Rhode Skincare Review: Hailey Bieber’s $1B Beauty Brand at Sephora - What’s Worth It

A Sephora insider’s honest review of Rhode’s Glazing Milk, Pocket Blush, and more.

✨ Subscribe now for insider perks!
Join my mailing list to get my exclusive 20% off Sephora Friends & Family code (valid for a limited time, exclusions apply) and first access tmy beauty reviews, shopping guides, and insider tips.

Rhode skincare display at Sephora with Glazing Milk, Barrier Restore Cream, and Pocket Blush on shelf.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Shopping through them helps support Vividly Kafi—thank you for reading!

Rhode, Sephora, and a Break Room Debate: Who Even Is Hailey Bieber to Make Skincare?

As I was walking into the break room at Sephora, I overheard an educated and experienced woman—someone with a wealth of knowledge across many brands—say,

“Why the heck would I buy Hailey Bieber Beauty?! She’s not a makeup artist or a derm!”

— Not a Sephora Employee

“Why the heck would I buy Hailey Bieber Beauty?! She’s not a makeup artist or a derm!”

What!? That comment made me pause. A few feet away, I noticed another person applying Rhode’s Glazing Milk on the back of her hand, her face lighting up with that unmistakable “this feels good” look, enticing me to try it.

It reminded me of a familiar thread I’ve seen over and over: “Beauty influencers aren’t skincare or makeup professionals. Why should I listen to them?”

But here’s the truth: influencers we trust bring a different kind of credential. They’re the end users, brave enough to buy, test, and show us exactly how a product performs in real life. They’re word-of-mouth made modern, and their voices are powerful precisely because they speak as consumers, not just experts.

Rhode is now officially available inside Sephora, making it more accessible than ever. As with most product launches, Sephora rolled out a gorgeous display, educational materials, and a PR-style package for staff. The box was beautifully designed, filled with the famous Pocket Blushes, Glazing Milk, and skincare staples, plus an editorial booklet that reminded me of the “PR package glory days.”

Why I Ignored Rhode at First

Confession: I was late to the Rhode party. Here’s why it ended up in my “maybe one day” pile:

• I assumed the brand wasn’t made with my demographic in mind.

• No one in my audience was asking me about Rhode reviews.

• The famous lip balm phone case was always sold out (when I tried to get one for my daughter!).

• I don’t (usually) reach out for PR packages, and honestly, that’s on me.

What I Knew About Hailey Bieber (Before Rhode)

Before I finally paid attention, this is what I knew about Hailey Bieber:

• She’s a Baldwin brotherdaughter.

• She’s a model.

• She and Selena Gomez are friends or related in some way.

That was about it. I didn’t have strong feelings either way.

Rhode front table at Sephora. What you see when you walk into a Sephora.

How Rhode Earned My Respect

What changed was learning about the strategy and talent behind the brand. Hailey once said that if she were removed from Rhode, the brand would stand on its own. That confidence made sense once I saw the partnerships:

• Co-founder: Lauren Ratner

• Cosmetic chemist: Ron Robinson

And the numbers don’t lie:

• Rhode made eight figures in its first days.

• Went viral with collaborations like Erewhon’s Skin Glaze Smoothie.

• Had sold-out accessories and product launches.

• Sold to E.L.F. Beauty for $1 billion in just three years.

That’s definitely not just celebrity clout; it’s a clever business-woman, smart product development, and marketing.

Even a Sephora store director, someone I trust to read people well, was impressed by Hailey’s presentation at the Sephora Store Manager Conference in Las Vegas. That kind of validation made me curious enough to try the products myself.

Trying Rhode Pocket Blush in Sephora.

Testing Rhode for the First Time: Hits and Standouts

Here’s what I tried, and what I’d recommend:

• Glazing Milk: A skincare and makeup prep hero. Hydrating, soothing, and leaves that glazed-skin finish.

• Glazing Mist: Lightweight and refreshing, great over skincare or makeup.

• Pineapple Refresh Cleanser: A gentle foaming face wash that leaves skin clean without feeling tight.

