Rihanna’s no stranger to the makeup world. She’s collaborated on collections with MAC and was a spokesperson for CoverGirl, among other makeup endeavors, so it’s not a big surprise that she decided to bust a move and create her own makeup line.
And surprise! — it’s really good. Not to say that I didn’t expect great things from Badgal Riri (a.k.a Robin Rihanna Fenty), because I did. I just didn’t expect such an extensive line, or a line this wonderfully focused on skin. I mean, there are 40 foundation shades (!). FORTY! And they have these subtle undertone shifts, which are kind of incredible, but we’ll get to that later because I gotta stay on task…
The entire line is available right now at Sephora.
OK, let’s talk about the primer first. 🙂 It’s called Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch, and it’s $32 for a 1.08-oz. glass tube with a pump.
I saw a video of Rihanna talking about her vision for the line, and she said that she wanted to make makeup that would look like perfect skin, but not like skin that looks like it’s wearing a ton of makeup, which I can totally relate to because that’s what I’d want to do too, and that’s what I think my skin looks like when I wear this cruelty-free liquid primer (everything in the line is cruelty-free, BTW).
First, I think it smells fab (like Stella perfume). Second, the soft matte finish completely cuts down on shine without being obsessive about it, which is to say that it leaves behind a lovely, subtle radiance on my combo 40-somethin’-somethin’ skin. No pearl. Just a hint of light reflecting back at ya to keep the finish from looking flat.
Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch is a hella pretty pink color. It’s described as universally flattering, and as far I can tell, it doesn’t color correct. It’s also basically invisible once I blend it in.
It feels like a lightweight face lotion and dries to a powder finish. While it doesn’t make my pores disappear, I think they do look smaller (those thugs are so aggro), and the lines on my forehead (it also vanquishes the shine on my forehead, nose and chin) and around the corners of my mouth look less noticeable.
If you just want a little something to smooth everything out, but you DON’T want to put on foundation or concealer, you can wear it all by itself (I think it looks friggin’ fabulous).
Or, if you layer it with Fenty Beauty Foundation, it holds on and doesn’t let go, which I found out last weekend when I wore them together on a 90-degree day (the primer under Fenty foundation and concealer). When I took off my makeup that night, it legit looked like I’d just applied it, even though I sweated enough water to bathe a small cat.
If you like lightweight primers that feel like lotion, a la Hourglass Veil and MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance, and I think you’ll like it a lot.
If, however, you prefer primers that AGGRESSIVELY smooth your skin ’cause you want to completely obliterate your pores, then try the Make Up For Ever Primer Smoothing Primer in the gray tube, Urban Decay Urban Defense or Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I think they’re a better fit if you’re aiming for an ultra-perfected look.
Next up: the Fenty Beauty gloss, cream highlighters, concealer, foundation and face powder, which I’ve also been testing.
So far, so good. 🙂 Stay tuned.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Sheila shiela says
September 11th, 2017 at 6:52 pmExcuse me, but you look amazing, AMAZING, with that primer/foundation/whole look above. Like, perfect, but still human if that makes sense. Wow! need this.
Karen says
September 11th, 2017 at 8:28 pmYou’re so sweet, Sheila. Yeah, when you use all the products together, they photograph very well. I went in a little heavier than I would for real life here, just because pics with flash can support a more intense coverage. I used the primer, waited for it to dry, then applied a thin layer of the foundation all over my face applied with fingers, then another thin layer over my cheeks and around my mouth and nose, and on Julian the pimple (why won’t he go away already, OMG!?). Buffed it down lightly with a kabuki brush, then applied the Fenty stick concealer in Wheat with fingers, buffed it down again. Then I did a layer of the Fenty powder. Now that I think about it I really layered the powder on just to see how much I could push it. It’s more than I would wear though normally. Anyway, you could totally do a quickie version of this if you were in a hurry, but if you’re looking for that ultra perfected look for pics or real life, then it really helps to slow down, do thin layers, and buff a little off between the layers. Do you think you might try a anything from the line?
Shiela Shiela says
September 11th, 2017 at 9:31 pmSis, I just ordered everything but the blotting papers (too lazy to use). LOL.
Colleenie says
September 11th, 2017 at 8:28 pmWOW! You just look like you have absolutely perfect (but “real”) skin! I wasn’t really interested in this line because I don’t really wear foundation/full face, but I may have to reconsider. Do you think the primer and foundation would work well for drier skin? I’ve used the Hourglass primer and am not a fan.
