Of course I signed up for early access to the Fenty Skin drop. As someone within the industry (and a skincare obsessee) it would be irresponsible not to participate in one of the most iconic, most hyped launches in the industry thus far. Leave it to Rihanna to cut the noise in an already oversaturated space; combine the right story, beautiful branding, and the promise of simple yet noteworthy products and you have magic.

Skin type, personal preferences, and beauty habits play heavily in determining whether or not a product will work for you—which is why I’m baring (and sharing) it all:

• Skin type: Combo-oily
• Breakout-prone: Typically no, but functioning as a lab rat over the last few months left me with a few persistent blemishes
• Concerns: T-zone shine, congestion, some dryness around the forehead
• Current routine: A gentle, creamy face wash; clarifying toner; brightening serum; no-frills moisturizer (and definitely SPF during the day). Exfoliation every other day is crucial for me (and yes, I know how controversial that is).

Also important to note: I’m not an ingredient purist. I believe in efficacy above all, which means my personal evaluation of any product is based upon an understanding of how ingredients play together (not just how they stand on their own) to create results. Context is key, and so long as a product is vegan, cruelty-free, and effective, I’m in.

I’m a hedonist, too. I want to enjoy my routine, too. I approach skincare as both a necessity and an experience (especially if it’s something you’re willing to pay for) which is why I don’t mind low-level fragrance in my products. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, Fenty Skin isn’t for you.

If your skin sounds similar to mine, these are my thoughts after one week of (nearly exclusively) using the Fenty Skin starter set:

TOTAL CLEANS’R

Remove-It-All Cleanser, $25

What it is: A light, creamy face wash that lathers up to a rich (not airy) foam, designed as a 2-in-1 makeup remover and cleanser.

What it (actually) does: Everything it purports to do. For context, I wear light, cream-based makeup and tubing mascara; Total Cleans’r removed it well. If you wear heavier/longwear makeup, you definitely need to use a proper makeup remover first.

• Skin is left feeling ultra-clean and soft—never stripped or dry.
• Into (or simply don’t mind) fragrance? The smell is just addictive.
• The packaging is simple and so satisfying. It’s designed for ease of use even in the slipperiest of showers. Plus, this tube guarantees a perfect pea-sized amount with every squeeze.

Why I think it works: Total Cleans’r’s oil-free, non-comedogenic formula is suitable for most skin types. It highlights…

• Barbados Cherry (Acerola) to brighten.
• Ginkgo Biloba to help boost clarity.
• Green Tea and Fig to deliver an antioxidant-rich boost.
• Quince to help replenish and condition.

Final thoughts: Total Cleans’r is the unsung hero of the trio. I’m going to borrow something I’ve always said at Badescu: good skin starts with a clean slate. And this face wash is it.

FAT WATER

Pore-Refining Toner Serum, $28

What it is: A bouncy gel-water hybrid that Fenty defines as a toner and serum two-in-one. If you’re familiar with essences, Fat Water will be easy to use and incorporate into your regimen.

What it (actually) does: I’m currently dealing with enlarged pores, small blemishes, and minor discoloration, so this was instantly the product I most looking forward to. Plus, the name “Fat Water” is pure genius (and very accurate).

• Because it’s an essence, no cotton pad is needed. Simply pat and press Fat Water directly into your skin post-cleanse.
• It sinks in beautifully and gives skin a boost of dewiness and supple bounce. There’s no tackiness.
• It fights shine (as most things with Witch Hazel do)—but in terms of allover brightening and targeting of the pores? If you’re used to ultra-active skincare you won’t be impressed. Does it help maintain or keep relatively clear, healthy-looking skin in check? Yes.