• Barrier Restore Cream: A nourishing cream for nighttime or very dry skin.

• Peptide Lip Treatment: Comfortable hydration, no stickiness. Love the scent options and minimalist packaging.

• Peptide Lip Shapers: Creamy liners in a wide range of brown tones. They’re easy to apply but not long-wear.

• Peptide Lip Tint: Long-lasting tint with hydration. I wore PBJ + Stretch for hours with no reapplication needed.

• Pocket Blush: Creamy, blendable, and dewy. A handbag must-have (but not for tight jean pockets!).

So… Who the Heck Is Hailey Bieber to Create Skincare or Makeup?

Turns out, she’s a young founder who partnered with brilliant industry pros, built a billion-dollar company in three years, and made genuinely good products.

Rhode exemplifies what using celebrity beauty is supposed to look like. Beauty that actually ‘WOW’ us! It’s a brand with staying power. I personally love that Rhode is available at Sephora. It makes it easy to test, swatch, and find what works for you.

If you’re like me and put it off, the Glazing Milk, Barrier Restore Cream, and Peptide Lip Tints are worth your attention.

Hourglass, Makeup by Mario and Kosas Review: Luxe vs High-End vs Prestige

Luxury, artistry, and everyday staples put to the test.

Vividly Kafi wearing Hourglass eyeshadow, Makeup by Mario Master Mattes, and Kosas mascara.

Skip the hype: here’s what’s actually worth your money and which splurges to skip. Plus, subscribers get early access to my one-time Sephora Friends & Family 20% code, details inside.

Luxury beauty is an experience. Blending artistry, innovation, and indulgence.

Not all expensive makeup is created equal. Some products are designed for pure indulgence, others deliver seamless, pro-level results, and a few prestige staples earn their place as effortless everyday heroes.

Save This: Luxe Cheat Sheet

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this space.

Here’s what’s truly worth the splurge

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been wearing three of the season’s most talked-about launches. Hourglass’s newest palette, Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes in Espresso, and the latest Kosas mascara, from morning errands to late-night plans. The verdict? More than a few compliments and a polished, pulled-together look that lasted all day. Here’s what’s truly worth the splurge.

Here’s the honest truth about which of these products justify the splurge, and how to shop smarter in a beauty market where luxury doesn’t always mean better

Hourglass — The Luxury Experience

Hourglass Realist Palette Reviewed. Elegant, Talc-Free Finishes

Hourglass has always represented quiet luxury, and the Curator Eyeshadow Palette embodies that perfectly. The mirrored compact feels like a collectible, yet it’s unexpectedly lightweight, making it ideal for travel or your everyday makeup bag.

What sets Hourglass apart is formula mastery: the shadows are buttery-soft, silky, and blend effortlessly—even the mattes, which is rare at this level of smoothness.

Hourglass Realist Palette Swatches

Why This Palette is an Investment Piece

The palette comes in five curated color stories inspired by art movements. Here I’m wearing Realist, a versatile quad with soft, neutral shades that make creating a polished look effortless.

Dipping into the Hourglass Curator Realist Palette. These buttery mattes blend like a dream and give that polished look.

This palette makes sense as part of Hourglass’s eco-conscious initiative: the compact is refillable, reusable, and crafted from recycled materials, with 40 interchangeable shades available for a customizable experience. It’s makeup artistry and sustainability combined.

• Texture: Finely milled, buttery mattes, luminous shimmers.

• Performance: Crease-resistant, long-wear, effortless blending.

• Price Point: A true luxury splurge, built for beauty lovers, collectors, and professionals.

Verdict

Verdict: This palette is made for the no-fuss beauty lover. The person who values quality over quantity, appreciates a refillable, sustainable design, and wants buttery, high-performing formulas without compromise. It’s an investment piece for someone who prefers a curated collection of products that always deliver.

Makeup by Mario — High-End, Pro-Level Performance

Watch our full review and demo of Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes cream eyeshadow. Swatches, application, and real-life wear tested by me and fellow pro makeup artists.

