Of all the celebrity collaborations that have dropped the past couple of years, Fenty Beauty has really taken the cake, especially in Singapore. Only rivalled marginally by the Kat Von D Cosmetics release here, the Fenty Beauty launch at Sephora’s Ion Orchard flagship was described by some to be a madhouse, with queues beginning the night before the launch. With more than a hundred people in line, the hype was real.
The 29 year-old Barbadian star kept the workings of the brand relatively low-key. People knew it was coming, but not when, nor what the line would encompass. With the first brand teaser, Fenty Beauty established itself as a brand that celebrated diversity, but little else was told about the actual products.
The resulting release did not disappoint. Millennial pink, minimalistic packaging was an obvious winner, but another show-stopper was the staggering 40 shades of foundation available for customers. Rihanna has made it mandatory for every single hue to be stocked in countries that carry her label — a welcome and inclusive take, especially in Singapore where most labels only hold a limited, fairer shade range. The collection also includes a lip gloss, highlight and contour sticks, blotting powder, brushes, a makeup sponge and a primer.
For those who haven’t yet bagged anything from Fenty Beauty, here’s what you should look out for.
This medium-to-full coverage foundation has an oil-free formula that’s tailored to keeping your pores clog-free. It also promises to diffuse large pores, while keeping the skin shine-free. The foundation is also unique for its climate-adaptive abilities, allowing for long-lasting wear in a variety of climates. Yes, even the sweat fest that is Singapore. It is lightweight, but we’ve found it is best suited for those with normal to oily skin. Apply with a damp sponge or brush for a smooth finish.
S$50, Sephora.
Rihanna is known for her dewy complexion, and this stick highlighter allows you to emulate that and more. The balmy highlighter gives the skin a luminosity, and comes in a number of unusual colours, like lilac or bright orange. These can double up as eyeshadow or blush.
S$37, Sephora.
Glossy lips are making a comeback, so this product has stolen our hearts. The rosy, nude gloss is a universally flattering shade that imparts just a hint of shimmer to make the lips look full, without becoming a glitter bomb. It is a sticky gloss, but deeply hydrating thanks to it being packed with shea butter.
S$31, Sephora.
These matte Match Stix are multi-purpose, cream-based miracle workers. They can be used to contour, highlight, and colour correct. Each is extremely blendable, but its velvety texture can be a downside for those with oiler complexions as it can move around the face after a while. Use a setting powder to counteract that.
S$37, Sephora
The crowning jewel of the collection, in our opinion, are the Killawatt highlighters. Available in singles, or in two shades, this creamy powder formula is so finely-milled, one application gives you that wet-look, glossy highlight that Rihanna flaunts on the regular. A popular shade is Trophy Wife, a true gold that pops to the heavens on darker skin tones.
S$50, Sephora.
