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Known for its barrier-repairing skincare line, Rhode has always been about developing simple yet purposeful products that leave the skin feeling happy, healthy and hydrated.
Naturally, it was only a matter of time before Rhode started dipping its toes into the world of makeup, and this skin-loving philosophy has been incorporated in each new makeup launch.
First we had the Peptide Lip Tints, which maintained all the benefits of the original Peptide Lip Treatment, just with an added hint of colour. Then last summer we were blessed with the Rhode Pocket Blushes, a lightweight, buildable blush that melts into the skin.
I’m a huge cream blush person so naturally this went straight on my wish list. I did hold off buying it for the longest time, I even picked up a cheaper option that was touted as a dupe! But it wasn’t long before I felt I had to get my hands on the real thing.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Rhode’s Pocket Blushes – including how they apply, how they sit on the skin, and how long they last – then keep reading this review!
Packaging & application
The Rhode Pocket Blush packaging is like Marmite: some people love it, some people hate it.
Housed in a brown plastic case (which is made from upcycled post-consumer materials), the blush feels well protected, so it’s the type of thing you can throw into a handbag (or indeed your pocket) without too much concern!
Due to its size, this also fits well in any makeup bag – though I have to admit something flatter would take up less space. While the case is pretty small, I do think it could be more compact, especially given the amount of product that’s in there. I’m thinking something like the Milk Lip + Cheek Sticks would work well.
Now, let’s talk about application.
I like that this is a twist-up blush as it means you can apply it directly to your skin. I’ll usually do a few taps then blend it in with a brush. However, I quickly found that the blush wouldn’t wind down, so I now have to push the product back inside the case. A bit frustrating if you’re trying to keep your hands clean!
Overall, I wouldn’t say it’s the most luxe blush packaging ever but I think it does the job!
Formula & finish
On first try, Rhode’s Pocket Blush wasn’t what I expected at all. I thought this would be thick, creamy and fairly opaque. In all actuality, this blush is VERY balmy and lightweight.
It glides onto the skin with very little effort and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy at all. It’s dewy and does have a skincare-like quality to it which makes it feel super hydrating.
Pigmentation
For a balmy formula, the Rhode Pocket Blushes are incredibly pigmented. I hadn’t expected the colour payoff to be quite so intense on first swipe but these really do pack quite a punch.
Don’t let this scare you off though, these blushes are very easy to blend out and they do become much sheerer the more you buff them in.
I also love how buildable these are. Sheered out the colour too much? Just add a few more dabs of product and lightly tap it into the skin. It doesn’t disturb the blush you applied beforehand, or your base underneath.
Wear time
If you’re a low maintenance girlie, and you don’t like to touch up your makeup throughout the day, you’re in luck because these Rhode Pocket Blushes last hours!
Despite being light and dewy, these blushes don’t transfer or disappear throughout the day. This is particularly true of the brighter or deeper shades, like Toasted Teddy, which maintain their intensity without fading.
Shades & swatches
With the hype around Toasted Teddy, I just had to pick up this shade – I didn’t really have anything else like this in my collection!
As you can see from the swatch below, the colour is quite intense when first applied. The first picture is just one swipe! But it’s very easy to sheer the product out for a more natural look.
Toasted Teddy has a reddish hue to it which gives off a rich, sun-kissed look that will work on multiple skin tones.
Rhode’s Pocket Blush is also available in eight other shades:
- Piggy 🐷 – Baby pink
- Sprinkle (NEW) 🧁 – Pearly pink
- Juice Box 🧃- Hot pink
- Spicy Marg 🌶️ – Coral
- Freckle 🍑 – Neutral peach
- Sleepy Girl 💤 – Soft mauve
- Plum (NEW) 🍇 – Purple berry
- Date Cake (NEW) 🍓 – Red berry
- Toasted Teddy 🧸 – Bronze terracotta
Price & where you can buy it
The Rhode Pocket Blush is £24 for 5.3g of product. While it seems a little pricey, compared to the stick blush offering from other brands, I don’t think it’s too unreasonable. The Jones Road Lip & Cheek Stick, for example, is £36 for 9g, and the VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Blush is £37 for 7g.
At the moment you can only buy this directly from the Rhode website. But with the e.l.f acquisition, it’s probably only a matter of time before you’re able to snap this up from big retailers like Sephora or Space NK.
Final verdict: Is the Rhode Pocket Blush worth the spend?
I wasn’t sure if Rhode’s Pocket Blush would be able to stake its place in an already saturated cream blush market. But I’m pleased to say it does!
This is a really elegant formula which not only looks nice, but also feels nice on the skin. It’s cream blush at its best. Pigmented, lightweight, and long-wearing, there are very few things that I dislike about this product.
If I really had to nitpick, I think the packaging could be a little better. It’s a shame that the twist-up function has stopped working for me – I’m not sure if others have had this issue too?!
It wouldn’t stop me from repurchasing this cream blush or buying another shade (I still think the actual product is amazing), but I’d perhaps think about repotting it.
What are your thoughts on the Rhode Pocket Blush? Have you tried it yet? Which shade would you pick up if not? Let me know in the comments!
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