Rare Beauty Redemption? A Review of the New Bronzer Stick and Setting Powder

Today, I’m reviewing Rare Beauty, testing their latest bronzer stick and setting powder. Historically, I haven’t had the best experiences with Rare Beauty’s complexion products, but these new launches caught my eye. Let’s find out if I can finally achieve some Rare Beauty redemption!

Check out the products used here

First Impressions: The Bronzer Stick

Product Overview

The Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick is available in five shades, and I opted for the second lightest one, which claims to have cool undertones. Priced at $23, this creamy bronzer promises a smooth, seamless finish for that coveted sun-kissed glow.

Swatch and Application

Upon swatching, I found it to be highly pigmented and creamy. However, I wouldn’t categorize it as a true cool-toned bronzer; it leans more warm. The packaging is simple and functional, making it easy to apply.

For application, I decided to use a sponge on one side and a brush on the other. The sponge blended beautifully, giving a natural finish, while the brush picked up more pigment. Overall, the bronzer blended smoothly without any patchiness, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed on my skin.

Testing the New Setting Powder

Product Overview

Next up is the Always an Optimist Soft Radiant Setting Powder, which retails for $22. Available in five shades, this talc-free powder aims to smooth, blur, and control shine while providing a soft, natural finish.

Application Insights

When applying the powder, I was nervous about its radiant finish, as I typically prefer matte powders to avoid emphasizing texture. However, I found that it gave a lovely glow to my skin without being overwhelming.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work as well under my eyes, where it seemed to deepen the concealer rather than brighten it. For the rest of my face, though, it delivered a beautiful finish, enhancing the overall look while controlling oil somewhat.

Wear Test Results

After wearing the bronzer and powder for several hours, here’s how they held up:

• Bronzer: I was impressed! It remained intact throughout the day, even with my hat and mask rubbing against my face. The shade may not be as cool-toned as advertised, but it provided a lovely warmth that didn’t fade or look patchy.
• Powder: While the finish was gorgeous on my cheeks and forehead, the under-eye area was a different story. The powder deepened my concealer and caused some creasing, which was disappointing. If you have dry skin, you might appreciate its texture more, but it just didn’t work for my combination skin.

Final Thoughts

The Good

• Bronzer Stick: Blendable, smooth, and long-lasting; a great option for those seeking a creamy bronzer.
• Setting Powder: Delivers a stunning glow and a smooth finish on the face.

The Bad

• Bronzer Stick: The shade description could be misleading.
• Setting Powder: Not suitable for under-eye use, as it tends to deepen concealer and can cause creasing.

In conclusion, I believe I’ve found a keeper in the bronzer stick, while the setting powder may just serve as a finishing powder for me. Have you tried these new Rare Beauty products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to give this post a thumbs up if you found it helpful, and I’ll see you in the next review!