup in place all day. But when I use the Rare Beauty powder to set my foundation, I don't have to worry. My makeup stays on all day, even through mask wearing. I can already tell this will be my go-to in the hot summer months.” —Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor

        All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick

        Pros

        • Easy to apply and blend
        • Creamy formula works really well on hooded eyelids

        Cons

        • Doesn't last very long on oily eyelids (unless you layer on top of a good primer)

        If you’re looking to add some oomph to your eye look but are hopeless when it comes to smokey eyes (or eyeshadow in general), then this product is perfect for you. Just sweep the crayon across each eye—seriously, it's that easy. You don't even really need to blend it with a brush; instead, smudge the outer corners with your fingers to get rid of any harsh lines.

        • Key ingredients: Trisiloxane, synthetic fluorphlogopite, and dimethicone
        • Size: .04 oz
        • Shades: 6

        One Cosmo editor says: “I currently have on the taupe shade "Contentment" as I write this (lol). They're some of the easiest and creamiest eyeshadow sticks I own to quickly smudge all over my lids before work, but still make me look put together.” —BG

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          Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?

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          Jayne Lemire is an executive assistant at Hearst Magazines and a contributing writer at Cosmopolitan where she writes about beauty. She's well-versed in all beauty categories, but especially makeup, including the best setting powders.

          Headshot of Jayne Lemire
          Jayne Lemire
          Executive Assistant

          Jayne Lemire is an executive assistant at Hearst Magazines. Prior to her work at Hearst, she was in book publishing and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science. When she's not at her desk, you'll likely find her spending hours in TJ Maxx without buying anything or creating her 400th Spotify playlist.

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