Tatler finds out if Fenty Beauty’s beloved lip products are the real deal

In 2017, Rihanna launched her make-up line, Fenty Beauty and the beauty industry has never been the same. Its business strategy—consistently rolling out high-quality products with a focus on diversity and inclusion—is now a blueprint and benchmark for established players in the game as well as celebrity newcomers such as Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber and Kim Kardashian.

There is also another important facet of Fenty Beauty’s success and cult following: Rihanna. Every product leverages the global pop star and beauty mogul's entire persona with personalisations inspired by everything from her Bajan background to her distinct style and personality. It is most prominent in her wide range of lip products, especially the latest Icon Semi-Matte Lipstick. The bullet shape of this new lipstick is designed perfectly for the shape of Rihanna's lips. 

Often, these lip releases are accompanied by tutorials from the star herself, which go viral on TikTok and Instagram. But are these best-selling products actually worth the hype? Read our verdict below.  

See also: 8 Beauty Launches Not to Miss in July 2022

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Rating: 10/10

The Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in its original rose nude shade, Fenty Glow, is the first and arguably the best lip product from Fenty Beauty. It is also the mother of the Gloss Bomb family, which has also expanded to include the equally fantastic lip plumper and lip cream.

This OG Fenty Beauty product is all about the experience, from slathering on this rich, shea butter-infused formula on the lips to savouring the lingering scent of vanilla and ultra-glossy shine. This versatile lip product will elevate any look, whether it is casual everyday make-up or red carpet glam.

Tatler Tip: Layer the translucent Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer over bolder lipstick shades for a show-stopping shimmer.

See also: Fenty Skin Global Ambassador Sean Garette on Genderless Skincare

Icon Semi-Matte Lipstick

Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia

Rating: 7.5/10

Available in seven neutral shades and three bold reds, this recently-released lipstick is a great addition to any beauty kit. It delivers on most of its promises: full coverage and a semi-matte finish. The velvety shine comes from the hydrating combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. However, the formula is not entirely transfer-proof as advertised.

After testing all 10 shades on different skin tones, we were surprised to find three universally flattering shades: Scholar Sista, The MVP and Major Magnate.

It also gets points for leading the way in sustainability by introducing a refillable lipstick case. While it's a step in the right direction, the process of assembling the different components is not necessarily the most intuitive and can take a second to figure out. 

One of the biggest selling points of the Icon Semi-Matte Lipstick is its bullet, which was specially crafted to precisely line the lips and recreate Rihanna's trademark Cupid's Bow. Does it work? Our verdict is that the unique bullet doesn't really make a difference. For the most impactful, perfect lips, it is still better to rely on lipliner and concealer to clean up.

Overall, this Fenty Beauty lipstick is good but not as impressive when compared to its other products. 

Related: Inside the Taiwanese Beauty Company that May be the Greenest Brand in the World

 

Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Tatler Asia

Rating: 9/10

We tried the Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain and in the words of Rihanna's hit single featuring Calvin Harris, we found love. The ultra-smooth, oil-in-water formula glides easily onto the lips, leaving a vibrant colour with subtle shine. The lip stain sets almost immediately, without feathering or drying out the lips. In fact, the lips still feel nourished and hydrated after several hours thanks to its key ingredient, squalene.

The Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain is available in four shades. Zesty Bestie, a bright coral shade, is our pick for the summer because it adds a nice, effortless pop of colour.

Tatler Tip: You can transition your look for the night time by layering up to intensify the colour.

Stunna Lip Paint

Rating: 4/10

This Fenty Beauty lip product delivers an impressive colour payoff and incredible staying power but these are also its biggest downsides as they make application very tricky, especially for beginners. The benefit of its uniquely shaped precision wand to trace the shape of the lips is counteracted by its stylish but ultimately impractical handle.

The highly-pigmented formula is prone to smearing and difficult to remove even with oil cleansers, which can make course correction during application nearly impossible.

More experienced make-up users with steady hands may be able to appreciate the Stunna Lip Paint for its head-turning shades and soft-matte finish, but they should remember to let their final coat dry for at least five minutes before putting on their mask or stepping out the house.

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