Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty is the makeup showdown I didn’t know I’d be obsessing over in 2025, but here I am, sitting in my tiny Brooklyn apartment, foundation bottles cluttering my IKEA vanity. I’m no beauty guru—honestly, my morning routine is a chaotic mix of spilling coffee on my desk and praying my cat doesn’t knock over my makeup. But I’ve been testing Rare Beauty’s liquid foundation and Fenty Beauty’s iconic formula for weeks, and, like, I’ve got thoughts. Messy, real, slightly embarrassing thoughts. Let’s dive into this face-off, because choosing between these two is like picking a favorite song—impossible, but I’m gonna try.
Why I’m Obsessed with Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty in 2025
Okay, so I stumbled into this Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty debate after a late-night Target run. Picture me, in sweatpants, staring at the makeup aisle like it’s a life-or-death decision. Rare Beauty’s foundation caught my eye with its sleek bottle and promises of a “weightless” finish. Fenty Beauty? Well, Rihanna’s brand has been my ride-or-die since I smudged their concealer on my face in 2023 and felt like a glowy goddess. Both brands are killing it—Rare Beauty racked up $302 million in Earned Media Value in June 2025, while Fenty trailed at $164 million []. But numbers don’t blend into my skin, so I had to try them myself.
Here’s the deal: I’m a 30-something with combo skin, a few stress pimples, and a tendency to sweat off my makeup by noon. My apartment’s humid, my AC’s busted, and I’m writing this with a fan blasting in my face. Testing Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty foundations in this chaos felt like a science experiment gone rogue.
Rare Beauty Foundation: My Soft, Filter-Like Love Affair
Rare Beauty’s liquid foundation is like that friend who’s effortlessly chill but secretly high-maintenance. I tried the shade “Honey,” inspired by a post I saw on X about their tinted powder []. First swipe? It’s smooth, lightweight, and blends like a dream with my drugstore beauty blender. I applied it in my bathroom, where the lighting’s more “interrogation room” than “glam studio,” and it still made my skin look like I’d slept eight hours. Spoiler: I hadn’t.
But here’s the tea: it’s not perfect. By hour six, my T-zone was shiny, and I caught myself blotting with a napkin at a coffee shop. Embarrassing? Yup. Did I still love how it felt like nothing on my skin? Totally. Rare Beauty’s foundation is giving “I woke up like this” vibes, but you gotta powder down if you’re oily like me.
Fenty Beauty Foundation: The Glowy, Golden Queen
Fenty Beauty’s foundation, though? It’s the boss babe of makeup. I used shade 345, which a post on X swore by for a warm, golden under-eye glow []. Applying it felt like a ritual—I was dancing to Rihanna in my living room, probably annoying my neighbors. The coverage is buildable, which is great because I’m clumsy and over-apply everything. It hid my stress pimples and gave me this radiant, “I’m thriving” look, even though I was running on three hours of sleep and a bagel.
Downside? It’s heavier than Rare Beauty. By the end of a sweaty subway ride, I felt like my face was wearing a mask. Still, the shade range is unreal—Fenty’s got inclusivity on lock . If you’re into full coverage that screams confidence, Fenty’s your vibe.
Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty: My Head-to-Head Face-Off
Here’s where it gets messy (like my vanity). I did a half-face test—Rare Beauty on one side, Fenty on the other. My cat stared at me like I’d lost it. Rare Beauty felt lighter, like I was barely wearing makeup, but it faded faster in my humid apartment. Fenty stayed put, but I could feel it sitting on my skin, especially when I accidentally rubbed my face on my couch. (Don’t judge—naps happen.)
- Shade Match: Fenty wins for range, hands-down. Rare Beauty’s catching up, but Fenty’s got shades for every undertone.
- Finish: Rare Beauty’s dewy, filter-like glow is my jam for casual days. Fenty’s radiant but heavier, perfect for nights out.
- Longevity: Fenty lasts longer, especially in NYC’s summer heat. Rare Beauty needs touch-ups if you’re oily.
- Vibe: Rare Beauty’s all about self-love and ease. Fenty’s like, “You’re a star, act like it.”
My Mistakes and Surprising Wins
I’ll be real: I messed up with both. With Rare Beauty, I didn’t set it with powder, so I looked like a glazed donut by lunch. Fenty? I went too heavy and looked caked-on at a friend’s BBQ. But the wins? Rare Beauty made me feel like I could skip filters on Instagram. Fenty gave me confidence to strut into a meeting like I owned it, even with ketchup on my shirt. (True story.)
Pro tip: Always use a primer. I skipped it once, and both foundations pilled up like my life choices. Also, blend with a damp sponge—my dry brush attempt was a disaster.
Which Foundation Rules in 2025? My Verdict
Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty is a tough call. If I’m running to a coffee shop or chilling at home, Rare Beauty’s my go-to for that “no-makeup makeup” look. If I’m hitting a rooftop bar or pretending I’m not a hot mess, Fenty’s got my back. Honestly, it depends on your vibe—light and easy or bold and unstoppable. I’m keeping both in my makeup bag, because why choose when you can have options?
Wrapping Up This Makeup Mess
So, yeah, Rare Beauty vs Fenty Beauty is the 2025 face-off I didn’t expect to care about this much. I’m still figuring out my skin, my style, and how to not spill coffee on my vanity. Both foundations have their magic—it’s about what makes you feel like you. Try them out, make your own mistakes, and let me know your fave in the comments. Seriously, I’m curious! For more makeup inspo, check out Byrdie or Allure—they’ve got the scoop on 2025 trends.
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