Please don’t tell me you haven’t heard of the new cosmetics line from Rhianna. Fenty Beauty.
And as talented a singer and entertainer Miss Rihanna is, I’ll bet she will end up making more money with her cosmetics line. She will be the next cosmetics mogul! In Rihanna’s own words:
“FENTY BEAUTY WAS CREATED FOR EVERYONE: FOR WOMEN OF ALL SHADES, PERSONALITIES, ATTITUDES, CULTURES, AND RACES. I WANTED EVERYONE TO FEEL INCLUDED. THAT’S THE REAL REASON I MADE THIS LINE.”
Miss Riri has created a line of cosmetics that is based on inclusion. All shades of beautiful are included!
This has been a pretty much long anticipated cosmetics line! Does it work for old ladies? We shall see!
Fenty Foundation is available in 40 shades. 40 SHADES!!! It took a talented woman, an entertainer, to come up with this genius idea. And none of the major cosmetics could not do this. Riri is my hero!
40 Shades! Forty Shades of beautiful packed into all these wonderfully frosted bottles! And pump bottles no less!
An added bonus is the packaging. Look. The packaging has the same lettering as the charts in the eye doctor’s office. I felt like I was getting a new pair of glasses. Auntie Riri even found a way to include women with bad eyes. Thank you, Rhianna. Thank you for including my crossed-eyes! I’m misty eyed with gratitude!
Call me crazy, but that backwards “N” on the packaging reminds me of the eye charts that I’m tested on–and always fail. I’m getting verklempt! (tissue please)
Let’s face it. (pun intended). I can’t imagine what it must be like for a woman of color to have to search for that right shade of foundation in shades ranging from lighter to darkest brown. I’m pasty white and go through hell to find a foundation that’ll match my non-pigmented skin! It’s astounding how different skin tones can be so hard to match. Not anymore!
I’m so happy about this. Maybe Riri will start to incorporate older women on her Fenty Beauty Site!
Anyway, I spent a good part of the weekend bingeing on YouTube reviews of what Fenty has to offer. Women and men were going crazy over this foundation. Might I suggest you take a good look at the many videos? My favorite review is by Champagne Taste. She gives a timeline onto how the foundation wears. Miss Champagne nailed it!
This young woman, Champagne Taste, gave the most detailed timeline review. No BS with her. I like that!! And the foundation LASTED!
After perusing the website for Fenty Beauty, I decided on two items to try and am waiting for them to be delivered. The first is the highlighter, Trophy Wife. Too yellow for me to use as a highlighter, I’ll use it as an eyeshadow. I love the color.
This is the highlighter, Trophy Wife that I ordered. I’ll be using this as an eyeshadow. Bangin’!!!
The second is from the Match Stix Collection of contour and highlighters. I picked Amber because of the coolness of the color. I think it’ll be a great contour for my skin tone.
My second item is the Match Stix Amber (I’m not sure if this stock pic is the shade I picked but it’s pretty darn close). Amber is a cooler toned contour. And you can purchase these in groups of three and the packaging is magnetized!! I’m lovin’ this so much!
Foundation is one item I will never order online without trying in person. Many of the reviews, although incredibly favorable, did mention to go with a shade or two lighter than your skin due to the dry down being slightly darker.
As a fan of the pump bottle, and as a fan of the clarity of the bottle, although frosted, I am grateful that Rihanna thought about a bottle in which you can see how much foundation you are using!
I needed to try the foundation. As a self-proclaimed Foundation Junkie, I felt it my duty to check this miraculous creamy elixir out!
And so, yesterday morning, I headed to the mall to Sephora. It had been a while since I’ve been to the mall by my lonesome because Monsieur Bonaparte likes to monitor my spending loves me so much that he is always willing to accompany me on my shopping trips.
As I approached the Makeup Mecca, I noticed that the Sephora sign didn’t look quite right. That’s because it was gone! Had it been that long since I was there? WTF was Sephora????
I just about passed out when I saw this shell of a Sephora shop! Forget Where’s Waldo–WHERE’S SEPHORA???
I was so shocked that I had to stop and think about what date it was!
After reading the sign that the store had moved, and after my heart went back to a normal beating rate, I was able to find the new Sephora.
Like Dorothy following the Yellow Brick Road, I followed the 50 shades of cream tiles up to….
The Mecca of makeup–and all things Fenty!
And the Fenty display practically greeted me in all its glory.
Like Christmas in September! I wanted everything!
A sales assistant/makeup artist, MJ approached me to see if I needed any help and I eagerly explained my need for the foundation. I told her (as if she couldn’t tell by the lines in my face) that I was of the “mature” demographic group and my skin is very dry. I asked since the foundation has a matte finish, would it look alright.
Let me tell you, MJ was a doll. She explained that prepping the skin was far more important for the hydration. And the next minute, I was color matched for the foundation.
