Whether you're beauty-obsessed like us or only casually interested, chances are you've heard of rhode skin, the skincare and makeup brand founded by Hailey Bieber that's taken over our social media feeds and Sephora's bestsellers list.
Curiosity got the best of us. We just had to know: is rhode worth it or not?
Sure, we could've sifted through the dozens, if not hundreds, of rhode reviews out there to find our answer, but what's the fun in that?
Plus, as a shopping site, we felt it was our duty to test these popular beauty products ourselves and share our honest thoughts with members before they buy ahead of the holiday season.
How We Tested
We enlisted six testers to try five of rhode's star attractions for a full week. They were asked to record their first impressions and rate each product on a scale of one to five across four categories:
- Application: How easy was the product to apply and use?
- Texture: What was its consistency, and how did it feel on the skin?
- Performance: Did the product deliver its intended results?
- Overall experience: Would the tester recommend it or purchase it again?
We also gathered their feedback on what each tester liked and disliked most about their assigned product.
Which ones came out on top? Is rhode really all it's cracked up to be? You'll have to keep reading to find out.
rhode Peptide Lip Tint Nourishing Glaze
Tester rating
4.5/5
Our tester: Bella
Shade tested: Salty Tan (unscented)
Retail price: $20
At a glance: High shine and hydration, with a slightly sticky finish.
The product: A vegan, cruelty-free peptide lip treatment made with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E for dry lips.
First impressions: One of rhode's best-known products, this viral lip gloss (and its straightforward packaging) left a positive mark on Bella right away, despite her initial skepticism about its social media hype.
Application and texture: Although smooth to apply, the glaze formulation was a little too thick for Bella, who would've preferred the high-shine finish to be "less sticky." However, she noted that it wasn't a major issue.
Performance: As advertised, the color and shine were immediately apparent, leaving Bella's pout looking plump and hydrated "for a decent amount of time." That said, she hadn't expected particularly long wear from a product of this nature.
The good: The lip balm's rich sheen was a big plus, not to mention that it didn't dry out Bella's sensitive lips, like so many other lip products do.
The not-so-good: The only qualm? It's sticky, which wasn't a dealbreaker for Bella.
Our Verdict
Considering our tester was reluctant to part with the Peptide Lip Tint when asked to return it, it's safe to say rhode has gained a new fan.
rhode Glazing Milk Hydrating Ceramide Facial Essence
Tester rating
3/5
Our tester: Michelle
Retail price: $32 for 4.2 ounces
At a glance: Silky hydration and softer skin, with a glow that fades.
The product: A rhode skincare essential designed to strengthen the skin barrier, with antioxidant vitamin E, a ceramide trio and a mineral complex as key ingredients.
First impressions: Suitable for normal, dry and combination skin types, this fragrance-free essence has earned the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so it's no surprise that Michelle's skin felt "super-soft" after her first use.
Application and texture: The product's lightweight, milky texture certainly lives up to its name, according to Michelle. Because it's thinner than a traditional moisturizer, she recommends pouring it into your hands over the sink in case it drips.
Performance: Our tester achieved a subtle dewy finish every time she applied the milk to her face, and after several days, her dry skin was noticeably smoother.
The good: Michelle described this moisturizing liquid formula as both silky and refreshing, appreciating its skin protecting properties.
The not-so-good: The "glow" Michelle experienced upon application didn't last.
Our Verdict
Looking to give your skincare routine a hydration boost? This much-talked-about milk is right on the money, but its short-lived glow leaves something to be desired.
rhode Glazing Mist Hydrating Face Spray
Tester rating
2/5
Our tester: Nicole
Retail price: $30 for 2.7 ounces
At a glance: Refreshing hydration and softer skin, but an underwhelming glow.
The product: A gentle, non-greasy spray that can be applied after using a cleanser or worn under or over makeup for added hydration.
First impressions: As someone with acne-prone skin, Nicole was drawn to the unscented mist's non-comedogenic formula and purifying benefits. After using it, her skin felt instantly "softer, smoother and nourished."
Application and texture: It sprayed on evenly, and because it's a fine mist, it didn't sit heavy on Nicole's face, but she noted that "you could feel it was on."
