It’s been nearly seven years since pop icon Rihanna launched her groundbreaking cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, in September 2017. The brand made waves for its inclusive shade range, innovative formulas, and, of course, the star power of Rihanna herself. But now, in 2024, with the beauty industry more competitive and diverse than ever, does Fenty Beauty still live up to the immense hype it generated at launch? Is the quality truly there, or are people buying into the celebrity association?
In this comprehensive review, I’ll give you my honest, unfiltered take on Fenty Beauty’s current product lineup – what’s worth your money, what’s overhyped, and how the brand stacks up to the competition. As a professional makeup artist who has tried virtually every brand out there, I’m in a qualified position to put Fenty Beauty to the test. Let’s dive in!
Primer & Foundation
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is the product that started it all. I remember the frenzy when this launched in 2017 with a whopping 40 shades. In 2024, the shade range has expanded to an impressive 60 shades. The formula is lovely – lightweight and very fluid, but with buildable coverage that can go from medium to full. The soft matte finish looks skin-like, not flat or dry. It reminds me of my long-time favorite, the Estée Lauder Double Wear, but perhaps a bit less heavy.
However, the shade range, while expansive, still has some gaps. The undertones can pull a bit off – for instance, I find many “neutral” undertones quite pink. Additionally, while there are plenty of deep shades, the lightest shades still need to be more inclusive than other brands on the market. Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation is a brand that has nailed the shade range across the entire spectrum.
If you can find your match, the Pro Filt’r Foundation is a reliable, long-wearing base product. It stands up well to heat and humidity. Though I would say it’s better suited for normal to oily skin – despite the “hydrating” claim, it can cling to dry patches.
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation New to the lineup in 2024, this powder foundation is available in the same 60 shades as the liquid. First, let me say the packaging is stunning. The chrome compact with the snap closure has a weighty and luxe feel.
The powder has a silky texture that mattifies the skin without looking chalky. It offers light to medium buildable coverage. I like that it doesn’t look overly flat or dry on the skin. It wears well throughout the day and keeps oiliness at bay.
However, it’s not quite as smoothing or pore-blurring as some luxury powder foundations, like the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. And if you have dehydrated skin, this may not be the best option, as it can emphasize flakiness.
It is an excellent option for travel or touch-ups but not necessarily a must-have if you already have a powder foundation you like. The shade range is the main selling point here.
Cheeks
Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter This is one of my favorite products from Fenty Beauty. The powder highlighter has an incredibly smooth, almost creamy texture that melts into the skin. It gives a brilliant glow without looking glittery or emphasizing texture. The shade range is beautiful, with options for all skin tones. “Trophy Wife” is a cult favorite for a reason – that rich gold is stunning on deeper skin tones. For lighter skin, “Metal Moon” is a gorgeous champagne.
These highlighters are definitely more intense, so if you prefer a subtle glow, these may not be for you. But if you want a highlighter that pops, Killawatt is hard to beat.
Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush Cream blushes have had a moment in recent years, and Fenty Beauty was a bit late to the game, only launching these in 2022. But they were worth the wait. The formula is incredibly lightweight and blendable, melting into the skin for a natural flush.
The shade range is beautiful, combining more natural and editorial colors. “Petal Poppin'” is a gorgeous everyday soft pink, while “Daiquiri Dip” is a stunning bright coral perfect for summer.
These wear well on my regularly oily skin, not fading or getting patchy throughout the day. On drier skin, I could see them potentially emphasizing texture or clinging to dry patches, so skin prep is critical.
This is a solid cream blush option but not necessarily the most groundbreaking. If you already have a cream blush formula you love (say, from Glossier or Tower 28), you may not need these. But the shade range is lovely, and they’re worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new cream blush.
Eyes
Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette These mini eyeshadow palettes were an intelligent move from Fenty Beauty. The concept is simple: Each palette contains 4 shadows that can be worn alone or mixed and matched with other palettes in the line. The shadows have matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes.