Why I think it works:

• Witch Hazel Water cleanses and clarifies. Remember, isn’t pure Witch Hazel: it’s formulated with a water base along with other ingredients (including polymers) that helps neutralize any potential for dryness. And for some skin types (combo-oily or combo-dry skin in need of clarity), this is an ingredient that can help combat shine and blemishes on the daily without resorting to more aggressive acne-targeting products.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), a.k.a. everyone’s favorite ingredient du jour for its ability to help balance and improve the appearance of troubled skin.
• Barbados Cherry (Acerola) brightens. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants.
• Australian Lemon Myrtle, which is said to have pore-refining properties.
• Japanese Resin Tree Extract, an ingredient I’m not too familiar with except for its ability to detoxify…when ingested.
• Cactus Flower hydrates.
• A blend of Green Tea, Fig, and Gingko Biloba gives an antioxidant-rich boost.
• And good ol’ Glycerin replenishes.

Good to know: For best results, follow with Hydra Vizor (or any face cream) while your skin is still dewy with this toner-serum. Doing so helps lock in hydration and maximize dewiness.

Final thoughts: I enjoy using it, but I still prefer separating my toner and serum step. Not only do I not mind (but also because I know my skin needs) a clarifying or exfoliating toner, hydrating mist, and targeted (read: more active) serum. Here are some combos I’ve loved in the past: Biologique Recherche P50 plus any serum (so long as it brightens and/or hydrates) in the summer, and in the colder months, Thayers Witch Hazel toner with a light oil (Leo Oil or The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil).

HYDRA VIZOR

Invisible Moisturizer with SPF 30, $35

What it is: Fenty Skin’s hero launch and most talked-about product. For me, Hydra Vizor was beautiful in both packaging and experience, but just fine in terms of efficacy. I say this not to dock any points from this formulation, but simply as a reminder that it’s not designed to be groundbreaking (and therefore should be evaluated accordingly.) Instead, it promises ease and invisibility—which it serves, and serves well.

What it (actually) does: I made the switch from mineral to chemical sunscreen because I felt like my mask was just moving around the zinc and to help maintain even protection and coverage, needed something that absorbed into the skin.

• As someone who’s light-medium in tone, I’m no judge on true universal invisibility. What I can say, though, is that the pink tint was complementary even on my golden-yellow undertones.
• The texture is just lovely. Light, silky, but still bears a luxe plushness. It absorbs immediately and gives skin a natural, hydrated finish. (As someone with combo-oily skin, I do need to blot midday or powder the T-zone after application.)
• No pilling here. Hydra Vizor layers well under makeup.
• My skin feels soft and hydrated all day. There’s no dryness, tightness, or flakiness.

Why I think it works: Hydra Vizor’s oil-free, non-comedogenic formula makes it friendly for most combination skin types. Plus, it contains…

• Balancing Niacinamide.
• Kalahari Melon, a vitamin-rich, hydrating extract.
• Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate, two powerful humectants that deliver supreme hydration without the heaviness.
• Aloe Vera for light, soothing hydration.
• Baobob for nutrient-rich hydration.
• And the ever-classic antioxidant Vitamin E.

Good to know: Hydra Vizor is coral-reef safe. It does contain Dimethicone though (an ingredient that lends it a smoothing, priming effect), but I don’t mind it. Same with the lingering fragrance.

Final thoughts: For as long as we’re wearing masks, I’m happy to Hydra Vizor refills.

OVERALL FENTY SKIN START’RS SET REVIEW

$75 ($88 value)

The takeaway? This trio is:

• Vegan
• For most skin types (though I’d recommend it for combo to oily skin types without sensitivities)
• Non-comedogenic
• Eco-conscious, featuring recyclable or eco-friendly packaging (which should be the norm with any new brand launch)
• Simple, easy, and offers a beautiful experience
• Reliable. The products do what they promise to, and while efficacy should be a baseline, we live in a world that cares a little too much about aesthetics. This line balances the best of both worlds.

What I’ll be repurchasing:

• Total Cleans’r
• Hydra Vizor refills

What I need next from Fenty Skin:

• Non-SPF face cream (so I can use it in the evenings or layer it with a mineral sunscreen)
• Body oil in the signature Fenty Skin fragrance
• Exfoliator (just to round out the basics)

.   .   .

xx