Performance: While her hydrated skin appeared healthier and more refreshed, Nicole was disappointed with the lack of glow the product promised.
The good: Full credit goes to its hydrating abilities. So if your complexion is in dire need of a pick-me-up, this top-seller could be just what you're looking for.
The not-so-good: The illuminating effect expected from a glazing mist was, in our tester's words, "pretty underwhelming."
Our Verdict
While the mist had its merits, it didn't visibly enhance Nicole's radiance. Ultimately, the results weren't impressive enough for her to justify repurchasing.
rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush
Testers' ratings
Shades tested: Freckle and Date Cake
Retail price: $25
At a glance: Smooth blending and flattering color, with some reservations about price and shade range.
The product: A creamy, pocket-sized blush that blends effortlessly onto cheeks and even lips.
First impressions: Given her light skin tone, Erica chose a neutral peach shade called Freckle and was pleasantly surprised by the "decent amount of pigment" the stick blush delivered. She thought its sleek packaging, however, looked a bit cheap.
Sumaa, meanwhile, went with Date Cake, a warm red-berry hue that she found beautiful and flattering on her brown skin. Its "cute" and "compact" design also made it easy to carry around.
Application and texture: Both testers appreciated the blush's smooth, easy-to-apply texture, noting how seamlessly it blended into the skin. Erica suggested adding another layer to build up the pigment.
Performance: Sumaa said the blush gave her a "lovely, natural-looking flush" that accentuated her complexion. For Erica, the color lasted through an entire night without appearing "cakey," even after she layered powder on top.
The good: The blush's blendability earned major points from Erica, while Sumaa was head over heels for her chosen shade.
The not-so-good: Although Sumaa loved nearly everything about this crowd-pleaser, she would've preferred a liquid formula and felt the price was a little steep for what it offered. Erica had a different concern: The overall shade range could be more inclusive.
Our Verdict
After trying this internet sensation in real life, we're giving it a resounding yes! While Sumaa had some reservations about the price, we think it's worth considering if your budget allows. Plus, you can earn Cash Back on your purchase to help offset the cost.
rhode Barrier Restore Cream Hydrating Daily Moisturizer
Tester rating
3.5/5
Our tester: Kim
Retail price: $32 for 1.7 ounces
At a glance: Lightweight hydration and easy absorption, but the scent was a drawback.
The product: A rhode skincare fan favorite packed with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and peptides to provide moisture and nourishment.
First impressions: Unfortunately for Mrs. Bieber, Kim didn't see the fragrance-free formula as a positive, describing the scent as "chemical-like."
Application and texture: Luckily, the texture fared better with Kim, who said it wasn't too thick and didn't feel like it would clog her pores. It's lightweight without being too watery, and it soaks in well.
Performance: After Kim worked it into her existing routine, the cream did what it says it does, hydrating her face and giving it a softer texture.
The good: It's a great source for skin hydration, which Kim spoke highly about.
The not-so-good: It doesn't offer the best smell, which mattered quite a bit to our tester.
Our Verdict
If dryness is the bane of your existence, you may not find complete solace in this restoration cream, as Kim said it probably wouldn't be her go-to in the winter, when her skin is typically drier.
Our Final Verdict: Is rhode Worth It?
As you can tell, rhode wasn't all hype with no substance for us. Even though we only tested five of the 17 products in rhode's line, they gave us a taste of what the brand can do.
The highly rated Pocket Blush and Peptide Lip Tint have now earned permanent spots in our makeup bags. And the Barrier Restore Cream won us over with its lightweight texture and how easily it absorbs.
But our rhode skincare review wasn't all glowing. Our test team highlighted some letdowns, particularly with the missing "glaze" in both Glazing products.
Of course, beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. What falls short for us might work well for you, and vice versa.
But one thing is true for everyone: You can get Cash Back on eligible rhode skin purchases at Sephora through TopCashback! So if you're not already a member with us, make sure to sign up for free before you shop.
by Diana Baratta
Diana Baratta is the senior copywriter at TopCashback.com. After beginning her copywriting career at a paper company, where she harnessed her creative chops writing about…paper, this self-described “bargain shopper” has felt at home talking about our many stores, deals and money-saving tips the last few years.
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