Celebrity beauty brands have evolved far beyond simple cash grabs. When Selena Gomez launched Rare Beauty and Hailey Bieber introduced Rhode, they didn’t just slap their names on products—they built brands with distinct missions, values, and aesthetic philosophies. Their rivalry extends beyond social media drama to represent two different approaches to beauty: one focused on mental health advocacy and bold color payoff, the other championing minimalist skincare and sustainable practices.
This comparison isn’t about picking sides in a fan war. It’s about understanding which brand aligns better with your values, beauty routine, and budget. Both have captured massive followings and created genuinely impressive products, but they serve different needs in the beauty landscape.
Meet the Brands
Rare Beauty: Makeup with a Mission
Selena Gomez launched Rare Beauty with a clear purpose: to challenge conventional beauty standards while centering mental health advocacy. The brand’s foundation rests on inclusivity and self-acceptance, reflected in everything from its diverse shade ranges to its philanthropic commitments.
The star product that put Rare Beauty on the map is the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. This weightless formula delivers intense pigmentation with just one dot, blending seamlessly for both matte and dewy finishes. Available in shades like Bliss (nude pink), Encourage (soft rose), Happy (cool pink), Joy (peachy coral), Love (deep terracotta), and Virtue (golden apricot), it caters to virtually every skin tone. The formula contains ingredients like mica, sunflower seed oil, and dimethicone for smooth application and lasting wear.
Rare Beauty’s inclusive approach and mental health mission have attracted a devoted global following. Fans connect not just with the high-quality formulations but with the brand’s commitment to normalizing conversations around mental wellness.
Rhode: Skincare-First Beauty
Hailey Bieber’s journey to healthier skin inspired Rhode’s creation. The brand focuses on simple, high-quality skincare that feels luxurious yet accessible. Rhode operates on the philosophy that great makeup starts with great skin—hence its skincare-infused approach to color cosmetics.
The Peptide Lip Treatment became Rhode’s hero product, but the newer Pocket Blush showcases the brand’s skincare-meets-makeup philosophy. This cream blush contains peptides and nourishing butters like tamanu and Cupuaçu, delivering a natural flush while caring for your skin. Unlike traditional liquid blushes, Rhode’s formula prioritizes a dewy, natural finish over high-impact pigment.
Rhode experienced explosive growth in just two years, particularly among Gen-Z consumers who appreciate its minimalist aesthetic and clean ingredient lists. The brand’s success stems from its “less is more” philosophy and commitment to sustainable practices.
Viral Products Face-Off: Soft Pinch Blush vs. Pocket Blush
What Makes Soft Pinch Iconic?
The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush revolutionized how we think about cream blush application. Its highly concentrated pigment means one tiny dot creates a vibrant flush that lasts all day. The formula includes emollients like dimethicone and sunflower seed oil, plus colorants such as mica, iron oxides CI 77491, and titanium dioxide CI 77891 for rich, true-to-pan color payoff.
The shade range offers something for everyone. Bliss provides a natural flush for lighter skin tones, while Love delivers warmth perfect for deeper complexions. Happy brings cool undertones ideal for those with baby pink preferences, and Joy offers peachy warmth that complements most skin tones. The buildable formula lets you create anything from a subtle natural flush to bold editorial looks.
Rhode’s Pocket Blush Approach
Rhode’s Pocket Blush takes a different route entirely. This skincare-infused formula contains peptides and nourishing ingredients that benefit your skin while providing color. The cream blush melts seamlessly into skin, creating a glowy finish that mimics a natural flush from within.
While Rhode’s blush offers less intense pigmentation than Rare Beauty’s liquid formula, it excels at creating that coveted “no-makeup makeup” look. The dewy finish works particularly well for those with dry skin or anyone seeking a more understated approach to color cosmetics.
Sustainability & Ingredients
Rare Beauty’s Green Efforts
Packaging: Rare Beauty demonstrates environmental consciousness through FSC-certified recycled paper packaging, water-based inks, and compostable corn foam for shipping materials. However, some limited-edition collections don’t always maintain these sustainable practices.
