There’s a saying in the beauty world: once you start buying high-end makeup, there’s no going back. After testing several cult-favorite products from Rare Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, and Huda Beauty, I can honestly say that the hype around luxury makeup isn’t completely exaggerated.
For this high-end makeup haul review, I tried four viral products that dominate beauty conversations online. From the ultra-pigmented Rare Beauty blush created by Selena Gomez to the blurring Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder, this blog breaks down performance, price, longevity, and whether these products are actually worth your money.
If you’re searching for honest luxury makeup reviews, this guide will help you decide which products deserve a place in your makeup bag.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: Shade Hope ($25)
The Rare Beauty blush in Hope has become one of the most talked-about liquid blushes in the beauty community.
Created by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty is known for products that combine strong pigmentation with a natural finish. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush perfectly reflects that philosophy.
Shade: Hope
Price: $25
Finish: Dewy natural flush
What makes this blush stand out is the intense pigmentation. A tiny dot is enough for both cheeks, which means the product lasts an incredibly long time. Because of this, the mini version often makes more sense financially.
The shade Hope is a soft dusky pink, making it ideal for everyday makeup looks. It blends effortlessly into the skin and gives a fresh, youthful glow that doesn’t look overly heavy.
Performance highlights:
- Highly pigmented formula
- Lightweight and buildable
- Long-lasting wear
- Suitable for multiple skin tones
In terms of longevity, the blush held up well throughout the day without fading unevenly. For anyone exploring high-end makeup for the first time, this rare beauty blush is a fantastic starting point.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb: Shade RiRi ($23)
Lip gloss has made a major comeback, and the Gloss Bomb line from Fenty Beauty continues to lead the trend.
The RiRi shade is a beautiful mauve-berry gloss that complements a wide range of skin tones. It gives lips a fuller appearance while maintaining a comfortable texture.
Price: $23
Finish: High-shine glossy
One of the standout aspects of this gloss is its non-sticky formula. Many glosses provide shine but feel heavy or tacky, but this one stays comfortable for hours.
It’s also infused with shea butter, which keeps the lips moisturized throughout the day.
Why it stands out:
- High-shine finish
- Hydrating formula
- Comfortable wear
- Works well alone or layered over lipstick
Another pleasant surprise was the longevity. Unlike many glosses that require constant reapplication, the Fenty gloss bomb RiRi maintains its shine for a longer period.
For anyone searching for a luxury lip gloss that feels comfortable and looks flattering, this one absolutely delivers.
YSL Loveshine Wet Shine Lipstick: Shade 205 Nude Self ($45)
Luxury packaging and a glossy finish define the Loveshine Wet Shine Lipstick from Yves Saint Laurent Beauty.
Shade: 205 Nude Self
Price: $45
Type: Balm-lipstick hybrid
Unlike traditional lipsticks, this formula feels closer to a lip balm or lip oil. It melts onto the lips and creates a semi-sheer, luminous finish that looks polished without being overly dramatic.
The shade Nude Self is perfect for minimal everyday makeup. It enhances the natural lip color while adding hydration and shine.
Performance breakdown:
- Extremely moisturizing formula
- Smooth, effortless application
- Buildable color payoff
- Luxurious finish
However, since it behaves more like a balm, reapplication is required throughout the day. It doesn’t leave a lasting stain, which may be a downside for people who prefer long-wear lip products.
That said, if you love hydrating lip products with a luxury feel, the ysl lipstick delivers exactly that.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder: Banana Bread ($39)
When it comes to setting powders, Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Powder is often considered a cult favorite.
Shade: Banana Bread
Price: $39
Finish: Soft matte, blurred skin effect
This powder is designed to create a smooth, airbrushed finish while controlling shine and locking makeup into place.
The texture is extremely silky and finely milled, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the skin without looking cakey.
Why it’s so popular:
- Blurs pores and fine lines
- Sets makeup for long wear
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic formula
- Suitable for most skin types
The Banana Bread shade works especially well for brightening the under-eye area and adding warmth to medium skin tones.
Compared to many drugstore powders, the Huda Beauty powder provides noticeably better blurring and smoothing effects. It kept my makeup looking fresh for hours without feeling heavy.
Final Thoughts: Is High-End Makeup Worth It?
Testing products from rare beauty, huda beauty, and ysl made one thing clear: luxury makeup often offers better textures, stronger pigmentation, and more refined finishes.
While the price tags are higher, many of these products last longer and require less product per use, which can balance the cost over time.
Top Picks From This High-End Makeup Haul:
- Best Blush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Best Lip Gloss: Fenty Gloss Bomb RiRi
- Best Luxury Lipstick: YSL Loveshine Wet Shine Lipstick
- Best Setting Powder: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder
If you’re planning to invest in a high-end makeup haul, these products are definitely worth considering.