I didn’t want to like WHAT Hailey Bieber DID.

rhode promotional image; product image courtesy of BlushPretty

Let me clarify that : I didn’t want to like Hailey Bieber’s skincare line Rhode. Hailey herself is cool, iconic, and sets the trends. She’s untouchable.

For the record, I didn’t want to like Selena’s, Gaga’s or Ariana’s beauty lines either. (I was going to say Rihanna … but let’s be for real, Rihanna really did it right and I adore Fenty Beauty).

But in all seriousness, I wanted and will always want to champion new lines created by makeup artists first (think Danessa Myricks, Jones Road, Hung Vanggo), and independent brands a veryveryclose first and a half. (And of course, I will always stand by tried and true like MAC, NARS, and MUFE.) So I am biased against celebrity-fronted beauty lines and do try to steer clear of them when making decisions on building my kit.

But when Rhode dropped into Sephora, and into Canada, and I didn’t have to pay shipping/handling or a wild exchange rate … I got curious.

I picked up four items : Glazing Milk, two Pocket Blushes, and a Peptide Lip Shape. (Of course I wanted the Glazing Mist, but that was probably sold out before I even got out of bed the morning of the launch).

AGAIN : I didn’t want to like it …

But I find myself reaching for the Glazing Milk every morning. Applied after a good cleanse, and before my moisturizer, this essence gives my skin and makeup an extra 00mph! I honestly cannot tell you what it is, but I find my concealers and any skin tints apply evenly and easily. The end result for me (I pair it with a pea sized amount of Embryolisse moisturizer) is skin that’s glowy and a bit glassy, but never greasy. My skin feels hydrated and soft throughout the day.

When it comes to the Pocket Blushes, I’m big on the colour payoff, and not so big on the presentation. I picked up Toasted Teddy (terracotta) and Sun Soaked (orange). The former is definitely a wearable, universal colour suitable for all day, every day use. The latter is great for a punch of colour, but I wouldn’t make it a part of my daily routine. My one knock on the pocket blushes : there is no way that cylinder of blush is fitting in my pocket. The casing is misleading … and there actually isn’t a lot of product in there.

While I have used my Peptide Lip Shape, I don’t find myself reaching for it often. I will say it glides well, and does blend with ease, but I don’t find it a game changer when compared with the other lips liners and pencils I have in my kit. I didn’t NOT like it enough to return it … but I wouldn’t necessarily be running to restock on it either!

So the verdict on Hailey Bieber’s Rhode? Like any other skincare or makeup brand, there are some gems and some not-so-gemmy gems, but I can end this post admitting that I kinda like it. Definitely pick up the Glazing Milk and as long as you don’t want to actually put it in your pocket, the Pocket Blushes are a 10!