Does This $20 Glossier You Perfume Dupe Really Live Up To The OG?

About Rhode Pocket Blush

On their website, Rhode Skin describes the Pocket Blush as a "little blush for a little flush" once again, bringing back that rosy, flushed look that Hailey is so known for. In her own application, Mrs. Bieber applies the blush all over her cheeks, lips, eyes, and nose — it's the perfect all-over rosy look. Outside of the shade, it's also supposed to be a very dewy blush that doesn't leave your skin feeling too greasy or wet-looking.

My Review of Rhode Pocket Blush

I got the dark "toasted teddy" shade, mostly because that was the only one in stock (remember when I said there was a lot of hype?!), but also because I love a dark blush for the fall.

Upon first application I noticed how easily this blush glides onto the skin. You'd almost think it's liquid by how smoothly it applies. Once I started blending, I was super surprised at how pigmented it was — and how little you actually need for a sun-kissed look. Plus, it blends so buttery, and truly melts into the skin.

What I loved most was that it didn't seem wet or too dewy once it melted onto my skin — it almost left a matte finish, which I was obsessed with. I love a dewy look, but I hate looking too greasy or sweaty, so this was a 10/10 for me.

In regards to longevity, this blush essentially lasted most of the day. I only touched up once or twice, but never needed to fully re-apply, because most of the blush's residue stuck behind for the entirety of the day. I re-applied to my nose and eyes, because that's where it needed it the most, but on my cheeks, it definitely stayed. Another factor I loved about this shade, was the color was perfect for my pale skin, and looked incredibly flattering as a lipstick! I've often used it just on my lips to give me a "just bitten" look.

The Final Verdict of Rhode Pocket Blush

Overall, I think this blush really did the trick and delivered a flawless, rosy look that has definitely been my go-to on a daily basis. I've found myself, even on days where I don't want to wear makeup, throwing this on my cheeks, lips, and eyes for a natural, glowy look that adds just enough color to my skin. It seem Hailey's done it again, delivering a viral product that is indeed worth the hype. This blush will for sure be a staple in my everyday makeup routine now.

Shop Rhode Pocket Blush

Rhode Pocket Blush

You can shop the Rhode Pocket Blush on their website. Make sure to grab it while it's still in stock, because these babies sell out fast!

About The Products

Both the Lightshift Cream Highlighter and Sunshift Cream Bronzer are uniquely crafted with “skin-loving ingredients” like green tea, microalgae, and plant-based squalene. The green tea and microalgae are said to “nourish and shield skin from pollution” while the plant-based squalene “seals in moisture and boosts elasticity without clogging pores.” The makeup-as-skincare category has definitely grown in the past few years, and before I even put them on my face, I appreciated that these face products were formulated with skincare benefits in mind.

For the Lightshift Cream Highlighter, I snagged the shade Glint, which ILIA describes as a “soft champagne” color. There are only three shades to choose from for the highlighter – the other two include Arc, a “peachy gold,” and Daze, a “warm copper.” I determined that for the Sunshift Cream Bronzer, the shade Ray, a “warm golden bronze” would best suit my fair complexion. There are four bronzer shades total.

The packaging is the same for both the highlighter and bronzer. They’re fairly slim and lightweight in-hand, but both palettes took up a considerable amount of real estate in my makeup bag. I tend to opt for cream makeup over anything because it’s often really compact – I adore my Milk Makeup bronzer stickand Colourpop Shadow Stix for this exact reason. That being said, I think the ILIA products still travel well and I could easily pop ‘em in my purse.

The Texture

Based on my first swatches, both the highlighter and bronzer boast the same cream-to-powder formula. The texture was very smooth and velvety to the touch, and became more lightweight and subtly powdery once I blended it out on the back of my hand. Of course, hand swatches aren’t nearly the same as wearing a makeup product on your face, so off to my vanity I went.

The Application

I typically do my makeup with a mix of cream and powder products, so I had to be mindful about the order in which I applied the ILIA bronzer and highlighter. I’ve had days where my makeup will pill or end up fairly patchy after going in the wrong order. I ended up switching up a few steps in my routine (and going back and forth between them) to make sure the products melted in seamlessly, but it wasn’t a big hassle in my opinion.

After a single swipe of the Sunshift Cream Bronzer, I instantly realized I could have gone with a darker shade. After applying one layer with a brush, I feel like it really didn’t add much depth or a warm glow to my face. I ended up applying three layers of it: two before I set my makeup, and one after. While I surely appreciate the natural-ness of the results (it’s definitely the shiniest bronzer I’ve ever tried), I simply desire a bolder payoff. There are certainly other cream bronzers in my makeup bag that can deliver the same natural, bronze-y depth without having to be layered and layered, saving me more time overall.

Now, onto the highlighter. I liked how easy it was to use – I just tapped the highlighter in with my fingers around the high points of my face. It definitely gave my face a more mellow, natural glow. This was a very different highlighter experience for me, as I typically reach for powder highlighters that are formulated with fine glitters or mica powder (I love love love the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter). The ILIA product is still very shiny, but it doesn’t have as much of an in-your-face glow.

Overall, applying the bronzer was a bit more fussy than how the highlighter went on. After pairing the duo with my Undone Beauty cream blush (obsessed with her), I felt they all worked together really nicely in creating a glowy-from-within look. I could see both the Lightshift Cream Highlighter and Sunshift Cream Bronzer working well for both bolder, full-face makeup looks and more minimal ones.

The Verdict

ILIA Sunshift Cream Bronzer

When it comes to makeup products, what really matters to me the most is their value. Both the Lightshift Cream Highlighter and Sunshift Cream Bronzer retail for $38, which totals up to $76 if you get the whole duo. Both the highlighter and bronzer have 0.27 ounces of product in them.

While I only used a little bit of each at a time (I think the cream formula helps conserve product slightly), I was primarily disappointed by the payoff of the bronzer. Similar bronzing products at more realistic price points exist, which is why I can’t give the Sunshift Cream Bronzer my full endorsement.

ILIA Lightshift Cream Highlighter

On the other hand, the Lightshift Cream Highlighter was wildly impressive and I enjoyed the humble glow it left me with.

THE BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."