New York Post Composite I’ve tested more skincare and makeup than I can count, but sitting down with the full Rhode lineup felt like finally understanding the brand as a complete system rather than a series of viral moments.
It’s easy to assume a celebrity-backed brand is more about aesthetics than substance, especially when Hailey Bieber is so closely tied to the “glazed skin” trend that took over the internet. But after testing every Rhode product consistently, layering them in different routines and wearing them through long days and short nights, I came away with clear opinions.
According to the creator marketing performance leaderboard Traackr, Rhode has amassed more than 28 million engagements in Feb. 2026 alone, with Hailey Bieber anchoring the chic “GRWM” story in founder-led authenticity.
Some products are genuinely standout, some are solid essentials, and a few depend heavily on your skin type and expectations. What surprised me most is how cohesive everything feels when used together.
At its core, Rhode is a minimalist skincare and makeup brand focused on barrier health and effortless radiance. The formulas prioritize hydration-forward ingredients like peptides, niacinamide and emollients designed to support the skin rather than overwhelm it.
The product range is intentionally tight, which makes it feel less like a sprawling beauty empire and more like a curated routine. Everything is designed to layer seamlessly, which becomes obvious once you try multiple products together. The aesthetic — clean, glossy and neutral — mirrors the results the brand promises. It’s very much about looking like yourself, just well-rested and luminous. And importantly, it straddles the line between skincare and makeup in a way that feels modern and wearable.
The Rhode Pocket Blush is, without question, my favorite product from the entire lineup. The texture is where it really wins; it’s creamy but not greasy, and it blends well into the skin. The shade Candy Apple gives a fresh, slightly flushed look that works across different lighting conditions, which isn’t always the case with brighter blushes.
Victoria McDonnell I love how easy it is to apply with fingers, making it ideal for quick touch-ups throughout the day. It layers beautifully over both bare skin and foundation. It looks its best after using your skincare!
There’s also a subtle glow to it that avoids looking shimmery or overly dewy. Out of everything I tried, this is the one I would repurchase immediately and recommend without hesitation.
Size: 0.18 ounces (it’s not as small as it looks!) | Key ingredients: Peptides, Glycerin
The Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid is arguably the hero product of the brand, and after testing it extensively, I understand why. The texture is lightweight but delivers a noticeable glow without heaviness. It layers beautifully under makeup or works on its own for a minimal look.
Victoria McDonnell I noticed a consistent improvement in hydration and overall skin texture with regular use. It doesn’t pill, which is crucial for something meant to be layered. The finish is that signature “glazed” look without crossing into greasy territory. It’s one of the most versatile products in the entire line.
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Peptides, Niacinamide, Marula Oil, Glycerin
The Rhode The Peptide Eye Prep Set is clearly designed with both skincare and makeup prep in mind. The eye cream itself is lightweight but hydrating, absorbing quickly without leaving residue. What stood out to me is how well it layers under concealer; it genuinely helps prevent creasing and dryness!
Victoria McDonnell The cooling effect adds a subtle de-puffing benefit, especially in the morning. I didn’t see dramatic changes in dark circles, but the smoothing effect was noticeable. It feels more like a daily maintenance product than a corrective treatment. Overall, it fits seamlessly into a routine rather than trying to be a miracle fix.
Size: 12 pairs total | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Peptide, Glycerin
The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Strawberry Glaze leans more into treatment than tint, and it shows in how deeply hydrating it feels. The texture is thicker than the lip tint but still comfortable enough for daytime wear. I especially liked using it overnight as a lip mask.
Victoria McDonnell The strawberry scent is noticeable but not overpowering, adding a small sensory element to the experience. Over time, my lips felt smoother and less prone to dryness. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective, especially over time. If you struggle with chronically dry lips, this is worth incorporating into your routine.
FYI, there’s a Snap-On Lip Phone Case that you’ll likely want to pick up for this, too.
Size: 0.3 ounces | Key ingredients: Peptide, Shea Butter, Vitamin E
The Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser is a gentle but effective way to start or end your routine. The gel texture feels refreshing and light, making it suitable for daily use. It cleanses without stripping, which is something I always look for in a face wash. The pineapple element adds a subtle brightness over time, though it’s not aggressive.
rhode I didn’t experience any irritation, even with consistent use. It leaves the skin feeling clean but still soft and balanced. As far as cleansers go, it’s dependable and fits well into almost any routine.
Size: 5 ounces | Key ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, Pineapple enzyme, Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin
The Rhode Barrier Butter feels like the brand’s answer to compromised, dry or over-treated skin. It has a rich, almost balm-like consistency that melts as you warm it between your fingers. I found it especially useful at night or during colder days when my skin needed extra care.
Victoria McDonnell It creates a soft seal over the skin without feeling suffocating, which can be a tricky balance to achieve. If you’re someone with oily skin, this might feel too heavy unless used sparingly. But for dry or sensitive skin, it can be incredibly comforting and restorative. Over time, I noticed less tightness and more resilience in my skin barrier.
