Rare Beauty Makeup Review: Selena's No-Makeup Look on Oily Skin

This review dives deep into the Rare Beauty makeup line, focusing on its ability to create a natural, "no-makeup" look, specifically for those with oily skin. We put Selena Gomez's coveted collection to the test, examining its performance and longevity throughout a full day of wear. From the weightless foundation and brightening concealer to the richly pigmented blushes and subtly glowing highlighters, we explore each product’s texture, application, and overall impact on achieving a flawless, radiant complexion. Our honest assessment covers both the triumphs and challenges, offering a realistic perspective on whether this collection lives up to the hype, especially for those prone to oiliness.This detailed evaluation covers key products like the Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, Brow Harmony Pencil and Gel, Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, Positive Light Liquid Luminizer, and the With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm. We analyze each product’s performance individually and as part of a complete makeup look, providing insights into shade selection, application techniques, and lasting power. Ultimately, we determine whether Rare Beauty delivers on its promise of effortless beauty, and whether it’s a worthwhile investment for achieving a naturally flawless finish that lasts.

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Foundation: Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

I tested Rare Beauty's Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation in shade 240 Warm. The shade finder initially suggested a neutral shade, but I knew my undertones are warmer. I compared it to my usual Physicians Formula Healthy Foundation – they look similar in the bottle, but Rare Beauty is noticeably more golden.

Side-by-side comparison of Rare Beauty and Physicians Formula foundations.
Side-by-side comparison of Rare Beauty and Physicians Formula foundations.

Application was easy; the foundation is liquidy, so shaking is key. It's buildable, going from light to medium-full coverage. Two layers provided nice coverage for my hyperpigmentation, and the feel is lightweight which is essential for my oily skin.

The coverage is impressive, and it feels comfortable on the skin. However, being a dewy foundation, the longevity will be the true test for my oily skin. Will it hold up throughout the day, or will I become a greaseball by noon?

Brows: Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel

Next, I tried the Brow Harmony Pencil and Gel in Cool Brown. The pencil is thicker than I'm used to, making it challenging to create natural-looking hair-like strokes, especially on sparse brows.

Applying the brow pencil.
Applying the brow pencil.

The gel, while having a small brush, helped to lift and set the brow hairs. The color is nice, but the combination of the soft pencil and pigmented gel requires careful application to avoid a harsh look. The overall effect was subtle and natural, but perhaps better suited for those with naturally bushier eyebrows.

I prefer a more fine-tipped brow pencil for better precision in creating hair-like strokes. The combined use of pencil and gel created a natural look, although the soft texture of the pencil required a gentler hand.

Concealer: Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

I used the Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer in 190 Warm, one or two shades lighter than my foundation for a brightening effect under my eyes. A few dots were sufficient; it blended seamlessly with the foundation, providing a natural brightening effect.

The Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer.
The Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer.

The concealer comes in 48 shades. While I used 190 Warm, I'm considering trying a shade lighter (perhaps 190 Warm) for fall and winter as my skin tone changes.

The concealer's formula is lightweight, blends easily, and effectively brightens the under-eye area without looking heavy or cakey.

Blush & Highlighter: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush & Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in 'Joy' (peachy) and 'Love' (terracotta) were a highlight. A little goes a long way due to the intense pigmentation. I applied a small amount of 'Joy' to each cheek; it blended beautifully and provided a natural flush.

The Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer.
The Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer.

The Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in 'Outshine' (light gold) and 'Flaunt' (bronzy) adds a beautiful glow. I used 'Flaunt' for a subtle highlight on the high points of my face.

Both blushes and highlighters are easy to blend and create a natural, radiant look. The blushes, in particular, are exceptionally pigmented, requiring minimal product for optimal results.

Lip Balm: With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm

The With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in 'Thankful' is a very nude shade. While the texture is soft and the color is pretty, the scent is quite strong and off-putting; it almost has a chlorine-like smell.

I considered using 'Praise' for a more peachy shade to better match the blush and overall look, but ultimately used blush on my lips to create a more suitable color.

The lip balm's scent is overpowering and detracts from the otherwise pleasant texture and subtle color. This product did not meet expectations because of its unusual aroma.

Overall Impression & Wear Test

The Rare Beauty makeup, particularly the blush and highlighter, impressed me with their pigmentation and ease of blending for a natural glow. The foundation's longevity, initially a concern for my oily skin, held up remarkably well, showing minimal separation after several hours.

The Brow Harmony products require practice to master their application and create a balanced look. The concealer blended effortlessly. However, the lip balm's unique scent presented a challenge.

The overall look lasted well throughout the day, with minimal touch-ups needed. Despite some minor separation of the foundation on the nose and chin later in the day, this is a great product that I highly recommend.