We compare make-up powerhouses Fenty Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics — and here’s who comes out on top
CELEBRITY product lines have taken the cosmetics industry by storm in recent years, with each line earning their own share of loyal supporters.
With Rihanna's inclusive Fenty Beauty set to overtake Kylie Jenner's make-up empire, we take a look at how they stack up against each other.
Kylie Cosmetics By Kylie Jenner
BACKGROUND: As the youngest of the Kardashian/Jenner brood, new mum Kylie was always determined to prove herself away from her famous family.
After two years of development, the 20 year old launched her make-up range Kylie Cosmetics By Kylie Jenner in November 2015 so her adoring fans could get a slice of Kylie-dom.
Initially the brand only offered lip kits (to immediate sell-out success), but now it has branched out into palettes, brushes, highlighters and concealers.
The biggest launch to date was its Holiday 2017 Collection, which made £13million in one day.
AVAILABILITY: Online only. Shipping to the UK costs £10, or it’s free for orders over £43. But Brits will also pay VAT if the goods are worth more than £15, and custom duty of 2.5% on anything over £135.
SOCIAL STATS: Kylie is the queen of social media, with 102 million Insta followers and 24 million on Twitter. Kylie Cosmetics has over 15 million Insta followers.
STAR BUY: At £21, the original Lip Kit – a liner and liquid lipstick combo – kick-started the matte lip trend and has changed how we wear lip products.
CONS: If setting your alarm for each launch feels a bit extra, then wait until the postman arrives with a big bill.
That’s when you realise you could have bought a similar for £6.99 on the high street.
CELEB FANS: The whole Kardashian/Jenner clan (obvs), Chrissy Teigen, Demi Lovato.
BLOGGER OPINION: Pretty negative overall – most complain about the lack of stock and drying formula.
VERDICT: If you’re a fan, you probably don’t give two squats what anyone thinks. This is a brand made for Jenner addicts hoping to achieve the same caked-on, Insta-tastic make-up look as their idol.
The quality isn’t bad, the pigments are strong and formulas tend to be good. However, the price is exceptionally high when there are better alternatives on the market.
FENTY BEAUTY BT RIHANNA
BACKGROUND: Two years’ development and months of Insta teasing resulted in Rihanna, 29, launching her make-up brand Fenty Beauty By Rihanna – after the singer’s surname – to worldwide hysteria last September.
Claiming to be obsessed with make-up from a young age, she worked with cosmetics giant LVMH, which owns Christian Dior, Benefit and Make Up For Ever, to develop a brand that would cater to everybody. Its USP? Forty foundation shades split equally into Light, Medium, Tan and Deep skin tones.
AVAILABILITY: Online and in-store at Harvey Nichols.
SOCIAL STATS: Rihanna has 86 million followers on Twitter and 59 million on Instagram. Fenty Beauty has 2.9 million Insta followers.
STAR BUY: , £26. Thanks to all those shades, it’s one of the most inclusive retail brands out there.
Oh, and , £19, is a true red that suits everyone.
CONS: If you’re after natural enhancement, this range is not for you. The base coverage is full, the highlight and eyeshadow hues are intense, and the lip colours pack a real punch.
Think glamorous make-up lover, not covering your eye bags to pop to the shops.
CELEB FANS: Naomi Campbell, Karlie Kloss, Gabourey Sidibe, Gabrielle Union.
BLOGGER OPINION: Overwhelmingly positive, especially from non-Caucasian vloggers who celebrate the wide-ranging selection of shades and colours.
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THE VERDICT: This isn’t just another celebrity beauty range – it’s the celebrity beauty range. Not only has Fenty proved to be a commercial success, it’s also changed the industry forever, given that most of the leading cosmetic houses in the UK and Europe have largely ignored darker skin tones, focusing on the light-to-medium market instead. But it does have some strictly-for-social products – hello, iridescent highlighters.
Stockists:
- Barry M ()
- Fenty Beauty By Rihanna ()
- Kylie Cosmetics By Kylie Jenner ()