Okay, real talk.
I’ve spent way too much money testing celebrity beauty brands. Like, an embarrassing amount. My bathroom looks like a Sephora exploded, and honestly? I have thoughts.
Some of these brands are actually incredible. Others? Total cash grabs riding on famous names. I tested every single one I could get my hands on—from Rihanna to Kylie to that random reality star who launched a lip gloss line last month. Here’s what I learned.
The Ones That Actually Slap
Let’s start with the good stuff. Yes, some celebrity brands are genuinely worth the hype.
Fenty Beauty changed the game. Rihanna didn’t just slap her name on products—she created 40 foundation shades when most brands were doing 12. The formula? Chef’s kiss. I’m on my third bottle of Pro Filt’r, and it’s not just because I love Rihanna (though I do).
The Gloss Bomb? Legendary. Viral before TikTok existed for a reason.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez had me skeptical, but the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush changed my perspective. PIGMENTED, long-lasting, natural, and glowy. Plus, Selena is transparent about beauty struggles, which is refreshingly different.
Rhode by Hailey Bieber: Peptide Lip Treatment is a perfect everyday lip product—balanced gloss, not matte. The Glazing Milk delivers a dewy, glass skin look. Solid, if not groundbreaking.
The Mid-Tier Situations
These brands are fine but not game-changing.
Kylie Cosmetics has improved since 2016—creamier lipsticks, better eyeshadow blends. But mostly average luxury products now. Cute packaging, though.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga: some hits (RIP Lip Liner), some gimmicks. Not everything works seamlessly.
Honest Beauty by Jessica Alba: clean, gentle, good for sensitive skin, but not exciting. Reliable, sensible.
The Overhyped Disappointments
Some brands are all hype.
Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore is affordable and cute, but the quality is drugstore-level, sometimes worse than alternatives.
KKW Beauty: original contour kits were okay but not revolutionary. Now closed—says it all.
The Skincare Ventures
Celebrity skincare is a mixed bag.
SKKN by Kim Kardashian: expensive ($630 full routine). Fine, but comparable results from affordable Korean skincare. $43 cleanser? Seriously.
Outset by Scarlett Johansson: reasonably priced, quality-focused, actually worth it.
About-Face by Halsey: editorial and artistic, not for everyday wear. Fun if you like experimental looks.
The “Why Does This Exist” Category
Some products feel unnecessary.
Celebrity fragrances often smell identical. Random hair care lines? Usually private label with fancy packaging. You can find the same formulas at discount stores.
The Ones I’m Still Testing
Jones Road by Bobbi Brown: minimalist, natural tinted moisturizer.
Makeup by Mario: Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette is rich and blendable.
Item Beauty by Addison Rae: Lid Glaze is trendy, works well for Gen Z.
My Honest Ranking
Top Tier (Actually Worth It):
- Fenty Beauty – revolutionary, consistent
- Rare Beauty – innovative, great value
- Rhode – simple, effective, pretty packaging
- Makeup by Mario – pro quality, reasonable prices
- Outset – thoughtful skincare
Mid Tier (Decent But Not Essential):
6. Haus Labs – some hits, some misses
7. About-Face – editorial focus
8. Kylie Cosmetics – improved, nothing special
9. Item Beauty – trendy, TikTok-friendly
10. Jones Road – minimalist, natural
Lower Tier (Skip Unless On Sale):
11. Flower Beauty – just get drugstore alternatives
12. SKKN – overpriced
13. Honest Beauty – safe but boring
14. Most celebrity fragrances – generic
15. Random hair care lines – usually private label
The Real Tea
Most celebrity brands share the same manufacturers as regular brands. Success comes when:
- The celebrity is involved in development (Rihanna, Selena)
- The brand fills a gap (Fenty’s shade range)
- The formulas are genuinely different (Rare Beauty)
Flops? Just faces on generic products. Viral trends often feature the few that perform well on camera.
What I Recommend
- Start with Fenty or Rare Beauty—consistent quality and innovation.
- Skip ultra-expensive skincare unless luxury matters. Affordable alternatives exist.
- Don’t buy solely for celebrity affiliation. Research, check reviews, watch demos.
The Bottom Line
Celebrity culture is fun, but most beauty brands are just… fine. Few are truly exceptional. The best ones? You can tell the celebrity actually cares about the product, not just the paycheck.
Your move: spend wisely—or don’t. At least now, you know what you’re getting into.
Who are you team Fenty or team Rare Beauty with? My wallet’s exhausted.