I didn’t say it. Y’all said it. But let’s see if the magic actually shows up when I try her whole face routine – Ale Jay
Let me just start off by saying this: I’m not the one who started the “you look like Rihanna” conversation. That was all y’all in my comments. Like clockwork. I post a GRWM, and the “you sound like Rih”, “you look like Rih” comments roll in. And look, I’m not mad at it. She’s Rihanna. But I’ve never actually tried to lean into it…until now.
So today I decided to go full Bad Gal and recreate one of Rihanna’s signature soft glam looks. The skin, the brows, the lips… all of it. I pulled out some of my favorite products (and a few new ones I’ve been testing) and tried to recreate her look. Let’s walk through it together.
Starting with the Brows
Rih’s brows are always soft, full, and never overdone. Like she woke up with them just perfectly arched and minding their business. So I skipped the pomade…this wasn’t the day for sharpie brows… and went in with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo. It gives you two shades, which is perfect for creating that natural gradient, like your brows just grew in that way. A little fluff, a little fill, nothing too serious.
Skin First
You know Rihanna’s skin always looks like she drinks 8 glasses of water and minds her business. So to fake that level of peace and hydration, I started with ILIA’s The Base Face Milk. It’s lightweight, plumping, and makes your skin feel like it just did yoga.
For foundation, I used the SEPHORA COLLECTION Best Skin Ever Foundation in 33O. It gives me coverage that still lets my skin breathe. Like, we want people to wonder if we’re even wearing makeup…but not actually skip foundation. Blended it in with a sponge so it stays looking fresh.
Conceal + Brighten
Her under eyes? Bright but never ghostly. That takes skill. I used Saie’s Slip Tint Radiant Concealer in shade 21 because the peachy undertone neutralizes the darkness but still looks natural. I like to warm it up between my fingers before tapping it in, then I go in with a sponge to blend. No harsh lines, no ashy cast. Just vibes.
Sculpt Like Rih
Rihanna’s face card never declines…cheekbones for days. So I used the Saie Dew Bronze Liquid Bronzer in Sail, and just placed it where I naturally see shadows. Cheekbones, jawline, temples. Then I blended it upward because we’re lifting over here. Gravity? I don’t know her.
Blush & That Rihanna Flush
Rih always gives that effortless warmth, like she just got back from somewhere fabulous. So I used HUDA BEAUTY Blush Filter in Watermelon Pop on my cheeks, and added a little to my eyelid crease to start the eye look. This color? It’s giving beach day in Barbados.
Setting + Soft Focus Finish
To keep that under eye bright but soft, I pressed in Fenty Beauty’s Bright Fix Setting Powder in Peach. No baking today…just gently pressing it in to blur things out.
Then I grabbed Danessa Myricks Colorfix in Nude 6 and Nude 7, mixed them on the back of my hand, and patted them onto my lids. The way these melt into the skin? Chef’s kiss. They give that glossy, barely-there sheen that Rih loves.
To lock it all in, I dusted HUDA BEAUTY’s Easy Bake Loose Powder in Kunafa under my eyes with a fluffy brush. Light touch, no cake.
Build the Blush
I wanted the blush to peek through all day, so I went in with Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Matte Blush in Worth right on top of the cream blush. It softens the glow but makes the color pop just a bit more. A layer combo that eats every time.
Smudge & Smoke
You know how Rihanna always looks like she barely tried on her eyes but somehow it’s giving runway? Yeah. I smudged a little of a brown and burned orange eyeshadow under my lower lash line to recreate that look. It’s soft, subtle, and sultry. That perfect mix.
Lashes & Highlight
For lashes, I pulled out Fenty Beauty’s Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara and went heavy on the bottom lashes. Rih always has that doll lash effect down to a science.
Now the glow… I mean, it’s Rihanna. I used PATRICK TA’s Major Glow Highlighter Duo in Daddy. I started with the powder on my cheekbones and nose, then topped it with a little cream to get that lit-from-within shine. Cupid’s bow too, obviously. We’re not skipping that.
Lips Like Rih
Her lips are always giving plush and shiny without screaming gloss. I lined mine softly, then used Fenty Beauty’s Slip Shine Lipstick in Cookies and Cocoa. It’s a nude that still feels warm and luxe. Like your lips but richer.
The Verdict
So, be honest. Did I do the look justice? Are we long-lost twins or was it just the lighting in my bathroom?
Either way, this was such a fun face to do. Recreating an icon’s signature look will really remind you how much of a craft makeup is. It’s like painting your face to step into another version of yourself.
All the products are linked below if you want to try this out. And if you do recreate it, tag me. Let’s live our Rihanna fantasy together.
See you in the next post,
Ale Jay
