Rare Beauty Foundation Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a foundation that feels weightless, provides great coverage, and enhances your natural beauty, Rare Beauty Foundation is one you should seriously consider. With its serum-like texture and natural finish, this foundation has gained a lot of attention for all the right reasons. But does it truly live up to the hype? After testing it myself and comparing it with other popular foundations, I’m sharing my honest review—what works, what doesn’t, and whether this foundation is the right fit for you.

My Experience With Rare Beauty Foundation

I had high expectations when I first tried the Rare Beauty Foundation, and I have to say, it left quite an impression. As someone who prefers a natural yet polished look, I was drawn to its promise of a lightweight, breathable formula with buildable coverage. The first thing I noticed was how effortlessly it blended into my skin. It had a serum-like texture that felt hydrating and comfortable, almost as if I wasn’t wearing anything at all. I also appreciated that it didn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize dry patches, which is often a concern with other foundations.

One of the standout features was the shade range. Rare Beauty offers an extensive selection, making it easier to find a perfect match. I also liked how adaptable the formula was—on days when I wanted sheer coverage, I could use a small amount, but when I needed more coverage, it built up beautifully without looking cakey. The soft matte finish gave me a healthy glow without feeling greasy, making it ideal for all-day wear.

However, I did notice that it slightly oxidized after a few hours, so I had to be mindful when selecting my shade. Additionally, if you have oily skin, you may need to set it with powder to extend its longevity. Overall, Rare Beauty Foundation is an excellent option for those who want a skin-like, flexible foundation that enhances natural beauty without feeling heavy. It’s definitely a product I would repurchase and recommend.

How to Get the Most Out of Rare Beauty Foundation?

To achieve the best results with Rare Beauty Foundation, start with well-prepped skin. Hydration is key, so use a moisturizer that suits your skin type to create a smooth base. If you have oily skin, applying a mattifying primer can help control shine and improve longevity. For dry or combination skin, a hydrating primer will enhance the foundation’s natural, soft-matte finish without clinging to dry patches.

When applying the foundation, shake the bottle well to ensure the formula is properly mixed. Use the dropper to dispense a small amount onto the back of your hand or directly onto your skin. A little goes a long way, so start with a few dots and build coverage as needed. For the most seamless blend, use a damp makeup sponge for a natural, dewy look, or a foundation brush for higher coverage. The formula is buildable, so you can add more layers without it looking cakey.

To extend wear time, set the foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder, focusing on areas prone to oiliness, such as the T-zone. If you prefer a more radiant finish, skip powder or use a setting spray to lock everything in place without reducing the foundation’s natural glow. Throughout the day, blotting papers or a pressed powder can help maintain a fresh look without disrupting the foundation.

For the most flattering results, pair the foundation with Rare Beauty’s concealers and blushes, which complement the formula beautifully, ensuring a cohesive and skin-enhancing finish.

Pros and Cons of Rare Beauty Foundation

Pros:

• Lightweight and breathable: The formula feels like a second skin, making it comfortable for all-day wear without feeling heavy or cakey.
• Buildable coverage: You can achieve anything from a sheer, natural finish to medium-to-full coverage, depending on your preference.
• Extensive shade range: With a wide variety of shades available, it caters to different skin tones and undertones.
• Natural, soft-matte finish: The foundation provides a balanced finish that is neither too dewy nor too dry, making it suitable for most skin types.
• Blendable and smooth application: The serum-like consistency makes it easy to blend, whether using a brush, sponge, or fingertips.
• Vegan and cruelty-free: Ethical consumers can appreciate that the brand does not test on animals and uses vegan-friendly ingredients.
• No heavy fragrance: The absence of strong scents makes it suitable for those with sensitivities.
• Hydrating formula: Works well for normal to dry skin, preventing flakiness and maintaining a fresh look throughout the day.

Cons:

• Oxidation over time: The foundation may darken slightly after application, so shade matching requires some trial and error.
• Not ideal for very oily skin: Those with oily skin may find that it wears off faster or requires frequent touch-ups with powder.
• Longevity could be better: While it holds up well for several hours, it may not last as long as some long-wear foundations without setting sprays or primers.
• Dropper packaging can be messy: The liquid formula and dropper applicator may not be the most convenient or hygienic for application.
• May emphasize texture on some skin types: Although it’s generally smoothing, those with large pores or acne scars might need a pore-filling primer for a flawless finish.

Also Read: My Thoughts On e.l.f. Caramel Foundation 

Rare Beauty Foundation Vs. Other Brands

• Rare Beauty Foundation Vs. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation

Both Rare Beauty Foundation and Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r offer a diverse shade range and cater to various skin tones. However, Rare Beauty’s foundation provides a more natural, soft-matte finish with a lightweight feel, making it ideal for everyday wear. Fenty Beauty, on the other hand, is known for its full-coverage formula with a matte finish that works best for those who prefer an ultra-polished look. While Fenty’s formula is long-wearing and excellent for oily skin, it may feel heavier than Rare Beauty’s weightless texture, which blends effortlessly and offers buildable coverage without feeling cakey.

• Rare Beauty Foundation Vs. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Rare Beauty Foundation and NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation are both designed to enhance the skin with a breathable, second-skin effect. Rare Beauty has a more fluid texture that blends easily, while NARS’ foundation is slightly thicker, offering more coverage with a radiant finish. NARS is often preferred by those looking for longer wear with a luminous glow, whereas Rare Beauty is great for those who want a soft-matte, skin-like finish. If you have dry skin, NARS may work better due to its hydrating properties, but for a weightless, everyday foundation, Rare Beauty is a more comfortable choice.

• Rare Beauty Foundation Vs. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is a cult favorite known for its radiant, satin finish. Compared to Rare Beauty’s foundation, Luminous Silk provides a slightly dewier and more luxurious finish, making it a go-to for those who love a luminous complexion. However, it comes at a much higher price point. Rare Beauty offers a similar skin-enhancing effect but with a more budget-friendly price and a lightweight, soft-matte finish that works well for both dry and oily skin types. If you’re looking for an everyday foundation that provides natural coverage without breaking the bank, Rare Beauty is a better option.

• Rare Beauty Foundation Vs. Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation is famous for its full coverage and long-lasting formula, making it a top choice for those needing makeup that lasts all day without touch-ups. However, its thicker consistency and matte finish can feel a bit heavy, especially for those who prefer a more breathable, natural look. Rare Beauty Foundation, in contrast, is lightweight, buildable, and offers a soft-matte finish that mimics real skin. If you need a long-wearing foundation for special events, Double Wear is a strong contender, but for daily wear, Rare Beauty’s comfortable and flexible formula is a better fit.

• Rare Beauty Foundation Vs. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation is designed to create a flawless, photo-ready complexion with full coverage and a matte finish. It provides excellent longevity and is ideal for those who want a perfected, high-glam look. However, it can feel heavier on the skin compared to Rare Beauty’s lightweight and breathable formula. Rare Beauty allows for a more natural, buildable coverage that feels like skin rather than makeup. If you prefer a high-coverage foundation that stays in place for hours, Charlotte Tilbury might be the better choice, but for a more natural and comfortable everyday foundation, Rare Beauty wins.

Also Read: My Experience With e.l.f. Porcelain Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

If you love a natural-looking, weightless foundation that still provides good coverage, Rare Beauty Foundation is a fantastic option. It’s comfortable, easy to blend, and works well for everyday wear.

That being said, if you have very oily skin or prefer full coverage, you might need to pair it with a mattifying primer or setting powder.

Overall, this foundation exceeded my expectations, and I would absolutely recommend it. It’s worth trying, especially if you want something breathable and buildable!