Who wouldn’t have a great time at Sephora! MJ. I wanna party with you cowgirl!
The foundation that was the best match was 170—for light skin with cool undertones. MJ brushed a small amount on my neck and I couldn’t tell where the skin and foundation met. She also gave me a couple of samples to try before I buy. This way I could see if the foundation worked for me. The secret to having the foundation not change color is to shake before applying. I’m excited to use this!
MJ at work like a scientist. One of the reasons I enjoy shopping at Sephora is due to their generosity with the samples. The “try before you buy” approach is not only a sign of great customer service but a win-win for both the store and customer. You don’t have to purchase the product and then return if it doesn’t work out. That’s a loss for the company and a waste of time for you. I’m a fan of this approach!
I purchased Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer lip gloss. This gloss is freaking amazing. I am not kidding you. Because my lips are naturally heavily pigmented, I must apply a bit of foundation or concealer to my mouth so that the lip color won’t get all wonky.
This was put on my naked lips and looks absolutely beautiful. I was in a state of shock. Mommy needs to get more of this.
OK. So as soon as I arrived back home, I whipped out the Fenty Gloss Bomb. On my bare naked lips ladies. This is GORGEOUS! I’ll be frank–I didn’t know how it would look on me but boy–I am loving this color. I’m cool-toned but this flush of color really IS universal. It adds a bit of warmth to my mouth. I’m a fan of this one!
The primer was also getting a lot of love and I purchased that as well. After using drug store brand primers for quite some time now seemed like a good time to try a higher end.
I purchased two of the Fenty line from Sephora and two from the site. Keep reading to see if I’ll make the purchase of the foundation!
Fast-forward to earlier this morning. At 7:15 AM as I got ready for the day!
Don’t look at my nails! I took the acrylics off to allow my nails to breathe. I’m going natural. ANYWAY!–here’s the primer. It has a slight tint but goes on the skin nicely….
I went light with the pump because I didn’t know if a lot of product came out. I ended up using one and a half pumps and spread it on my face. It went on very smoothly and was not greasy at all. It felt ever-so-slightly tacky at first, then the tackiness dissipated very quickly. I was left with a smooth canvas.
Time for the foundation!
As instructed by MJ, I shook the package very well to distribute the foundation’s ingredients.
The photos below are step-by-step of how the foundation looked as I put it on. Please be aware I do NOT use filters of any kind. What you see is the untouched, lined face of a 62-year-old woman. No fillers. No filters. No BS!
Top left. I dotted the foundation on one side of my face. I’ve seen in reviews that this dries very quickly. I didn’t have that issue. This blended well. On one side of my face, I used a foundation brush and on the other, I used a Real Techniques blending sponge. I liked the sponge application better. I felt I had more control over the product. Top Right photo is after the foundation was blended in. Bottom Left. Because my skin is very dry, I sprayed setting spray on my face for hydration. This was mentioned in a couple of reviews. It worked like a charm. Bottom right. The sample of 170 atop my face. As you can see this is a very good match. And this sample will last me for a few days. I didn’t need a lot of product–this makes the value of the foundation even greater!
I contoured a bit with the Ibiza Beach Stick from Charlotte Tilbury. Some reviews stated that the cream contours were a bit difficult to apply and lifted some of the foundation. I did NOT have that issue at all! In fact, I’m really looking forward to the Amber Match Stix. Since I’m no longer tanned, I notice that the Ibiza is a bit too warm for my cool tone–I made it work anyway by blending and the foundation stayed put. I added a bit of Stila Convertible Color in Petunia and then put some hair on.
Before and “Hair”fter. Notice the hint of color with the Gloss Bomb. The foundation is looking mighty fine!
The price point is very good. The primer is $32.00, the foundation $34.00, the Match Stix are $25.00 each but there are sets of three for $54.00 which is an excellent value. The lip gloss is $18.00. The highlighters come in at $34.00. With the rising cost of drug store cosmetics, Fenty is a very affordable higher end line.
Here’s a closer view of the finished face. I would definitely vouch for the fact that Fenty cosmetics are “mature” woman friendly!!!
Something tells me this line is here to stay and the beauty industry will be coming out with many, many shades of foundation in the future.
How do I rate the cosmetics? Well, my love of the lip gloss is very deep! The foundation is a definite winner–you have to make sure though that you prep your skin well before using. I would not use this if I was in a hurry or a rush to get out the door. But that’s a good thing because we should all have a collection of different foundations for different uses. This is job interview foundation. This is special occasion foundation. This is “I’m- Meeting -Someone” foundation. No matter how you rate it, it’s damned good foundation! The primer is excellent! And both the primer and foundation are spectacular values because you don’t need a ton of product. Auntie Riri did good!
And after getting caught in the rain–a downpour to be exact…..
