I Tried Every Single Rare Beauty Product—These 7 Are Actually Worth the Hype

ProsExtremely pigmented, so it shows up on a range of skin tonesLasts on skin all day, per testingOne of the most universally loved and viral products on TikTokConsYou have to blend quickly to avoid streakinessThe Soft Pinch Liquid Blush forever changed how we blush. From the pigment to the applicator, this product has been duped to the moon and back to no avail. Our readers agree that there's simply no other blush on this level, voting it best blush in our Readers' Choice Awards multiple years in a row. The versatile formula comes in 16 dewy and matte shades, ensuring there's a little something for everyone. And while it’s known for its intense pigment, this blends like a dream to give you the prettiest soft-focus flush.One Cosmo editor says: “I own three of these blushes, one of which I bought in 2021. Don’t come for me, but I’m still using it because it’s nowhere near empty. It’s my favorite blush; it blends out beautifully and lasts all day. You’ll have to pry this blush from my cold, dead hands.”—JAYNE LEMIRE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsLotus, gardenia, white water lilySize0.25 ozShades16ProsGlides like a dream for no skipping or patchy spotsFeels hydrating, even when worn aloneComes in a wide variety of colorsConsWe wish it had better staying power—you'll have to reapply after eatingIt’s rare (heh) for any lip liner formula to feel groundbreaking, yet somehow this slim pencil has completely changed the game for everyone on team Cosmo. The velvety soft liner effortlessly adds dimension and contours lips naturally, regardless of the color you use. And while traditional liners have a tendency to feel drying, this buttery smooth formula keeps lips hydrated and comfortable, even if you don’t layer anything on top.One Cosmo editor says: “I’m so particular about lip liners—I hate when they poke me and skip along my lips. This pencil is the most intuitive to use and feels better than most lip balms. I admit I have a mini freak out if I don’t have at least one in every purse.” — MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsCarnauba wax, botanical blend, lotus flowerSize0.014 oz.Shades16Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsEasily buildableOffers a luminous finish without looking sparkly ConsWe wish there were more shade optionsOne thing’s for sure: Rare Beauty’s blush game is tough to beat Both of the blush formulas are so noteworthy, we couldn’t include just one and not the other. The powder blush acts like a flush and highlighter rolled into one thanks to its illustrious finish that draws attention to your beautiful face every time the light hits.One Cosmo editor says: "The way this blush lifts my cheekbones should be studied. The baked texture is soft, so I can pick up a little product on my brush and dust it on without needing to majorly build up pigment. But I really love the luminous sheen it leaves without any glitters or shimmers. It gives my cheeks a glowy look that always garners compliments." — BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsDimethiconeSize0.098 oz.Shades6ProsLooks and feels natural (not *at all* crusty or flakey)Small brush helps set your brows in placeConsIf you layer on too much it can create an unnatural wet lookRare Beauty’s clear brow gel has been a favorite of Cosmo editors for years, and the brand recently added six tinted shades to enhance our routines. Both formulas lift and define each individual hair without hardening or getting crusty by the end of the day. A quick swipe instantly sculpts brows, helping us to achieve a no makeup-makeup look in mere seconds.One Cosmo editor says: “I somehow only discovered the OG Rare Beauty clear brow gel a few months ago, and it’s like Selena read my mind, because a few weeks later, Rare Beauty launched an array of tinted formulas. I truly use this every morning to sculpt my brows. With this, each hair stays in place all day, and it gives them nice definition. Plus, the tiny brush ensures that no excess tinted gel gets on my eyelids or forehead.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsWater, beheneth-30, VP/VA copolymer Size0.15 oz.Shades7Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDoesn’t smudge or smear easilyLengthens and volumizes in a few coats without clumpingComes in two shadesConsWon't survive through extra sweaty days or workoutsHave you been searching for a mascara that is easily buildable without smudging or flaking throughout the day? Well, when you're ready, come and get it (nana na na). Rare's volumizing mascara does just that. While you can achieve very subtle, defined lashes in just a few strokes, continuing to layer will lift and separate, creating a more dramatic look.One Cosmo editor says: "Applying mascara probably takes the longest out of everything in my makeup routine because I like to build the product up without clumping my lashes together, and Rare’s mascara seems to be made for exactly that. Also, I wore this mascara on a three-hour train ride after working a full eight-hour day, and when I got home and looked in the mirror, it hadn't budged.” —JLKey features at a glance Key ingredientsCastor oilSize0.45 oz.Shades2ProsExtremely easy to apply and blendConsThe lightest shade might be too dark for those who are extra fairSelena wasn’t kidding when she called this bronzer stick “effortless”; this is one of the best bronzers—period—for beginners because of how easily it glides and buffs. The stick format also gives you more control so you can swipe on exactly where you want it, blend, and go about your day.One Cosmo editor says: “I love how creamy and blendable this bronzer stick is. I can quickly swipe it on my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose and smooth it out with my fingers for an easy (and realistic) looking glow."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsLotus, gardenia, white water lilySize0.25 oz.Shades8Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWarm and sweet The price is unbeatable!The bottle was designed for those with mobility issues in mindConsIt's not totally unique—there are a variety of scents that smell similarEverything Rare Beauty creates is meant to add a little joy into your life, and this perfume feels like sunshine even on the rainiest day. The warm, comforting scent swirls caramel with pistachios, vanilla, and tonka for a surprisingly elegant gourmand that can be worn through every era of your life.One Cosmo editor says: “Before smelling this I had written off pretty much every gourmand perfume. However, Selena created a sweet scent that feels fun, flirty, and sophisticated—a rare combo in fragrance nowadays. Spritzing this gives me an instant mood boost, and I love that the full sized bottle is small enough to fit in most purses.”—MHKey features at a glanceKey notesCaramel, vanilla, sandalwoodSize1.7 and 0.34 oz.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including rounding up the best smudge-proof tubing mascaras, and giving you the lowdown on what perfumes are gym-appropriate. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and has been a longtime fan of Rare Beauty. For this story, she consulted with team Cosmo to discover the most-loved Rare Beauty products.Jayne Lemire is an executive assistant at Hearst Magazines and a contributing writer at Cosmopolitan where she writes about beauty. She's well-versed in all beauty categories, but especially makeup, including the best setting powders.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.Jayne Lemire is an executive assistant at Hearst Magazines. Prior to her work at Hearst, she was in book publishing and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science. When she's not at her desk, you'll likely find her spending hours in TJ Maxx without buying anything or creating her 400th Spotify playlist.