Cosmetic brands > Fenty Beauty vs. Rare Beauty
Choosing between Fenty Beauty and Rare Beauty depends on your priorities. Both brands champion inclusivity, but differ in their approach to veganism, sustainability, and social impact. Understanding these nuances will help you align your purchase with your values.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
For a fully vegan and socially conscious choice, Rare Beauty is the clear winner. If shade range and a brand that revolutionized inclusivity are your priorities, Fenty Beauty remains a strong contender.
- Rare Beauty is fully vegan, while Fenty Beauty has some vegan options.
- Fenty Beauty initially focused on a wider shade range, setting a new industry standard.
- Rare Beauty emphasizes mental health advocacy, donating 1% of sales to the Rare Impact Fund.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Fenty Beauty if:
Individuals seeking a wide range of foundation shades and a brand known for setting new standards in inclusivity. Also, those interested in specific non-vegan products within their lineup.
Choose Rare Beauty if:
Consumers prioritizing vegan and cruelty-free products, sustainable packaging, and supporting mental health initiatives. Ideal for those with sensitive skin due to dermatologist-tested formulations.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Fenty Beauty | Rare Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Shades | Up to 50 shades | 48 shades (Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation) |
| Cruelty-Free Status | Cruelty-free | Certified cruelty-free by PETA and Leaping Bunny |
| Vegan Options | Not entirely vegan, Fenty Skin is fully vegan | 100% vegan |
| Foundation Price | $40 (Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation) | $29.00 (Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation) |
| Brand Focus | Inclusivity and diversity in beauty | Self-acceptance and mental health advocacy |
| Packaging Sustainability | FSC-certified paper, PCR plastic, phasing out non-biodegradable materials | Recycled and recyclable materials, FSC certified, water-based ink, corn-based foam |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
Fenty Beauty
- Extensive foundation range with up to 50 shades
- Emphasis on skin tone inclusivity
- Cruelty-free
- Products formulated without parabens and phthalates
- Sustainable packaging efforts (FSC-certified paper, PCR plastic)
- Long-wearing formulas available
- Climate-adaptive technology in some foundations
- Meaningful community engagement in climate justice and inclusive representation
- Ethically sourced mica
- Not entirely vegan
- Relies on conventional synthetic ingredients and petroleum-derived compounds
- Some users report foundation oxidation
Rare Beauty
- Wide range of makeup products
- Extensive foundation shade range (48+)
- Inclusive shade ranges for diverse skin tones
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Sustainable packaging
- Long-wearing foundation
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Supports mental health initiatives
- Some products contain PEGs, chemical sunscreens, synthetic dyes, and mica
User Experiences and Feedback
Fenty Beauty
- Wide range of shades for diverse ethnicities
- Long-wearing formulas
- Lightweight feel
- Smooth and comfortable, second-skin feel (Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation)
- Resists sweat and humidity (Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation)
- Offers a virtual shade finder to help customers find their perfect match
- Some users have reported that Fenty Beauty foundations oxidize. It is recommended to test shades and allow matte foundations to dry completely to find the perfect match.
- Launch sales outperformed competitors
- Set a new standard for the beauty industry
Rare Beauty
- Matches a variety of skin tones with 48 shades available.
- Uses innovative color-matching technology that considers both undertones and surface tones.
- Provides medium coverage that lasts all day without fading.
- Lasts all day without drying you out.
- Dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Uses recycled fiber for its shipper boxes, welcome cards, and tissue, all of which are 100% recyclable.
- Designed to maintain their true color and do not oxidize significantly.
- Weightless, serum-like texture that glides onto the skin.
- No major complaints reported.
- Priced at $29.00 (Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is more sustainable?
Both brands demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, but Rare Beauty has a slight edge with its corn-based foam and focus on recyclable materials.
Which brand is better for sensitive skin?
Rare Beauty's Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation is dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a potentially better option for those with sensitivities.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: September 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.