I've always reserved a healthy amount of skepticism for celebrity skincare, but somehow I found myself joining Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin waitlist... and again for the July restock.
Why? Despite being one among 100K others also intrigued by the Dermalogica meets Yeezy branding (bravo, Lauren Rothberg), Rhode received the seal of approval from skincare critics like Charlotte Palermino of Dieux Skin, Hyram, and BeautyStat's Dr. Ron Robinson, who also served as cosmetic chemist and executive formulator of Clinique, Estee Lauder, Revlon, Avon and L’Oreal, and currently sits on Rhode's advisory board.
So while I'm certain it takes more than 3 products to achieve Hailey Bieber-level perfection, I'm curious what her years of access to beauty's best in products, experts, and treatments has led her to create.
Here's my review of the pros, cons, and dupes for each products in the The Rhode Kit ($95).
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid ($29 for 1.7 oz.)
Claims: Plumps, hydrates, & illuminates while supporting a healthy barrier over time
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and marula oil
Pros: This is unlike anything I have in my current routine. The texture is almost water-like—not quite a serum, not quite a highlighter. Here's Hailey Bieber's Tik Tok for daytime no makeup makeup look for "glazed donut skin". I liked using this as a mid-day makeup refresh. It's super light and refreshing.
Cons: The amount of packaging is overkill and yet it still looks travel-sized. I think this is almost too light in consistency. A lot of MUAs are posting this in videos to mix with highlighters and foundation so I don't see it as a true serum.
Dupes for Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid with niacinamide, peptides, & hyaluronic acid: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer ($120), Cocokind Chia Bounce Mask ($22), Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum ($44), Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($34), Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum ($12)
Rhode Barrier Restore Cream AKA R.B.C. ($29 for 1.7oz.)
Claims: Nourishes, hydrates, and soothes a compromised skin barrier
Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, peptides, acai, niacinamide
Pros: I loved the rich texture and lightly glossy finish. I was blown away by how long it hydrated my skin. It's deeply nourishing without a greasy residue. When I applied it at the beginning of the day or before bed, my skin was still...moist (sorry! But it's the most accurate descriptor).
Cons: After one use, it seemed as if my bottle was half gone. Maybe this was a production mistake? In Rhode's defense, after comparing it to Dieux Skin Instant Angel ($45 for 1.58 oz) which I use daily and lasts a month, Rhode Barrier Restore Cream had MORE product ($29 for 1.7oz.). This still seems impossible to me and the bottle barely lasted me two weeks with one application a day.
Dupes for R.B.C. with squalane, peptides, and niacinamide: Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream ($48 for 0.5 oz.), BeautyStatUniversal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream ($50 for 1 oz.), The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer ($15 for 1.7 oz.), Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer ($36 for 1.7 oz.)
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment ($16 for 0.3 oz.)
Claims: Restores & replenishes for plumper, softer lips
Key ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuacu, and babassu
Pros: This lip treatment feels like a moisturizing gloss with all-day wearability. Most products make my lips pill or require constant reapplication, one swipe of this lasts for hours and comes in three surprisingly delightful flavors. Unscented (my preference), Watermelon Slice which gave me LipSmackers nostalgia, and despite assuming I'd hate Salted Caramel, I actually loved the baked goodness.
Cons: One tube will set you back nearly $21 with S&H. So the cost/benefit is questionable. The August drop allowed one flavor per person and each sold out in minutes. I'd suggest getting The Lip Trio (which wasn't previously avail) or the Rhode Kit which includes all three, but one Peptide Lip Treatment for $21 is crazy.
Dupes for Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment with peptides and shea butter: Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster ($29 for 0.33 oz.), Urban Skin Rx Hydrating Lip Treatment ($18 for 0.25 oz.), Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($23 for 0.5 oz.)
So, is Hailey Bieber the next Emily Weiss or will Rhode turn into the newer, dewier Kiley Lip Kit? Time will tell.
Overall, all three formulas are fantastic. They give a dewy finish without looking like an oil slick. I'd say the standout is the Peptide Lip Treatment. I like the Glazing Fluid but I believe (millennials at least) want a multi-tasking serum that goes beyond light hydration. And while I LOVED the Barrier Cream, limited drops make this an unreliable moisturizer and therefore, tough to create a loyal customer.
Not a huge issue but the packaging shows wear and tear faster than any product I've used. It's almost as if the plastic starts pilling.
So, if you have the curiosity, space in your routine, and patience for drops and waitlists, I say go for it. Otherwise, wait and see.