As celebrity skincare ranges become more popular than ever, our head of beauty Zoe gives her verdict on hero products from the likes of rhode and Fenty promising to give A-list skin
Once upon a time, the latest designer handbag was the must-have accessory for any A-lister. However, these days, it’s all about having a moisturiser with their name on it – and it’s not hard to see why.
Big names like Rihanna, Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian have amassed fortunes by shifting their focus to beauty, inspiring others to seek their own piece of the skincare pie. But as more and more celebrity brands emerge, many are questioning the quality of these products and whether the saturated market really needs another brand.
Here, I delve into four brands from famous faces to find out…
rhode
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Hailey Bieber’s brainchild, rhode stands out with its unique selling point: it’s both affordable and blends potent skincare ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. With a focus on barrier care and hydration in its carefully crafted formulations, it’s a top choice for those seeking a simplified skincare routine and a ‘glazed donut’ glow – a phrase coined by Hailey herself.
Top launches:Glazing Milk, £32, Peptide Lip Treatment, £16, Barrier Restore Cream, £29
Is it worth the hype?
From my perspective, it’s a resounding yes. When the products were launched in 2022, I was eager to try them after hearing the buzz from US journalists. The lip treatment is the best balm I’ve ever used; it’s thick, hydrating and cured my chapped lips in less than 24 hours. The barrier cream has also been a lifesaver for my sensitised skin. A big thank you from my face, Mrs Bieber.
Fenty Skin
This is a brand that hardly needs an introduction. Rihanna’s Fenty franchise has been dominating every space it enters, whether it’s make-up, lingerie or perfume.
Skincare was added to the list in 2020 and has seen massive success due to its catchy names, targeted formulas and mid-range price points. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Rihanna herself uses and promotes the products on her social media platforms.
Top launches:Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub, £20, Thicc N Smooth Rich Peptide Eye Cream, £29, Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser, £25
Is it worth the hype?
Given how inclusive and spot-on she is with her make-up, I did anticipate her skincare to be good – and it is. The jelly cleanser is, without a doubt, the best cleanser I’ve used. The pump design is ingenious and the balmy liquid feels like silk on my skin. The eye cream has also noticeably improved the texture and tone of my under-eyes.
Florence by Mills
A skincare brand created by Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown, you may have seen this on Boots shelves. And if you thought it was aimed at a younger audience, you were be correct.
Millie markets her affordable, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free range of products primarily to Gen Z shoppers, but it does feature some hydration-focused essentials that benefit all ages and skin types – especially if you’re looking for an introduction to the complex world of skincare.
Top launches: Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum, £20, Surfing Under The Eyes Gel Pads, £24, Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Patches, £12
Is it worth the hype?
I must confess that this brand slightly annoyed me when it first launched in 2019. Millie was only 15 years old at the time, which made me question what insights she could bring to the already crowded skincare market. However, I have to swallow my assumptions a bit because the products are indeed good.
I’ve repurchased her spot stickers – because, yes, acne can occur at any age – and I’m fond of the eye gels. I believe there’s room in the market for Mills.
Kora Organics
If you weren’t familiar with the brand, you wouldn’t immediately recognise it as celebrity-owned. Just like veteran supermodel Miranda Kerr herself, Kora Organics is understated and elegant, focusing on active and certified organic ingredients. A lot of research and development goes into each launch, all overseen by Miranda herself.
Top launches: Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum, £68, Turmeric Glow Moisturiser, £56, and Minty Mineral Hydration Mist, £40
Is it worth the hype?
It’s more than I would usually shell out for skincare, but the products are a joy to use. If you’re into organic and preservative-free, I reckon it’s well worth giving the brand a whirl.
The new retinol alternative – which utilises bakuchiol and alfalfa extract to slow down visible signs of ageing – is spot on for me as my sensitive skin can’t cope with high-strength retinoids, but I wouldn’t swap my current moisturiser for Kora’s product.
