Fenty Beauty: What's Actually Worth Buying
Fenty Beauty changed the makeup conversation when it launched, mostly by showing that a brand could offer a wide shade range from day one. But a famous name doesn't mean every product is a hit. Reviewers love some of its products and quietly skip others, and a few of the brand's biggest sellers split opinion. Here's an honest look at what tends to be worth the money, and what depends on your skin.
The Crowd-Pleasers
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
If one product defines the brand, it's this one. Insider Beauty's review data lists it as Fenty's best-rated product in its database, at 4.5 out of 5 from about 18,200 reviews. A Beauty Signal Lab review puts it in a "super shiny, doesn't stick" category and says a quick search turns up around 30,000 positive reviews. That article is several years old, though, so treat the numbers as a snapshot of its popularity.
Variations include the Gloss Bomb Stix, which LookFantastic's reviewer says feel like a balm but look like a lipstick, with a glossy finish that can even be dabbed on the cheeks as a cream blush. She said it was one of the products she would repurchase.
Match Stix Contour Skinstick
This one gets praise from reviewers who are otherwise critical of the brand. A beauty reporter who tried every Fenty product, in a piece on AOL, calls the $32 stick one of Fenty's bestsellers "for very good reason" and says she uses it to shape her face and nose. LookFantastic's reviewer also likes it, saying it's easy to use and more travel-friendly than a powder.
Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush And Bright Fix
The same AOL reporter lists the Cheeks Out Freestyle cream blush as one of her go-to products and says she loved the Bright Fix eye brightener.
The Foundations: A Split Verdict
Foundation is where opinions really diverge, so it's worth knowing the details.
Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. This is the brand's signature complexion product. Insider Beauty lists it at 4.2 out of 5 from about 14,800 reviews, at $40, and Beauty Signal Lab notes it launched with 40 shades and is now available in 50. Shopping roundups tend to recommend it for oily or combination skin and humid climates, since it's an oil-free, soft-matte formula with medium to full coverage.
But not everyone loves it. The AOL reporter calls it probably her least favorite product in the whole line, saying it lasted several hours but felt too drying on her skin. LookFantastic's reviewer says she uses it for days that call for a full-glam look. In short, it suits some skin types much better than others.
Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation. If matte isn't your thing, this is the alternative. A blogger at The Beauty Look Book says the $40 foundation is a much better formula than Pro Filt'r for her: easier to blend, less thick, with a soft luminous satin finish. LookFantastic's reviewer also listed it among the products she'd repurchase, along with the concealer, Gloss Bomb Stix, and perfume. That review is from a while back, so formulas may have changed.
Skip Or Try With Caution
Not every product wins. The AOL reporter says she wouldn't recommend the Stunna Lip Paints. Reviews of individual products are subjective, so one person's miss can be another's favorite, but it's a reminder to check reviews for the specific product rather than buying on the brand name alone.
Which Product Fits Which Skin Type?
| Skin type | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Oily or combination | Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear, if you like a matte finish |
| Dry or mature | Soft'Lit, for a more luminous finish, and be cautious with matte formulas |
| Anyone | Gloss Bomb, Match Stix, and cream blush are popular across skin types |
Tips For Buying
- Shade-match carefully. One of Fenty's selling points is its wide range, so it's worth testing in store or asking for samples.
- Start with the sure things. Gloss Bomb and Match Stix are widely liked.
- Think about finish. Choose matte or luminous based on your skin and preferences, not just the hype.
- Check recent reviews. Several sources I found are a few years old, and formulas and shade ranges change.
- Watch for minis and sets, which can be a cheaper way to try products.
A Note On These Sources
Some of these sources are individual bloggers and reporters, which means they reflect personal experiences, and several are one to four years old. Insider Beauty's figures are from a data aggregator, and some shopping roundups are affiliate sites that may favor popular products. No single review is the final word.
The Bottom Line
The safest Fenty purchases are the Gloss Bomb, the Match Stix, and the cream blush. The foundations are a more personal choice: Pro Filt'r suits people who want a long-wearing matte and don't find it drying, while Soft'Lit is the option for a more luminous, easier-to-blend finish. Buy by your skin type, check recent reviews, and don't pay for the name alone.
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Stephanie Moore
Stephanie Moore is a Content Editor at Woman With Us with 5+ years of experience in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She edits and refines blogs to make them clear, engaging, and helpful for readers.
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