Karen says
September 11th, 2017 at 8:34 pmHi Colleenie,
Thanks! Yeah, I think Rihanna really nailed the real skin look. If you want it to look even more natural, you could even take it down a few notches by doing a sheerer application (I did a pretty intense application; if you want the full breakdown, it’s in the comment to Sheila). I’ve heard that you can also combine the foundation and primer together and apply the mix to skin, which I’m going to try next. Anyway, I have dry spots on my cheeks and think the primer and foundation together work on those dry bits. Didn’t feel like either was drying. (I do have to say it’s been hot here, so that might change in the middle of winter, when my cheeks friggin’ hurt.) Anyway, I was a little worried that the matte finish would look too matte and thus too dry on those spots, but it was fine. Do you live near a Sephora? Mine is pretty good about offering samples. You could always ask for a sample of the primer and the foundation and take them for a test run first. HTH, and let me know if you have any other questions.
Colleenie says
September 12th, 2017 at 5:47 pmThank you so much for your wonderful response! I’ll definitely chedd to Sephora to try a sample. I am so interested in this brand now thanks to your swatches and review!
Katie says
September 11th, 2017 at 8:29 pmThe line seems to really have nailed that perfect soft, satin skin look! I might have to check out the primer/foundation combo because this looks like my ideal kind of matte (which isn’t matte at all really, but satin). Your skin always looks great, but you look so smooth in this photo!
Karen says
September 11th, 2017 at 8:37 pmThanks, Katie! Yeah, primer really helps in evening out the texture. I’ve been skipping it for the past few weeks and definitely notice a big difference when I used it in these pics. Anyway, I hope you find a color that works for you… There are SO many, so I hope you do. Also, I was just telling Collennie here in the comments, that you might want to consider getting samples first just to test drive them. The Sephora near my house is really great about providing them, and the SA’s who I’m friends with hook me UP!
Efrain says
September 11th, 2017 at 9:48 pmI’m impressed because I feel this is the best match I’ve seen you, I know you are wearing makeup but looks soooo natural; like you’re born with it. I need to check that foundation ASAP and see if there’s a shade for me.
Congrats to RiRi for doing a great job catering diversity.
Tisha says
September 11th, 2017 at 10:26 pmYes! Was waiting for your review on the Fenty line since Fentyness seems to be happening everywhere now! I actually have my eye on the foundation but now I want the primer too… :\. The products look stunning on you, btw…
Victoria says
September 12th, 2017 at 12:35 amWhat shade are you in the foundation? Great that she has so many shades but I’m having difficulty finding the right one for me.
Eleni says
September 12th, 2017 at 12:36 amCurious to know more about the foundation! Sounds like Rihanna is doing things right. I’m liking the sound of the primer and the bottle it’s so sleek 🙂
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LindaLibraLoca says
September 12th, 2017 at 1:41 amThe primer really interest me, it sounds like all my primer dreams come true. And yes, of course I do have primer dreams!
I will wait for your statement on the foundation and then decide if I need to treat myself.
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Inspired by Givenchy L´Autre Noir Fall 2017
Chris25 says
September 12th, 2017 at 4:44 amIt looks good so far! I’m super excited to see everything else reviewed too. 🙂
Chris25 recently posted … Essie Nail Lacquer in After Sex
Kim says
September 12th, 2017 at 10:48 amThis sounds terrif, though I would like to obliterate the look of all pores. 🙂 I had no clue what Rihanna’s real name was so this was extra informative!
Madoka says
September 12th, 2017 at 11:26 amThanks for the review, Karen. I am definitely going to pick up the Yacht Lyfe Match Stix since it performed so well in lasting power. It looks perfect and so beautiful and natural on you! 😀
You mentioned that this primer is similar to the Hourglass Mineral Veil. I’m curious how they compare specifically in terms of the ability to keep shine away as the day goes on? I have combo skin with really oily t-zone. Thanks!
Lexi says
September 12th, 2017 at 12:00 pmGorgeous. I’m going into Sephora for a mini-makeover just to try the primer, foundation and concealer. This is going to be awful for my wallet – I can feel it.
Chelsea says
September 12th, 2017 at 12:04 pmYour skin looks divine! I’m super curious because the number of shades in the line is beyond impressive!
Erin says
September 12th, 2017 at 2:51 pmThat sounds really good, I’ll have to sample it.
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Aileen Thompson says
September 13th, 2017 at 4:22 amHi Karen-I’ve lurked your blog for an eon. :-). You look amazing in these photos.
Astrid says
September 13th, 2017 at 5:18 amOh that looks so good together!!! I’m currently in love with Deciem Hylamide HA Blur Primer though (have you tried it? Putting a link from the blog where I mentioned a short review), it blurs skin (it really is) giving it a smoother appearance (also can skip foundation) and a great base for foundation. Wonder if this Primer is on par or better than that…. just looking for small steps for saving a bit from this line tbh ?.
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Adelle says
November 22nd, 2017 at 7:25 pmHi there ! I’m also in love with the smell of the primer! Do you have a link to the perfume you are reminded of ?
Thank you
Shay says
August 31st, 2018 at 7:19 pmI also was very in love with the scent of the primer and I think I’ve finally found the perfume it truely smells like! It’s Dior Hypnotic Poison. Smell for yourself!