Image by: Rare Beauty | Space NK
Here’s everything you need to know about Rare Beauty, this year’s most anticipated celebrity beauty line, available to buy from Space NK from 1st February…
Is it me or does every celebrity have their own beauty line these days? From the well-established lines of Victoria Beckham and Trinny Woodhall to buzzy beauty newcomers like Halsey and Arianna, it’s hard to know what’s genuinely worth deviating from your usual routine for. However, there’s one familiar name that’s been uttered time and time again when it comes to celebrity make-up lines, and that’s Selena Gomez – the founder of Rare Beauty.
The American singer, actress and producer officially launched Rare Beauty back in 2020, with the global rollout then forced to slow due to the pandemic. But the fact that the line has been available in other countries has only served to heighten our anticipation for a UK launch date. Now, as of 1st February, the full collection will be available for Britons to buy online at Space NK. One huge perk of letting other countries jump the queue is the sheer volume of praise and reviews coming from across the pond so we know exactly where to focus our efforts come launch day. And trust me when I say, there are literally thousands out there - and each one is as glowing as the products promise to make you.
Why are people raving about Rare Beauty?
So, what is it is about Rare Beauty that has got beauty Editors chattering more than any other celebrity cosmetics line? Well, for starters, it seems like the range means a lot more to Selena than simply sticking her name on it. Gomez revealed at the time of launch that she had been working on the products for an impressive two years, and a big part of where the brand is going was decided by participation with her fans. The brand’s mission? To shape conversations around beauty, self-acceptance, and mental health: 'We want to help people get more access to support and services, and help people feel more authentically connected to one another and less alone in the world.' And she’s not all talk - as part of the $100 million Rare Impact Fund, Rare Beauty will give 1% of annual sales, as well as funds raised by partners, to support mental health charities. Rare Beauty plans to raise $100 million over the next 10 years. As someone who has been publicly outspoken about her own mental health struggles, it's clear Selena's foray into the beauty industry has a personal significance.
You're going to lose it over the Liquid Eyeshadow
Who is it for?
It seems like Selena's gone above and beyond to make the line suitable for everyone. In an Instagram Live, she explained: "It’s not just a brand. It’s going to be a lifestyle. I want girls and boys and men and women to feel comfortable. It’s [Rare Beauty] meant to be enjoyed, it’s very special. We are not meant to look like everybody else, we’re meant to look like ourselves.” As well as being 100% vegan and cruelty free, the ultra-inclusive collection contains a seriously impressive 48 shades of foundation and concealer to suit all skin tones. Plus, its extensive. Think lip balms and creams, eyeliners, liquid blushers (more on that later), primers and powders to give your make-up bag a serious overhaul for spring.
Which products are worth buying?
Let’s get down to it – which products are worth waiting in line for? The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush mentioned earlier has been making waves over in the U.S thanks to its luminous, highly-pigmented colour that gives the perfect pinch of colour to the cheeks. But there’s plenty more gems where that came from. Scroll on to discover the Rare Beauty products we rate highest below…
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-In-1 Mist
£23.00
So I'm not one to usually use or even care about about facial mists, but I've got to admit this one grabbed my attention instantly thanks to one hero ingredient: niacinamide. It's my skin's holy grail for preventing breakouts so I jumped at the chance to include it in other areas of my regime. This ultra-fine and ultra-floral (it whiffs of lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily) mist did a great job of giving my skin a glassy glow before I layered on my usual mattifying make-up for a perfectly balanced look. It's also great at setting make-up too without leaving a sticky finish.
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow
£19.00
The concept of liquid eyeshadow had me raising an eyebrow - it felt a little too easy to go heavy-handed and come out looking like a clown. But oh my - I mean, seriously. This is pure joy for anyone craving the next step above no-makeup. The liquid instantly turns into the softest powder that glides seamlessly over the eyelid for a satin finish. No cuts, no creases, just the most perfect rosy tint to put a flush of colour into your face. So gorgeous, buy 12.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Joy
£19.00
The one product that has America falling over itself, the liquid blush is definitely the product I was most excited to try. It is so incredibly smooth and light yet perfectly pigmented for a natural 'pinch' effect. This is perfect for wearing without foundation on bare skin to look like an extension of yourself, though those looking for something more sculpting may prefer a more intense shade.
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush
£18.00
Speaking of which, say hello to Selena's other cheek tint - the equally as exciting Melting Blush. This liquid-like formula does exactly what it promises, melting upon touch for a flawless blend. For me, this works best if you're layering with bronzer or foundation - it simply pops for the kind of colour you usually have to wait until your summer holidays to see.
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
£17.00
I live my life in liquid eyeliner and, having been practicing flicks for the best part of 15 years, would say I'm a bit of an expert on what makes a good liner. My top rated product happened to be another celebrity brand - Kat Von D - but Selena's Perfect Strikes pen has snatched the title with a product that more than lives up to its name. The vegan bristled tip is the perfect combination of flexible and sturdy, while the formula itself glides on like a dream and stays that way. What else did I expect from Selena who I now can't ever recall ever seeing without a faithful winged eyeliner look?
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Mascara
£19.00
Rare Beauty's Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara lives up to its name on all lash types, whether they're naturally fine or thick and curly. This deep-black formula did a great job of coating each individual lash and pumped them full of volume and length. For anyone with sparse lashes, there's even more good news - it contains conditioning castor oil that is supposed to naturally stimulate lash growth.
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush
£25.00
Yes the foundation is good (super lightweight with an almost serum finish) but this best-seller brush is what really makes it. It's packed with soft, silky vegan bristles that build, blend and buff for a finish your fingers just can't match.
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
£21.00
This bronzer is absolutely perfect for spring, offering a more natural tint that's able to replace the sun we're missing out on in the UK without making it obvious that we've faked it. It also has a hint of shimmer to lift the complexion - something that always lacks in powder bronzers. Plus, the stick is great for anyone looking to sculpt without committing to contouring.
Selena’s Faves 4 Piece Mini Set
£29.00
Don't take my word for what's good - take Selena's. You can grab her personal curation of the collection, in the exact shades that she's publically worn on recent magazine covers and shoots.
Discover the full collection at Space NK