Formulations: All Rare Beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free, certified by PETA. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush contains mica, though the brand hasn’t disclosed sourcing details since 2019. Some products include synthetic fragrances, which may concern sensitive skin users.
Transparency Gaps: While Rare Beauty’s mission remains solid, the brand could improve ingredient transparency and sourcing disclosure for conscious consumers.
Rhode’s Sustainable Moves
Packaging: Rhode leads with its innovative reusable Boox system. These containers can be returned via QR code and reused up to twelve times, significantly reducing packaging waste.
Ingredients: Rhode maintains cruelty-free, vegan formulations featuring plant-based squalane, peptides, niacinamide, and ethically harvested Cupuaçu butter. The brand prioritizes clean, skin-loving ingredients across its entire range.
Minimalism: Rhode’s intentionally curated product lineup reduces waste and decision fatigue. This focused approach aligns with sustainable consumption principles.
Social Responsibility & Brand Mission
Rare Beauty’s commitment extends beyond products through the Rare Impact Fund, which pledges to raise $100 million over ten years for mental health services. This philanthropic commitment resonates deeply with consumers who want their purchases to create positive change.
Rhode takes a quieter approach to social responsibility, focusing on making high-quality skincare accessible while championing sustainable consumption through its minimalist product philosophy. While less vocal about charity work, the brand’s environmental initiatives speak to conscious consumerism.
Price & Accessibility
Both brands position themselves in the mid-range beauty market, though with different value propositions. Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush retails for $14 (reduced from $28) at Mimic Makeup, while Rhode’s Pocket Blush costs $10 (down from $20).
Rare Beauty enjoys wider availability through major retailers like Sephora and international distributors. Rhode has expanded significantly but remains primarily available through online channels and select retailers, though this is rapidly changing as the brand grows.
The Final Verdict
Both brands excel in their respective lanes, making the choice highly dependent on personal values and beauty preferences. Rare Beauty shines with its mental health advocacy, inclusive shade ranges, and high-impact formulations. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush delivers professional-quality results with remarkable longevity.
Rhode edges ahead on sustainability through innovative packaging solutions and plant-focused formulations. Its skincare-infused approach appeals to those prioritizing skin health alongside beauty enhancement.
Choose Rare Beauty if you value mental health initiatives and prefer bold, long-lasting liquid blushes in shades like Happy or Love. Opt for Rhode if you’re drawn to minimalist skincare philosophy, sustainable packaging, and prefer subtle, natural flush effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush truly cruelty-free and vegan?
Yes. The brand holds PETA certification and uses no animal-derived ingredients or testing.
What’s in the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush?
The weightless formula contains emollients like dimethicone and sunflower seed oil, plus colorants including mica and iron oxides for lasting color payoff.
How do shades like Bliss, Encourage, Happy, Joy, Love, and Virtue differ?
Bliss offers nude pink tones, Encourage provides soft neutral rose, Happy delivers cool pink, Joy brings warm peach, Love offers rich terracotta, and Virtue gives golden apricot. All build beautifully from subtle to bold.
How does Rare Beauty compare to Rhode’s blush?
Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch delivers intense color and variety; Rhode’s Pocket Blush leans skincare-infused with a glowy finish. Choose based on whether you want high pigment or subtle radiance.
Where can I buy these products?
Both brands are available at Mimic Makeup with significant discounts. Rare Beauty is also widely available at Sephora and international retailers.
Is Rhode more sustainable than Rare Beauty?
Rhode leads in sustainability through reusable packaging and plant-based formulations. Rare Beauty performs well but has room for improvement in transparency and sourcing disclosure.
Find Your Perfect Match at Mimic Makeup
Ready to choose your champion? Both Rare Beauty and Rhode products are available at Mimic Makeup with substantial savings—perfect for trying both brands without breaking the bank. Whether you’re team high-impact pigment or subtle skincare-infused glow, your ideal cream blush awaits.
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https://mimicmakeup.com/product/rare-beauty-soft-pinch-liquid-blush/
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Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
$28 $14
Vegan, Cruelty free. All-day wear.
rhode pocket blush
$20 $10
Vegan, Cruelty free. All-day wear.