Rhode has been available on this side of the pond for nearly a year and consistently sold out, so it was time for me to put it to the test. The skincare brand founded by model and social media sensation Hailey Bieber has garnered quite a buzz for its quality and affordability since its launch.
Promising to bestow Hailey’s perennially glazed, glossy skin upon mere mortals, the range includes a host of sleekly designed products: Peptide Glazing Fluid, Glazing Milk, Barrier Restore Cream, a collection of Peptide Lip Treatments and Lip Tints and the brand’s most recent launch, Pineapple Refresh Cleanser.
From the get-go, it’s evident Rhode isn’t attempting to reinvent the wheel. The entire collection, aside from the cleanser, focuses on hydration, moisturisation and barrier repair – arguably essential elements for healthy skin regardless of age or life stage. This approach is somewhat refreshing in a skincare market saturated with products boasting every active ingredient you can think of.
Even more refreshing is that the range was developed in collaboration with dermatologists. The Rhode board features prominent industry advisers, such as Dr Dhaval Bhanusali and Dr Ron Robinson, a leading cosmetic scientist known for founding the excellent skincare brand BeautyStat.
On to the products. Peptides sit front and centre, helping plump fine lines and generally support the skin. Although all the products are indisputably visually and sensorially appealing, the standouts are Peptide Glazing Fluid, Barrier Restore Cream, and Pineapple Refresh Cleanser.
Peptide Glazing Fluid (€39 from rhodeskin.com) is akin to a serum, moisturiser and gel all in one. It’s light, nourishing and utterly lovely – it feels like a comforting hug for the skin. The formula is impressive: peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and marula oil. A true hydrating powerhouse that will work beautifully alongside existing products in your routine.
Barrier Restore Cream (€39 from rhodeskin.com) is of a similar ilk, and perfect for stressed, dry, or dehydrated skin. It’s exceptionally light and moisturising but gives the sensation of a richer, heavier cream. The finish is juicy, plump, expensive-looking skin. Who doesn’t want that?
Pineapple Refresh Cleanser (€36 from rhodeskin.com) is a skin-sloughing enzyme cleanser that gives great lather (think milky emulsion, not foam). A pleasing creamy, gel texture, it removes make-up and impurities while simultaneously exfoliating thanks to the addition of pineapple extract. Leave it on for a minute or two mid-cleanse for slightly elevated levels of exfoliative action.
The remaining products are nice but not particularly noteworthy. Glazing Milk (€39 from rhodeskin.com), a daily essence, is pleasant but doesn’t feel essential. I struggle to find the time to use it in my routine. The Lip Tints and Treatments (€20 from rhodeskin.com) are enjoyable, but they don’t last. Apply at will and enjoy the glossy finish, but be prepared for them to fade away in less than an hour.
I must also mention the packaging. With the exception of the cleanser, the products come in pale grey containers with simple white font printed on the outside. It’s a minimalist, clean, and chic design that I appreciate.
All in all, I like Rhode skincare. Their thoughtful, uncomplicated, barrier-boosting formulas are a breath of fresh air and will fit easily into your existing routine.
This week I’m loving . . . R&Co Grasp Intense Hold Shaping Balm
Don’t let the pretty packaging fool you. R&Co Grasp Intense Hold Shaping Balm (€25 from beautyfeatures.ie) is a powerhouse product. A clear, lightweight gel, it effortlessly slicks back hair and locks it in place until you decide to wash it out. Most importantly, there is no stickiness or crunchiness. It’s brilliant for keeping up-dos in place or for working through front pieces to add shape and definition.
