Rihanna has been a game-changer in the beauty industry with the launch of Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. For me, this impact has been nothing short of transformational and, let's be real, a bit of a splurge. I mean, it's no accident that I've achieved the coveted ROUGE Status at Sephora for another year, thanks to my obsession with all things Fenty. But when it comes to beauty perfection, who's counting the cost?
Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin have evolved from mere products in my routine to absolute must-haves. From the iconic lip gloss that's a staple in every girl's purse to the skincare saviors that have my skin looking the best it has in YEARS, Fenty has everything I need. I've even nailed down a quick and easy 10-minute everyday makeup look using only Fenty Beauty products. It's my secret weapon for looking effortlessly chic, no matter what life throws at me.
So, I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe start a few beauty addictions in the process) with a curated list of the best Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin products that I can't get enough of. These are the holy grail favorites that I reach for day in and day out.
Fenty Beauty Best Products 2023
1. Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream with Tropical Oils + Shea Butter
When it comes to body care, the Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream with Tropical Oils + Shea Butter is a must-have. This oil-infused body cream is incredibly hydrating and retails for $44, with a $39 refill option. You can also get this in other scents, including a Shimmering Warm Cinnamon and Shimmering Vanilla Dream. Trust me, you'll want to keep this in your basket on repeat. The mini trio set is currently retailing for $59 on their website.
2. Fenty Beauty Cherry Treat Conditioning + Strengthening Lip Oil
Fenty Beauty
Say goodbye to dry, chapped lips with the Cherry Treat Conditioning + Strengthening Lip Oil. Priced at $24, this lip oil is a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve soft, luscious lips. It provides intense hydration and moisturization, leaving your lips feeling smooth and supple. Plus, its glossy finish makes it perfect for creating a no-fuss, everyday look when you're in a hurry.
3. Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Next up is the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, retailing for $40. I absolutely adore the Trophy Wife shade – it's the perfect addition to any makeup look. My favorite hack? Applying it to my chest and shoulders for an extra pop when I'm showing off my amazing cleavage in a low-cut outfit.
4. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
For the perfect lip gloss, look no further than the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, priced between $21 and $26. It's available in various versions, including Heat and Cream, and offers a thick yet not super sticky formula. The range of color shades and tints is also a major plus.
5. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
Fenty Beauty
The Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick, retailing for $32, is my special secret weapon. This versatile product can be used as a light highlighter or eyeshadow or even applied to the inner corners of your eyes and cupid's bow for a pop of shimmer.
6. Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub
The Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub, priced at $28, is the perfect gentle exfoliator for those with sensitive skin or anyone experiencing peeling around the nose and above the lip during seasonal changes.
7. Fenty Skin Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel
The Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel is one of Rihanna's newest products, and it's quickly become a favorite of mine. At $22, it's perfect for tackling those random breakouts without worrying about your makeup peeling or moving.
8. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
The Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder is another essential, priced at $36. This powder provides a beautiful blurring effect while keeping your makeup in place all day long.
9. Fenty Eau de Parfum
Fenty Beauty
If you're looking for a new fragrance, the Fenty Eau de Parfum is a must-try. It's priced at $140, with a $95 travel set option. While opinions on the scent may vary, I personally love it and have received many compliments while wearing it. The travel-sized bottle is also a cute addition. The full-size and one-refill duo set is currently retailing for $155 on their website.
10. Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara
For voluminous lashes that make a statement, the Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara is a must-have. Priced at $19, this mascara will transform your lashes from barely there to bold and beautiful in just a few seconds.
Rihanna has truly set a new standard for inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry, making other brands step up their game. With Fenty Beauty, she shook things up by offering an extensive range of foundation shades that catered to every skin tone, challenging the industry's historical lack of representation. This not only earned her brand a devoted following but also ignited a much-needed conversation about inclusivity in beauty.
As a result, other brands have taken note, broadening their shade ranges and reevaluating their product development strategies. Rihanna's influence extends beyond Fenty Beauty, as she continues to challenge the status quo and push boundaries with Fenty Skin. Her dedication to creating high-quality, inclusive products has raised the bar for celebrity beauty brands, proving that with the right vision and values, they can be more than just a celebrity endorsement.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
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The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
