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A Black beauty influencer has thanked Hailey Bieber for “treating me like a human being” after criticizing the model's blush line for how it looked on her skin.
This summer, Bieber’s beauty and skincare brand Rhode launched its first blush line, called “Pocket Blush,” in six shades. Golloria George, a beauty content creator with two million followers on TikTok, recently took to her platform to review the new product. However, when she tried it on her skin, she was disappointed with the results.
“I bought these three shades because I think these would be the three shades that would work on dark skin,” she explained in the TikTok posted on August 5, while holding up Pocket Blush shades Juice Box, Spicy Marg, and Toasted Teddy. After applying Juice Box, a hot pink, and Spicy Marg, a vibrant orange, to her cheeks, George immediately denounced that the cream blush looked “ashy” on her skin. Meanwhile, Toasted Teddy was barely visible on her face.
“I feel like in 2024, if we're going to eliminate any skin tone, it should be able to work for any skin tone and complexion,” George told the camera, in a video with more than 11 million views.
“Now the ash was really serious,” she said, before adding that Bieber's blush line “needs some work” to be considered fully inclusive of all skin tones.
However, it seems Bieber had caught wind of George's review, as the beauty influencer posted an update on her Rhode Pocket Blush series on TikTok. Just weeks after he shared his initial concerns about the 27-year-old's beauty brand, George applauded Bieber for immediately addressing Rhode's lack of inclusive blush shades.
“This is why I’m complaining,” George said in another TikTok posted on August 31. She once again applied Rhode’s Pocket Blush to her cheeks, though this time she was pleased with the results. George tried the first shade, a rosy pink, which appeared to have natural pigmentation on her skin.
“Do you see how beautifully flushed I am without looking pale?” she noted.
Then she applied a second blush, which was a darker berry shade. “That’s why you stand up for yourself,” George said. “See what happens when you’re not accommodating?”
While she didn't specify which shades were in her second review, it seemed like Rhode had either sent George a new set of Pocket Blush shades or changed her formula to be inclusive of all skin types.
The beauty influencer addressed Bieber directly, thanking him for reaching out to her after posting her review of Rhode's Pocket Blush. “Hailey, thank you for reaching out to me, listening to me, and treating me like a human being. This is redemption,” she said, adding in the caption: “Bravo. Your voice can spark change. Beautifully done, thank you for listening to Black women!”
Bieber, who recently welcomed her first child with husband Justin Bieber, launched Rhode in June 2022 with a line of minimalist skincare products. Rhode, which comes from her middle name, hit the market with five different products: a serum, a moisturizer, and a lip treatment available in three scent options, all priced between $16 and $29.
Rhode then launched her Pocket Blush, a creamy stick blush formula, in June 2024. The model's company even caused a stir with a viral phone case, complete with a compartment to store Rhode's Peptide lip treatment or tint.
The Independent has contacted Rhode for comment.
