Fenty Beauty by Rihanna: Review
After what seems like the longest wait ever, Rihanna's makeup line Fenty Beauty has finally hit the shelves and the web-- and my makeup vanity.
The cruelty free line consists of 40 shades of foundation, numerous matchsticks, which can be used for contour, blush, etc., highlighters and a gloss.
During the recent launch, I purchased Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Mean Money/Hu$tla Baby ($34) and used a promo code to receive a deluxe version of the Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($34) in the shade Light 150. I had the full size in my cart, but since there was a promo going on, I figured I should try the mini sample size to see if the color will work for me.
I received my order within days, thanks to Sephora 2-day flash shipping and immediately put the products to the test.
First off let's talk about the highlighter-- let's see where do I start-- the packaging is incredibly sturdy and consists of a white compact with subtle shimmers.
Fenty Beauty Killowatt Highlighter in Mean Money (left) and Hu$tla Baby (right)
The left shade Mean Money is described as a soft champagne sheen and the right named Hu$tla Baby is a supercharged peachy champagne shimmer... a.k.a. very blinding.
See swatches below to see what other highlighters the Fenty Beauty one is close to.
When I swatched this duo, the highlight felt smooth and buttery. I was worried this would accentuate texture on my skin, since I had a recent breakout, but that was not the case.
I used Hu$tla Baby by itself and was pleased with how the highlight looked. It was definitely blinding but at the same time also had a healthy looking glow to it. It was also long lasting.
Mean Money was used on days I wanted a subtle sheen, (although let's be real, those days don't come by too often- I'm always about the shine big or go home highlight).
Moving onto foundation, I literally guessed my shade on the Sephora site, by reading the description of each. I usually go for neutral undertones, so I chose 150. As I mentioned earlier, I chose a deluxe size since I wasn't 100 percent sure if I would like the shade and didn't want to spend $34 until I knew it was the right one.
On the Sephora site, the foundation is described as being oil-free soft-matte long-wear medium coverage, perfect for sensitive, normal, oily, dry, combination, skin. It goes on to say that the foundation gives skin an instantly smooth, pore-diffused, shine-free finish that easily builds from medium to full coverage.
I used the deluxe size (yes deluxe size) for a week and there's still plenty left, for probably three more uses.
I primed my face with the Too Faced Hangover RX primer and used about 1 pump and a half to 2 for my entire face. Can I just say that when I saw the shade"light 150" pumped on my hand, it looked sooo light almost grayish, but I still gave it a shot and applied it to my face. I used a damp beauty blender to blend and it was so light compared to the rest of my body. After a couple of minutes however, the color automatically oxidized and matched my skin perfectly. I was stunned. It was a soft matte finish just as the foundation is described but oil did peek through during the day.
At the end of the day, it did break up and I was not liking the way it looked.
Wearing Fenty Beauty foundation and Hu$tla Baby highlight
On other days, I used the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot primer and loved the way it looked. My look stayed all day and there was barely any oil in my t-zone. I did try using a makeup brush to blend it out on some days and that was a hot mess as the brush soaked up all the product. I also applied the foundation with my hands only and it did apply well however it did not last long on the face. Overall my favorite way to wear this foundation is with the Soap and Glory blot primer. I may get a sample of the Fenty primer that is meant to go with the foundation to see if that works best.
My final thoughts: I would suggest you get a shade lighter than normal as the foundation oxidizes A LOT. The best way is apply it with a beauty blender and for those with oily skin use a mattifying primer.
Wearing Fenty Beauty foundation in 150 and Mean Money highlight
I'm not sure I'll reach for this as an everyday foundation, I would choose the Too Faced Peachy comfort matte one over this, however I'm not completely hating this product. Overall I would give it a B-. There were some days it looked absolutely horrible on me and then there were others where it stayed all day and looked flawless. It also has to do with what primer you use and how you setthe face.
The highlighter is absolutely everything, I'm loving it so much. I've seen so many people using Trophy Wife which is basically pure gold on the face, but I'm not sure it will work with my skin tone. Let me know what to pick up next! Talk to you soon!
