The ELLE Team Just Tried Every Single New Rhode Pocket Blush Shade - Here's Our Honest Verdict

Think of Hailey Bieber and three beauty trends spring to mind. The first, of course, is the ubiquitous glazed donut manicure; the second, a signature glossy lip now bottled as the sellout Peptide Lip Treatment, and the third: her flushed, sun-kissed cheeks which have sparked a frenzy for 'boyfriend blush' and 'strawberry girl' make-up.

But while you'd be hard pressed to find a nail salon without the chrome accents to create the glazed effect nor a lip tint in just about every flavour imagineable to emulate that glossy shine, the secret to achieving Bieber's perfect flush has been kept under lock and key... until now.

Over the past few months, Bieber has been teasing a new launch, not-so-subtly hinting that a Rhode formula to echo her signature rouge could be on the horizon. And it's now been confirmed that the Rhode Pocket Blush is arriving imminently (on 20th June, to be precise) in six, Bieber-approved hues.

What is the new Rhode Pocket Blush?

Aside from the hope and promise of recreating Bieber's enviable glow, what sets this new blush apart comes down to the texture and finish. Described as a satin-like, diffused flush, the USP is all about staying power.

Unlike standard cream blush which is often a little oilier and can leave your skin feeling greasy (a reason why anyone prone to oiliness fears the words 'cream' and 'blush' together) this lightweight texture has been formulated to deliver a flushed finish that lasts for the duration of the day – without any excess shine.

Available in six shades - Piggy, Juice Box, Spicy Marg, Freckle, Sleepy Girl, and Toasted Teddy - the ELLE UK team had a first look at the new Pocket Blush. Below, we've put every new shade through its paces to see if the buzzy launch lives up to the hype...

Lena de Casparis, Deputy Editor & Culture Director

a man wearing glasses

‘Anything with my favourite cocktail – a margarita - in the name is an instant win for me. But this shade of stick blusher screams summer, sunshine, and possibly having a bit too much fun in the sun. The creamy texture smoothly melted into my cheeks and the pigment of the colour is beautifully strong. The dream item to take to the beach to add a little something to bare sun-kissed skin post a dip in the sea to get ready for a drink at the beach club. My order? A margarita of course.’

Rhode Pocket Blush in Spicy Marg

Tamison O'Connor, Fashion Features Director

a person with dark hair

'I tried out Rhode’s pocket blush in Toasted Teddy, a lovely terracotta colour. I’m someone who prefers a more natural look, so started by applying just a light dot of product each cheek, building up the colour gradually. The blush itself has a nice creamy texture, although, it wasn’t as easy to blend into the skin as I expected it to be, and it took me a minute to get it looking nice and even. The packaging also feels a bit cheap for the price tag, but it’s super lightweight and pretty compact, so perfect for on the go. I really like the colour, so I’ll keep this blush at work when for when I need a little touch up before heading out for the evening — but it won’t be replacing Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in my main make-up bag anytime soon.'

Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy

Medina Azaldin, Beauty Editor

a woman with long hair

‘A punchy red lip and a flushed cheek is my make-up go-to, so I was thrilled to hear that Rhode’s launching their version of a cream blush. My beauty goal is to look as though Marie Antoinette herself did my rouge and Juice Box, a cool fuschia tone, delivered just that for my olive undertones. There’s no shimmer in the formula, but the creamy texture adds just enough dimension without going greasy on combination to oily skin types. It’s pigment-rich, but the stick format means it’s difficult to go overboard (just tap on two dots to start). My only gripe is the packaging, which feels like it uses a lot more plastic than necessary.’

Rhode Pocket Blush in Juice Box

Roberta Schroeder, Senior Luxury Ecommerce Editor

a person with long hair

'I actually never wear blush myself, preferring a cream bronzer to a pop of coral or pink, so I wasn't initially enthused about this one. Having said that, shade Sleepy Girl – a muted, skin-tone taupe – may well be the first and last blush to make it from the beauty cupboard into my personal stash. The appeal for me is all in the finish: it's surprisingly sheer (if you like a punchy pigment, it won't be for you) and melts straight into skin to create a dewy gel-like shine.'

Rhode Pocket Blush in Sleepy Girl

Amelia Bell, Senior Site Beauty Editor

a person with blonde hair

'Cream blush is my ride-or-die make-up product, meaning I can be sceptical (read: hard to please) when it comes to new formulas. I'm looking for one that imparts instant radiance and a rouged flush but a texture that isn't too greasy or dewy (not asking for much, am I?). On first inspection, I was a little unenamoured with the packaging, however, the formula itself makes up for it. Reaching for Freckle - a nude-pink and neutral tone with hints of peach - it melted seamlessly into my skin and had just the right amount of colour payoff. While cream blush is notorious for slipping and sliding, and sometimes, fully departing post-lunch, Rhode's blush stayed put for an entire day in the office.'

Rhode Pocket Blush in Freckle

Grace Clarke, Shopping Editor

a person holding a camera

'As a perennially late person, I love easy fixes. The new Rhode Blush stick is perfect to throw in your bag for an on-the-go glow-up. I simply swiped it on for an instant dewy flush with zero fuss and used my fingers to blend.'

Rhode Pocket Blush in Piggy

The Rhode Pocket Blush will be available to shop from June 20 for £24... set your alarms.

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