Makeup by Mario is high-performance artistry distilled into one swipe. The Master Mattes Long-Wear Liquid Eyeshadow in Espresso is a deep, neutral brown that’s perfectly pigmented and beginner-friendly.

It glides on like silk, blends easily with a fingertip, and dries to a flawless matte that doesn’t budge. Mario Dedivanovic’s background as Kim Kardashian’s longtime makeup artist shows through—this is a professional-grade formula made accessible.

• Texture: Smooth liquid-to-matte finish.

• Performance: Crease-proof, long-lasting, pro-level payoff.

• Price Point: Premium but approachable. Ideal for building a high-end kit without couture prices.

Verdict

This is editorial artistry made easy. A high-end essential that delivers red-carpet quality with zero fuss.

Kosas New Mascara, Prestige Everyday Staple

Kosas Soul Gazer Mascara—designed for soft, fluttery lashes with a clean, buildable formula.

Kosas has mastered clean prestige beauty, and the new Soul Gazer Mascara is their answer to effortless, natural-looking lashes. The formula is weightless, smudge-proof, and infused with lash-boosting peptides that support longer, fuller lashes in 6–8 weeks.

This isn’t a dramatic falsie-style mascara—it’s the one you reach for when you want defined, separated, healthy lashes with zero clumps. The curved brush hugs every lash, making it perfect for an everyday polished look.

Who Would Love This

This mascara is made for the beauty lover who values healthy, naturally defined lashes over dramatic volume. It is great for those with sensitive eyes, and for someone who wants everyday elegance, prefers clean, vegan, cruelty-free formulas, and loves products that deliver both performance and lash care benefits. With its peptide-infused formula and sleek design, it’s perfect for anyone curating a minimal but effective makeup routine—and appreciates having both a $28 full-size and a $16 mini option for convenience.

If you’re already a fan of mascaras like Ilia Limitless or Saie, this feels like a polished, prestige-level upgrade you’ll reach for every day.

The Verdict

Kosas Soul Gazer is the prestige upgrade for anyone who wants soft, fluttery, well-separated lashes without clumps or heaviness. It’s ideal for professionals, minimalists, and lash-care enthusiasts who want their mascara to do more than just coat lashes. A clean beauty staple that elevates your everyday routine.

Get 20% Off Sephora (Just for My Subscribers!)

I’ve got a one-time-use Sephora Friends & Family 20% off code (200 available). Subscribe below to get early access when it goes live in September! Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

📩 Subscribe now and you’ll get:

• Early access to the Sephora code (before it’s public!)

• My curated Labor Day shopping guide with top picks

• First dibs on all my newest reviews and beauty finds

Shop the Edit

• Buy Here → Hourglass Curator Palette

• Buy Here → Makeup by Mario Master Mattes “Espresso

• Buy Here → Kosas Mascara

Wrap-Up: Smart Splurging Is the New Luxury

Beauty should feel indulgent, but being intentional with where you spend makes your collection even more elevated. Hourglass offers artistry and sustainability, Makeup by Mario brings pro-grade results, and Kosas nails the everyday hero product.

Your Turn: Do you shop luxury, high-end, or prestige makeup most? Drop your favorites in the comments—your picks might help someone else discover their next staple.

📌 Save this guide for your next Sephora haul and subscribe before the discount codes disappear.

Kiehl’s Skincare Review 2025: Ultra Facial Cream, Creme de Corps & Better Screen Sunscreen Tested by an Industry Insider

These are five of Kiehl’s best-selling skincare staples I’ve personally used, loved, and continue to recommend: the Ultra Facial Cream, Creme de Corps Body Lotion, Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser, Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+, and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

Hydrating Kiehl’s Skincare Routine

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this space.

Working in the beauty industry means I have tested an extraordinary amount of skincare, both for my own curiosity and through the hundreds of clients I interact with each week. Even with the constant wave of launches and endless formulas, there are a few products that stand the test of time.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, Creme de Corps, and their Better Screen SPF 50+ fall into that category. These are products I have seen customers come back for repeatedly, and the ones I personally repurchase, even when I receive PR replenishments.

This review breaks down why this lineup has earned such consistent trust and how these products perform in real, everyday routines.

Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser Review: Gentle but Effective

This cream-to-foam formula strikes the perfect balance. It delivers the satisfying “clean” feeling of a foaming cleanser without the dryness that so many can cause. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser is the type of product I reach for after a workout or at the end of a long day when I want fresh skin without irritation.

Related: FAB Skincare For Everyone

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser in use. A cream-to-foam formula that gives a satisfying cleanse while keeping skin comfortable.

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment: A Top-Selling Classic

One of Kiehl’s most consistent top-sellers, and it is easy to see why. The formula is rich and hydrating, creating a smooth base for makeup while addressing fine lines and fatigue. In retail, I have seen this picked up by both men and women of all ages who want reliable under-eye hydration. This eye cream is simple, effective, and worth keeping on your shelf.

This rich, creamy eye treatment from Kiehl’s is packed with avocado oil to deeply hydrate and nourish the delicate under-eye area. A little goes a long way—perfect for refreshing tired eyes and prepping for makeup.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Review: A Moisturizer Worth Repurchasing

This is the moisturizer I continue to buy, even when I receive PR. It is lightweight yet deeply nourishing, supporting the skin barrier without feeling heavy. In retail, customers often come back specifically asking for “the Kiehl’s cream” because it simplifies their entire skincare routine. Products that remove the guesswork always rise to the top, and this one does exactly that.

Whether I’m cleansing, layering serums, or sealing in moisture, these picks are the backbone of my everyday morning routine.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream for 24-Hour Hydration with Squalane

Creme de Corps Body Lotion: Why This Unscented Favorite Stands Out

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps has earned its reputation as a cult favorite. The formula is unscented but indulgent, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin and a perfect base for layering fragrance. Even my husband, who rarely uses body lotion, reaches for this one consistently. That alone says something about how versatile and effective it is.

Related: Alternatives to Heavy Perfume: Hair & Body Mists You’ll Love

Creme de Corps and Miss Dior: The Hydration + Fragrance Duo I Keep Reaching For

Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Review: Sunscreen That Actually Delivers

Sunscreen is often the most frustrating category in skincare, but this one truly performs. It is:

• Lightweight and hydrating

• Free from white cast or stinging (safe for sensitive eyes and skin)

• Smooth under makeup

• Suitable for acne-prone skin

My husband has nearly perfect skin and does the absolute bare minimum when it comes to skincare, but he genuinely likes this sunscreen. He never complains about the texture, scent, or irritation, which says a lot, coming from someone who rarely uses anything at all. It’s become a quiet winner in our household

I’ve seen a lot of sunscreens come and go, but this one stands out. Returns are common in the SPF category, yet this formula keeps people coming back. A quiet testament to how well it performs.

See why this sunscreen stands out
I put Kiehl’s Better Screen to the test for texture, finish, and feel. No white cast, no stinging, just smooth, breathable protection.🎥 Watch the sunscreen in action. No cast, no stinging, just smooth, breathable protection.

My skincare-skeptic husband actually uses this SPF . No stinging, no white cast, and no complaints

Final Thoughts on Kiehl’s Skincare Staples

The beauty of this Kiehl’s lineup is how effortlessly it fits into real life. These are the products I reach for when I want skincare that’s dependable, effective, and low-fuss. Each one feels purposeful, not performative, and with their travel-friendly sizes, they’re easy to keep within reach wherever the day takes you.

Want more beauty edits like this? Subscribe to the blog or join my Substack for thoughtful routines, product roundups, and skincare insights I only share with my inner circle.

Sometimes the best skincare advice doesn’t come from a search bar. It comes from a real conversation.
Want to ask something directly? I reply personally to subscriber messages sent through the contact form. It's the best way to get real answers without the DMs disappearing act.

Already have a Kiehl’s staple you love? Drop it in the comments. I’d genuinely love to hear what’s working for you.

Shop the Post

hese are the Kiehl’s staples I use and trust. Thoughtfully chosen, frequently repurchased, and always in reach.

If it made it into this tray, it’s earned its place. These are the Kiehl’s products I actually use.