The formula on these is hit or miss for me. The mattes are beautifully pigmented and blendable, on par with my favorite shadows from brands like Viseart and Natasha Denona. However, the shimmers and glitters are drier and more crumbly, with quite a bit of fallout. They don’t have the same creamy, smooth texture as the Pat McGrath or Tom Ford shimmer shadows.
The color stories are also a mixed bag. Some palettes, like “True Neutrals” and “Smoky,” are beautifully curated and wearable. However, others, like “Pastel Frost,” feel a bit random, making it harder to create cohesive looks. I wish there were more muted, everyday color stories in the line.
Overall, I like the concept of these palettes, and some of the matte shades are gorgeous. But I think there are better shadow formulas out there for the price ($36 for four shadows).
Total Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara This mascara launched with a lot of hype, promising full, fluttery lashes in one stroke. And while it’s a solid mascara, it doesn’t quite live up to those lofty claims.
The formula is drier, which I prefer as it helps hold a curl and minimize smudging. It gives decent length and volume but nothing out of this world. I still need a few coats for the drama I want.
The wand is a standard bristle brush, which some may find a bit pokey. I don’t mind it, but I know some prefer a rubber wand.
It wears well throughout the day without flaking or smudging, which is a plus. But is it my new holy grail mascara? No. I prefer the Lancôme Monsieur Big or the Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara for proper fullness and drama.
If you’re looking for a reliable everyday mascara, the Full Frontal is a decent option. But expect it to be different from your falsies.
Lips
Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color These liquid lipsticks were some of Fenty Beauty’s first products, and they remain a standout for me. The formula is thin and incredibly pigmented, coating the lips in rich color in one swipe.
The finish is a soft matte that doesn’t feel overly dry or crumbly on the lips. It’s pretty long-wearing, surviving through meals without fading or feathering. And when it does fade, it does so evenly, without leaving that dreaded ring around the lips.
The shade range is small but mighty, with neutral and bold colors. “Uncensored” is a beautiful true red that suits all skin tones, while “Undefeated” is a striking hot pink. I wish there were a few more neutral everyday options.
My only complaint is that the doe-foot applicator can apply too much product, so you need a light hand. But this is one of my favorite liquid lipstick formulas on the market.
Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick On the opposite end of the spectrum from the matte Lip Paints are these glossy, sheer lipsticks. Launched in 2023, they capitalize on the shiny, balmy lip product trend.
The formula is comfortable on the lips, with a cushiony texture that’s not sticky. It’s sheer but buildable, giving a wash of color with a juicy sheen. The finish reminds me a lot of the Dior Addict Lipsticks.
The shade range leans heavily neutral, with many easy-to-wear pinks, roses, and berries. There are a few brighter pops of color, like the coral “Tang Thang” and purple “Vamps Who Brunch,” but I would love to see even more fun colors in this formula.
These are the perfect lipstick to swipe on without a mirror for a casual, everyday look. They’re shorter-wearing, transferring efficiently, and fading after a few hours. But they fade evenly and are easy to reapply.
If you love a glossy lip look, these are worth checking out. They may not be groundbreaking, but they’re reliable and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
So, is Fenty Beauty still worth the hype in 2024? I would say yes and no. The brand has had a huge impact on the industry, pushing other brands to step up their shade ranges and think more inclusively. And there are some true standouts in the line, like the Stunna Lip Paints and Killawatt Highlighters.
However, every product is not a home run. Some, like the eyeshadows and mascara, are decent but could be better in class. And while the shade ranges are expansive, there are still some gaps and inconsistencies.
Ultimately, Fenty Beauty is a solid brand worth trying, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of makeup. The celebrity hype has died down, allowing the products to stand on their own merits. In that regard, I think the brand holds up – not perfect, but offering some unique and high-quality options, particularly for those with deeper skin tones, whom the industry has underserved for too long.
If you’re new to makeup or looking to try new products, Fenty Beauty is worth exploring. But don’t feel you need to overhaul your whole collection – cherry-pick the standouts that appeal to you and fit your needs. And most importantly, have fun with it! Makeup should be a form of joyful self-expression, not a chore or a requirement. Whether you’re a Fenty fanatic or just dipping your toe in, remember that the most important thing is how it makes you feel. Happy shopping!