Size: 3.4 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Polyglutamic acid, Murumuru butter, Ceramides
The Rhode Glazing Mist is one of those products that feels instantly refreshing but also has long-term benefits. The mist is ultra-fine, which makes a big difference in how evenly it distributes across the skin. I used it both as a prep step and throughout the day to revive my makeup. It adds a subtle sheen without making the skin look wet or overly dewy.
Victoria McDonnell There’s a calming element to it, especially when skin feels stressed or dull. It layers well over other products without pilling or disrupting anything underneath. While it’s not essential, it’s definitely a nice-to-have that elevates the overall experience.
Size: 2.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Amino acids, Ceramides, Magnolia extract
The Rhode Glazing Milk is a standout if you love lightweight hydration that still feels effective. The milky texture sits somewhere between a toner and a serum, making it incredibly versatile. I found it especially useful as a first step after cleansing to prep my skin for heavier products. It absorbs quickly but leaves behind a soft, hydrated feel that lasts.
Victoria McDonnell There’s a subtle plumping effect that makes the skin look healthier almost immediately. It plays well with actives, which is important if you’re not exclusively using Rhode products. This is one of those quiet staples that becomes more impressive the longer you use it.
Size: 4.2 ounces | Key ingredients: Ceramides, Vitamin E, Glycerin
The Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Sweet Pea was one of the first products I reached for, and it immediately felt like a comfortable hybrid between a balm and a gloss. The texture is cushiony without being sticky, which is something I’m extremely picky about after trying countless lip formulas. The tint itself is sheer but buildable, giving just enough color to make your lips look alive rather than obviously made up.
I noticed that it wears down evenly, leaving behind a soft stain instead of that awkward ring some glosses create. Hydration-wise, it performs more like a treatment than a cosmetic, especially after a few days of consistent use. The peptides seem to genuinely soften the lips over time rather than just temporarily coating them. It’s the kind of product I keep in every bag because it’s effortless and reliable.
Size: 0.3 ounces | Key ingredients: Peptide, Shea butter, Vitamin E
The Rhode Peptide Lip Shape is one of the more interesting additions to the lineup because it blends skincare with subtle sculpting. The formula glides easily without tugging, which is essential for a lip liner. The shade range is designed to enhance rather than dramatically alter your natural lip color.
I liked using it to softly define my lips before applying a balm or gloss. It doesn’t feel drying, which is a common issue with liners. The finish is natural, almost blurred, rather than sharply defined. It’s a simple product, but it adds polish in a very understated way.
Size: 0.2 ounces | Key ingredients: Peptide, Fenugreek extract (“derived from organic fenugreek sprouts, it visibly enhances the look of lip volume and gives lips a firmer appearance,” per Rhode)
To put Rhode into context, I kept comparing it to two of my go-to skincare brands: ALPYN and Anua, both of which I know inside and out.
Compared to ALPYN, Rhode feels simpler and more barrier-focused, while ALPYN is more treatment-driven. ALPYN leans heavily on actives and wildcrafted ingredients to target specific concerns like texture and dullness, whereas Rhode is about maintaining hydration and glow. The difference shows up in the experience too; ALPYN can feel more active on the skin, while Rhode is consistently gentle and cushioning.
I reach for ALPYN when I want results I can measure, and Rhode when I want my skin to feel and look effortlessly healthy.
Next to Anua, the gap is smaller but still noticeable. Both brands prioritize soothing, barrier-supporting formulas, but Anua is more ingredient-focused, while Rhode is more about the overall system and finish. Anua’s textures tend to be lighter and more watery, making them easy to mix into any routine. Rhode, on the other hand, leans richer and works best when layered within its own lineup.
In short, Anua feels simple and functional, while Rhode feels curated and glow-driven.
Rhode and Fenty Beauty take noticeably different approaches to skincare, even though both aim for healthy, glowing skin. Rhode focuses on a minimal, barrier-first philosophy, offering a tight lineup of hydrating, peptide-rich products designed to create its signature “glazed” look. The emphasis is on simplicity — layerable textures, fewer steps and formulas that support the skin barrier rather than aggressively targeting multiple concerns.
Fenty Skin, on the other hand, leans into multi-tasking and routine efficiency, with products that combine steps (like moisturizer and SPF) while addressing concerns like uneven tone and pores. One of the biggest differences is sun protection: Fenty Skin includes built-in SPF options, while Rhode currently does not offer any SPF products, meaning sunscreen has to be added separately. I’m not going to lie, this is a dealbreaker for me, as I use SPF daily (as you should!) Overall, Rhode feels more streamlined and finish-focused, while Fenty Skin is more all-in-one and routine-complete.
I was honestly curious whether Rhode would live up to all the hype, and after trying it myself, I can say it’s mostly worth it — but with a few caveats. I loved how simple and minimal the product line is, and the formulas felt really hydrating and gentle on my skin, especially when I was dealing with dryness.
That said, I don’t think it’s some miracle brand that will completely transform your skin overnight, and a lot of the appeal comes from the clean aesthetic and branding. For the price, I think it’s fair, but not groundbreaking. So if you’re looking for straightforward, effective basics, it’s a solid choice, but if you expect dramatic results, you might be a little underwhelmed.
Victoria McDonnell I put Rhode through a few different scenarios to see how it actually performs day-to-day:
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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