By 
When Rhode was initially launched in 2022, I wasn’t fazed by it. I think we all can agree on the fact that the beauty landscape is oversaturated with celebrity-owned brands. Unless you disrupt the beauty industry like Rihanna, or you have greatly formulated products with a mission-driven cause behind it, like Rare Beauty, consumers are fed up.
However, after my IG feed was flooded by Rhode’s promo pictures, I finally bit the bullet and got the whole kit back in April.
If you walk into any Erewhon in LA, you’ll see that the most popular smoothie is the $19 Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin smoothie. It’s been over a year since she released it, and it continues to be the top-selling beverage at Erewhon. Every time Hailey Bieber has new nails, they end up becoming a viral sensation: glazed donut skin, glazed donut nails, hot chocolate nails, espresso makeup, strawberry makeup, you name it. Additionally, photos of her street style outfits always end up being reposted in the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines. Whether you like her or not, she’s a beauty and fashion trendsetter.
On her IG feed, Hailey shares glimpses of her skincare and effortlessly glowy makeup looks. In other pictures, she’s glammed up like a 90s supermodel. To me, Hailey is like the cool girl in school we all admire from afar. She’s relatable yet aspirational at the same time.
Upon its release in June 2022, the Peptide Lip Treatment sold out in three days and generated a 440,000 waitlist. Rhode’s success has catapulted Hailey into an entrepreneur and even landed her a cover on Forbes’ annual 30 Under 30 list. In May 2023, Rhode announced that the line would begin shipping to five European countries: UK, Germany, France and Spain. To celebrate it, Rhode hosted one launch party in London and one in Paris.
Hailey credited her Brazilian mom and grandmother as her main inspirations to create Rhode, and said that skincare is something that runs very deep in her mother’s side of the family. The name of the brand is a homage to her mother’s and grandmother’s middle name. She also shared in other interviews that doing her skincare has a similar healing effect as therapy or meditation session.
You may already know this, but it’s important to know that Hailey has the best facialists on speed dial. In LA, she visits Joanna Czhech, where a facial starts at $300. Hailey shared with Refinery29.com: “I get facials for the health of my skin. I get my makeup done all the time and travel and all that stuff. I understand that having access to a facialist and dermatologist is such a privilege. I don’t shy away from that.”
The inception of Rhode happened in the midst of lockdown. At a time when we all had extra time to develop new habits and hobbies, Hailey tried every skincare product under the sun: from high-end to low-end. According to interviews, Hailey wanted everyone to have access to premium skincare at an affordable price point, which is why every product is under $30.
After the release of Rhode, the reviews came flooding in. In order to give my honest review, I didn’t want to try the brand for just a few weeks, but rather a few months. In April, I purchased the full Rhode kit: the Barrier Restore moisturizer, the Peptide Lip Treatment and the Peptide Glazing Fluid serum. I also purchased the Glazing Milk essence as soon as it launched on June 15.
Peptide Lip Treatment
Before I get into it, I want to give my props to Rhode’s marketing team for the insane marketing and high-end photoshoots they’re doing for a $16 lip balm. Since the Peptide Lip Treatment was released, thousands of girls have shared videos applying the lip balm á la Hailey with long nails and slicked back hair.
The Peptide Lip Treatment has become Rhode’s signature product, and given the success, they’ve released a myriad of delectable flavors: vanilla, watermelon, salted caramel, Jelly Bean candy…I can’t keep up with all of them! One of them was the Strawberry Glazed, which was limited-edition. For this, Hailey partnered with the beloved US doughnut chain, Krispy Kreme, for a strawberry glazed flavor, only available for a few days in August.
To celebrate the flavor release, the brand hosted a pop-up at Krispy Kreme’s Times Square location with selected NYC-based influencers, where Hailey was joined by her husband Justin Bieber. When I said that the brand goes all out in their marketing strategies, I wasn’t kidding!
I don’t like scented lip balms, but I do like to indulge in a doughnut every once in a while. It was hard not to be tempted by the delicious strawberry glazed donuts from the promo pictures! So, I went to Krispy Kreme while the flavor was still available, but sadly, the doughnuts looked nothing like the ones I saw on Instagram. The glaze was very subtle and the doughnut wasn’t fully coated. A lot of people also used IG to share their complaints about the deceitful pictures. At the Times Square pop-up, the doughnuts were loaded with a generous amount of strawberry glaze, just like the pictures…
To promote the passionfruit scent, Rhode shot the campaign in Anguilla. The promo pictures below, which were released in March, were what prompted me to get the whole line. Was it because I was longing to go to a tropical destination? Her eye-catching manicure? Her flawless skin?
Notice how in all the pictures Hailey is drawing attention to her lips, and if the Peptide is pictured by itself, it’s always with visually appealing foods. Never on its own. This is advertising 101!
Without further ado, here’s my review on the Peptide Lip Treatment (unscented):
The first time I tried it I was heading out the door and applied it very quickly. The finish is very similar to the Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb (lip gloss), minus the shimmer. It had a beautiful glossy finish and the shea butter felt like a blanket of hydration that gave me pillowy-soft lips. When I got in the car and looked at the sun visor mirror, I was taken aback by my plumped lips. I was surprised by this because I didn’t feel anything. Getting fuller lips is the least of my concerns but the very few plumping lip glosses I have tried have a slightly uncomfortable cooling sensation.
The Peptide has a long-lasting effect and I didn’t feel the need to constantly reapply it.
This year, I’ve been spending a lot of time in Joshua Tree, where the weather changes are very extreme. While I was there during the summer, my lips were so cracked that they hurt when I opened my mouth. Desert weather is no joke! It was so uncomfortable and my lips had never been so badly chapped like that. Well… I can attest to the efficacious formula of Rhode that got me through the hot days and cooler nights in Joshua Tree.
When doing research for the Peptide Lip Treatment, someone said on a forum that the Peptide Lip Treatment was just a glorified version of Aquaphor. Mind you, this review wasn’t from the official website, and the user that said this wasn’t a verified purchaser.
In September, I was back in Joshua Tree, where it was really cold. I gasped when I realized that I had forgotten my handy-dandy Peptide Lip Treatment! On the first night, I had to use the Barrier Restore Cream on my lips, which was…odd, but it somehow worked.
The following day, I went to the nearest CVS and remembered the Aquaphor comparison, so I got the Aquaphor healing ointment. Although it did the job, it didn’t “treat” my lips in the same way as the Peptide. It felt like an ointment that I could have used anywhere on my body, whereas with the Peptide Lip Treatment, I feel like my lips are nourished and replenished from the dryness. It goes on thick, but once you spread it, it transforms into a clear glossy film that’s surprisingly very lightweight and non-sticky. I also love how it smooths the lines on your lips.
I even did a side-by-side comparison on the back of my hand when I got home. The finish of the Peptide Lip Treatment is almost identical to Scotch tape.
Aquaphor has the consistency of a regular topical cream, so it’s more opaque and greasier. I’d definitely use it to treat other parts of the body, but for my lips, the formula of the Peptide really won me over – especially after putting it to the test in such dry weather.
The finish is beautiful and can be used in place of a gloss.
Melanie Bender, Rhode’s Chief Executive Officer said: “
“[We used] peptides in a first-to-market way, taking cues from what we love about putting peptides on our skin, but [using them] in a way that’s appropriate for the lip. Another key ingredient in our PLT is cupuaçu, which brings suppleness to dry and dehydrated skin. It’s also the national fruit of Brazil. Hailey is half Brazilian, so we love bringing in those personal elements.”
I’m not prone to dry lips, but since I purchased it in April, I’ve been using it more consistently since we entered the fall season. I’ve used it so much that I’m almost out of it.
Funnily enough, after I wrote this, I came across an interview where Hailey said that the Aquaphor was one of her holy-grail products.
The only drawback is that the packaging, which is made with Post Consumer Recycled materials, gets very dirty, especially if you carry it around in your bag. But it looks like they changed the packaging in the new flavors.
In September, Rhode released the Peptide Lip Tints, which have the same formula as the original Peptide Lip Treatment but with a sheer wash of color. I wanted to get my hands on Raspberry Jelly, but I had to sign up for the waitlist since they were all sold out.
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
Main ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, marula oil.
Whenever I apply my makeup, I use my sunscreen first and foremost. For the past year, I’ve been using a big bottle of LaRoche-Posay sunscreen that I bought in Spain in December 2022, but my go-to is the ElmaMD – a sunscreen that, coincidentally, Hailey Bieber also uses. These sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists and besides protecting against the sun, they double as moisturizers.
For me, if I layer my skin with too many products, the foundation sits weird. I already use foundations with a glowy finish, which is why I didn’t find myself reaching for the Peptide Glazing Fluid that much. It has a nice serum consistency and provides a lightweight layer of moisture, but I would not use it in place of a moisturizer or a heavy-duty oil. If you want to add an extra step in your makeup routine to double down on dewiness and hydration, then I would recommend it. In the reviews, most people seem happy with the product for these reasons.
One of the downsides of this product is the packaging. The cap is very bulky and tricky to open with wet hands, which is why I never really put it back on after using it.
In the videos, whenever Hailey pumps out the product, she uses too many pumps. If you were to use that many pumps, the product would run out very quickly. The small packaging is another drawback for me. With this serum, a little bit does not go a long way. While the product spreads out nicely, one pump isn’t enough to cover your face. When I use three pumps and my skin looks slightly dewy, so if you want to look like the promo pictures, where she looks like a “glazed donut”, then you’ll have to be more heavy-handed.
But, if you’re curious to dive into the world of Rhode skincare, you have to get it and try it for yourself. It has the average price point of a serum, so it’s not too bad. For me, I prefer using hydrating serums at night that are infused with active ingredients like Vitamin C or Retin A. Overall, the serum was not revolutionary enough for me to repurchase.
Barrier Restore Cream
Main ingredients: shea butter, peptides, açai, niacinamide, squalane.
This moisturizer reminded me so much of the Weleda Skin Food moisturizer. That’s why I wasn’t surprised at all when I read that Hailey Bieber swears by it. She uses the cream in the areas she feels she needs it the most, as well as on the high points of her face to achieve that glazed donut look. If you’ve ever used the Weleda Skin Food, you’ll know that it’s super thick and emollient. Some people refrain from using it on the face as the thickness is too much for their pores. I personally love using this cream in the winter months.
The Rhode Barrier Restore Cream is very creamy yet lightweight. I love the cream’s touch to the skin. It feels very cooling and refreshing. You know when you apply an aftersun cream right after being in the sun for the day? That first layer of cream that you apply to the skin feels so nice, refreshing and nourishing. That’s exactly what I feel when I apply the Barrier Restore Cream.
Unlike the hydrating serum, with the Barrier Restore Cream a little bit goes a long way, and after I use it, I feel a soft layer of hydration on my face. I’ve been using it every day for the past few months, and just like the Peptide Lip Treatment, it’s time to order a new one.
Glazing Milk
Main ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, marula oil.
This is a product that I think is inspired by Biologique Recherche’s Lait U Cleansing Milk.
I have some acne scars on my back and I’ve noticed that these have started to slightly diminish, but I have to use it more consistently and report further changes.
Unfortunately, this product did nothing on my face other than give me a nice glow. In the reviews, some people say that they like it for hydration, adding an extra glow to the skin, improve the skin’s texture and treat flare-ups or redness. So, if you’re looking for miraculous results to treat other skin concerns, this may not make the cut.
Update: Recently, after one of my laser hair removal sessions on my face, I was left with redness and some small bumps. The Glazing Milk did an amazing job soothing my skin!
Pineapple Refresh cleanser
Note: I wrote this review on February 17.
Main ingredients: polyglutamic acid, green tea extract, pineapple enzyme.
I bought the Pineapple Refresh cleanser as soon as it launched on January 25. After using my Youth To The People Superfood cleanser for the last nine months, it was time to switch it up. Mind you, I’m EXTREMELY PICKY when it comes to cleansers. I’ve tried Fenty, Fresh, and a myriad of other brands. After using those, my face felt super tight and dry, which is why I don’t rotate cleansers.
In the description, it says that this cleanser contained enzymes. I was very skeptical thinking that the texture was going to be grainy and harsh on my skin, but that could not be further from the truth!! I did not feel the enzymes at all. The application was very gentle, and after I washed my face, I felt as if I had just applied moisturizer. My skin felt very soft and supple. Another thing I was skeptical about was the smell. I did not want to be bombarded by pineapple scent every time I opened the bottle. Luckily, this cleanser is FRAGRANCE-FREE!
After using it for the first time, I patted my face and thought, “Wow, Hailey did that”.
An aesthetician said in the reviews that her skin texture had improved dramatically since she started using it. People with extremely sensitive skin have also given the Pineapple Refresh cleanser their seal of approval.
The packaging is big, and unlike the other products, a little bit goes a long way with this cleanser! You only need a pea-sized amount. The cleanser claims to remove makeup as well, but If I’m wearing a full face of makeup, I always double-cleanse with the Emminence cleansing oil.
I’ve been using the Pineapple Refresh cleanser for about three weeks, and it has become my all-time favorite cleanser. I can’t wait for the makeup line!
Conclusion
I didn’t expect to like Rhode as much as I did. Although the products are different, the main ingredients are almost the same. The purpose of all of them is to provide hydration and glow. Are you looking for a thick night moisturizer? Then, the Barrier Restore Cream would be the best fit. Something to give you glow throughout the day? Then, I would go for the Peptide Glazing Fluid. Does your skin flare up very easily? Then, I would recommend the Glazing Milk essence. It all depends on what your concern is.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking to treat hormonal acne or wrinkles, I’d suggest looking into other brands. Rhode just came out last year, so it’s still pretty new, but it’ll be interesting to see how they expand their skincare line.
For now, my two three guaranteed repurchases will be the Pineapple Refresh cleanser, the Barrier Restore cream and the Peptide Lip treatment, which was the winner for me. If you want to get their limited-edition scented lip balms, you have to keep an eye out on Rhode’s Instagram for the date releases because they fly off the shelves!
My review of the Pocket Blush is now live! Read it here
Rhode’s: Website, Instagram and Tik Tok.