This was at 1PM. Approximately 6 hours after application and the rain didn’t wash this foundation away. And I got soaked. Look at my wig! My synthetic hair needed to be washed anyway!
And yes. I would say this cosmetics line is a good fit!
Rihanna’s come a long way from Pon de Replay—her first song. Here it is!
Oh my goodness – you look fantastic – you just look so good and fresh and glowing. That makeup is fantastic, I have to admit I like Riri – she is a survivor and a grafter, she has worked for what she has and she comes across as a very independent woman. I also think that if you are not blessed with the skin that is easy to match and are always at the end of the line of product (too fair or too dark or too pink or too….) and then you have the insight that other women struggle – well she gets my vote.
I am also really liking her packaging – sleek, classy but no mysteries (I personally get infuriated by surprise endings 🙂 ). This is really well thought through by one smart woman – she obviously gets there is a sisterhood
Hi Juliet. Right?? She is a survivor and I’ve got tons of respect and admiration for her. And the fact that her line is all-inclusive is even more awe-inspiring. She’s done something the big manufacturers have failed to do.
The packaging is great. I cannot stand packaging that doesn’t allow you to see how much product is left in the bottle/jar/tube. This gets it all out there.
Thanks for liking the way the foundation looks. I’m very pleased. It’s just about 4 in the afternoon here. I’m having my Barry’s tea and the foundation is still put. Nothing feels or looks cakey. I appreciate the fact you are digging the makeup look on me. Have a great evening my dear!!! XXOXOXOXO!!!
Dat gloss tho!!!! It’s still sitting in my Sephora cart. Didn’t pull the trigger yet because I decided to clean out my current lip stash. How does one wind up with 20 versions of the same pale pinkish peachish pale shades of lipstick??? They don’t even look good on me anymore! I really do prefer gloss and balm and now that I only have a few, I think there’s room for Gloss Bomb, because YOU sold me on it! You look great! Xoxoxo
Lori. You hit the nail on the head. I also have multiple versions of the pale pinkish peachy shades. This is completely different It’s a warmer shade that looks great on everyone! Thanks!! I’m digging this line!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Yes you do look good on these pictures with this new foundation. I should say that I wonder how many jar/tube/bottle of open foundation you are using at the same time? In fact it is because I am jealous of your facility to use foundation at all, I am nowhere ready to be as competent as you! The lady in Sephora is right, first thing before make up is treating and preparing ones skin but, in my mind ( and for the French) this means applying a good moisturizer or whatever face cream with serum if ones need it, not really primer. But looking at you, it works. I am also curious as to know this new brand but first, it is not organic and a already have wayyyyy too much stuff! I have more than 30 khol eye pencil for starter. Did you also try this brand the Ordinary? I don’t know if it’s good for mature skin but it is good for my skin. I even bought some foundation but, as I am afraid, the bottle is still sealed since more than one month. Please thank you for your review, I can discover through you and you are very talented when you show and explain.
Hi Eve! I have different foundations for different seasons and types of weather–and for the condition my skin is in as well at the time. I have about 4 open jars of foundation at this time. My favorite foundation is the Laura Geller Baked Balance n Brighten because it’s the easiest to deal with and it is flawless. I’m LOVING the Fenty foundation because of the coverage and the matte finish. I also am a fan of the Marc Jacobs. But my skin prep is more important. At night I use Albolene it’s like lard, to take my makeup off. It literally melts off. Then I wash with Dove soap and a scrub cloth to exfoliate. Then I use a toner to make sure all the dirt is out. Then I dab a bit of Orange Blossom water on my face and then I finish off with a serum and moisturizer. I interchange my serums. It’s either the collagen serum by SkinActives or the serum from Vivant Skincare or the serum from Caudalie. It’s a process but it works!
You know, I’ve heard about the Ordinary brand and I need to check it out. You’re happy with it? I’m going to their site after I reply to you!!!! 30 Kohl eye pencils? LOL. You are like me with the lipsticks and glosses!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
From The Ordinary, I am using the squalane coupled with hyaluronic acid and another face cream plus some oil. I also bought a bottle of hyaluronic acid (not yet used) and this liquid foundation I have never used because I am not used to apply this on my face: may be I should?
For the record, I also have quite a lot of lipstick, a LOT of had cream and foot cream and … well several tube/jars of face cream and oil that I mix together or not, with different serums as well. My bathroom is full ahem. You know what, I would be happy to have a review of what you are wearing at the office and what you are doing: I believe we have the same job so would be fun to compare what it is about from either part of the Atlantic. That is, if you’re open to the idea.
