I was so sure I wasn’t going to fall for it.
Hailey Bieber’s brand, Rhode, has been everywhere for over a year now. From TikTok routines to YouTube GRWMs to red carpet interviews—everyone seemed to be glowing thanks to Rhode. But still, I resisted. I assumed it was another celebrity-backed beauty line with more marketing than substance. A glazed donut pipe dream.
And then I cracked.
It happened on one of those days when a little beauty retail therapy felt like the only answer. I gave in. I went online, filled my cart with bestsellers, and checked out. Glazing Milk, Lip Tint, Lip Liner, Pocket Blush—all the hits. It didn’t hurt that Hailey had just sold a minority stake of Rhode to e.l.f. Cosmetics (major move) and that the brand was about to hit Sephora Canada. Suddenly, this wasn’t just hype—it was strategy. And I’ll admit it: her branding is impeccable. The aesthetic is everything I love—clean, neutral, fresh, unfussy but elevated. Like waking up in a sunlit loft with perfect skin and effortless jeans.
But First, What Is Rhode?
Rhode Skin is a minimalist skincare-meets-makeup brand founded by Hailey Bieber in 2022. The name comes from her middle name, and the concept is rooted in “one of everything really good.” It’s simple, effective, functional skincare with a dewy, natural glow as its main character energy.
The brand quickly went viral thanks to Hailey’s signature “glazed donut skin”—a phrase now synonymous with that healthy, hydrated, almost wet glow. Rhode prioritizes barrier repair, hydration, and multipurpose products that blur the line between skincare and makeup. It’s very Gen Z, very clean girl, and very appealing for anyone who wants to glow with minimal effort.
Now, let’s talk products—what I bought, what I loved, and what I think is just… fine.
1. Rhode Glazing Milk
Let’s start with the Glazing Milk, a lightweight, milky serum that promises to flood the skin with hydration while prepping it for your routine.
- What it does: It’s rich in ceramides, magnesium, and beta-glucan to strengthen the skin barrier and instantly calm redness and dryness.
- How I use it: While Rhode suggests using it as an essence—first step post-cleanse—I actually prefer applying it after my serums and before my moisturizer. It has more of a thick serum texture than a watery essence, in my opinion.
- The result: It gives a smooth, hydrated, almost damp glow that lasts. Think post-facial dew, but at home. A win for dry and combo skin types alike.
Verdict? Love. I genuinely feel like this one adds something real to my routine, not just aesthetics.
2. Rhode Lip Liner in “Lift”
This one surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much from a basic lip liner—but wow. It glides on like butter, has a diffused, blurred finish (no harsh lines here), and is the exact neutral tone you want for a “your lips but better” vibe.
- Shade: I picked “lift,” a soft, pink that works perfectly to define without overpowering.
- Formula: Creamy but not overly slippery. It stays put, and it doesn’t bleed.
This liner has become a staple. It elevates every lip combo without screaming for attention. It’s subtle. Chic. Effortless. Basically: Hailey-coded.
3. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment (Toast)
This is the product that initially made Rhode go viral. It’s been called the “glazed donut for your lips,” and the packaging alone could convince you it’s life-changing.
- Formula: Hydrating, glossy, non-sticky, with peptides and shea butter to condition the lips.
- Scent: I went for the unscented version, but they have flavors like Watermelon Slice and Vanilla Cake.
Here’s the thing: It’s good. It’s shiny. It feels luxe. But it’s not a revelation. With so many lip balms out there, it’s hard to stand out—and while this one looks cute in your bag and does the job, it didn’t blow me away.
Verdict? Nice, but not essential. If you already have a go-to balm, you’re not missing out.
4. Rhode Pocket Blush in “Sprinkle”
Okay, this is where I fell again. The Pocket Blush is one of Rhode’s newest launches, and I totally get the hype.
- Shade: “Sprinkle,” a soft rose that melts into the skin and gives that fresh, just-pinched glow.
- Formula: Creamy, blendable, slightly dewy, and buildable without caking or streaking.
It gives your skin that youthful flush, like you just finished a walk in the sun. One swipe and you look awake, healthy, and—dare I say—kissable. My only gripe? The name “pocket blush” is a bit misleading. The packaging is cylindrical and notexactly pocket-friendly or clutch-approved. But honestly, I’m not mad about it.
Verdict? Love. I’ve been reaching for it almost every day.
So… Is Rhode Worth It?
Let’s break it down.
The pros:
- Beautiful packaging and branding
- Skin-first formulas that are simple and effective
- Ideal for beginners or lovers of the clean girl aesthetic
- A thoughtful blend of skincare and makeup (hello, peptides in lip balm)
The cons:
- Not revolutionary for seasoned beauty lovers
- Small product sizes
- Slightly overpriced for what you get
Would I recommend it? Yes—but with a few caveats.
If you’re new to beauty and looking to build a minimalist routine that feels polished and fresh, Rhode is a great entry point. If you’re into soft, dewy, model-off-duty looks and “clean girl makeup,” you’ll love the vibe.
But if you’re someone who loves full glam, high pigment, or makeup artistry, you might find Rhode a little too subtle.
Is it budget-friendly? Not exactly. It’s mid-range pricing, and for the size of some of the products (especially the blush), you might expect more. But the added skincare benefits make the price feel a little more justifiable.
The Final Glazed Verdict
Rhode isn’t just good branding—it’s well-executed, thoughtful beauty. Hailey Bieber clearly had a vision, and she brought it to life with intention. The line is clean, curated, and gives skin that hydrated, lit-from-within glow we’re all chasing. While not every product is a must-have, there are a few real gems worth adding to your routine.
Will I continue using Rhode? Absolutely. Will I repurchase everything? Probably not. But am I glad I finally gave in to the hype? Yes. And now that it’s coming to Sephora Canada, I’ll definitely be trying a few more things.
Sometimes, the internet really does get it right.
I'll have what she's having 
Leave a comment