Hey Catherine have you heard of Cindy Joseph? She has a wonderful line of “make-up” and skin care. I love it. https://www.boombycindyjoseph.com
Hi Pam, I have heard of Cindy Joseph and I’ve reached out to her! She never responded. That makes me a bit wary but I’ve heard fantastic things about her Boom line!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I love the products on you Catherine, looks flawless. Love your review and can tell you are super happy with the products. I had received the email regarding Fenty from Sephora (AUS) last week. So was keen to have a look, unfortunately there is no Sephora in my city here in Australia so I have to order online. I had watched a few reviews on Monday and decided I could at least order the Gloss bomb Lip gloss. I saw a review for the gold Trophy Wife it looks pretty. Also the primer looks nice too. I am looking forward to trying the Gloss bomb Universal Lip Luminizer.
Since I can’t test or colour match the foundation giving that a miss.
Glad I was able to use $10 birthday rewards towards the lip gloss, retailing for $30, I can justify another lip product for $20. Check out the Aussies prices, the foundation is $50, primer $46, highlighter/ duo $50 and $79 for the Match stix trio, a single one is $37.
Us Aussies getting screwed when it comes to beauty products!!!! (rolls eyes and throws money in the air)
Cheers
bluetulips
I was in Sephora in Sydney last week and didn’t see the Fenty line, but I am going to look out for it now if i can swallow the prices, everyone is raving.
Q.D
I think it was only released on Friday 🙂
Ugh. Diane. Why are products so freaking expensive in Australia? Wow!! Honestly, you will love the Gloss Bomb. It truly is a universally flattering product. The primer is fantastic as well. I’m on my way back to Sephora later today to make the purchase of the foundation. I have to have it!!
Enjoy the day love!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Just to get you a little more excited, I saw that there is going to be a Holiday Collection by Fenty Beauty, the shadows look oh so pretty as do the lip sticks. I see another review coming from you soon!!!
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lifestyle/7973647/rihanna-fenty-beauty-holiday-collection-preview-video
I’ve never bought cosmetics on line..I’d be too worried about the shade likeness. I did buy two lipsticks and a mascara (Max Factor) yesterday. Not sure that Fenty is available in UK shops but thanks to reading your blog I am noticing other brands now, trouble is when I got to the elf/NYX counters I couldn’t remember what you’d recommended! Xx
Hi Fiona! Oh…the line is available in a UK makeup store that I can’t remember the name. It’s two names–not Marks & Spencer. I watched so many reviews and can’t recall–I think there is the letter “H” in one of the names. (that narrows it down–lol). Oh. the elf flawless finish foundation is the best six bucks you will ever spend on an inexpensive drug store brand. And the price point is so low that it doesn’t matter. The elf cream contours are great too. The powders–meh. I’m not crazy about them but the brushes are decent!! Hope this helps!!!! XOXOXOXO
I googled it Catherine, it’s Harvey Nichols! The most high end store in the land (with the exception of Harrods)…and there are only two in the country I think, London and Leeds.
I can’t imagine that most of her fans have ever set foot in the place. Methinks I’ll be going for the elf foundation you recommended, thanks so much. xxx
Wow, this is a great post. I am being a fan of your writing style. Keep up the good work Catherine 👍
Thanks Kedy!!!! That makes me feel good!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
My heart sank when you mentioned the glass pump container for the foundation. Is it just me that can only access two thirds of the product and ends up bashing the top off and trying to shake the stuff out until it dries up ?
AND can you imagine residing in a country where there is no Sephora :((( I lived there when I lived in L.A.
xxx
Hi Jilly. I know what you mean about the pump–I’ve had a few pumps in my time that have dysfunctional issues!! But I’ve always managed to either fix them or gingerly unscrew the top and use a q-tip to get the remaining product out! What I do like about the pump is that just the right amount of product is distributed.
I cannot imagine living in an area where there is no Sephora. Sephora’s corporate offices need to do some research and expanding!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I love that this line has so many different foundation shades, I have fair skin with gold undertones and it’s always been such a chore to find the right shade. Love that Gloss Bomb too, it looks like the perfect nude for the Fall (it’s always hard to find a good shade there too). It all looks great on you too, for telling us about this!
Hi Margaret! So true. It’s difficult to find the right shade no matter what your skin tone is. We fair ladies always suffer the issue of everything turning orange! I can’t wear Lancome foundation at all because the shades just don’t match my tone!! That Gloss Bomb is truly the Bomb!!! It is incredible!!! I’m in love with it!!! So glad you love it!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Love your post, Catherine! I’ve heard all the rave about Fenty and this has been one of my main concerns, being that I am in my late thirties. Thank you again for the insight and you look beautiful!
Thanks Dee! Oh you child you!!! Seriously, you HAVE to get Fenty products. I swear they are life! I will be thankful to Auntie RiRi for my Thanksgiving face tomorrow!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
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Thad n you for the review of Fenty products! You are just beautiful!
Thank you. Not Thad n you.
Thank you Cynthia!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO