You’re at the gate, your carry-on is already overhead, and you realize the only blush you packed is the one that oxidized by hour two. Sound familiar?
Rhode added new shades of their Pocket Blush ($25) and Peptide Lip Tints ($20 each), and I grabbed all four to see which ones deserved a permanent spot in my travel makeup kit.
Pocket Blush — New Shades
The Rhode Pocket Blushes are probably my two most-worn cream blushes, period. They give that easy pop of color without needing a mirror or a second attempt. I’ve had them in my gym bag, my hotel toiletry kit, and yes — the front pocket of every carry-on since they launched.
Teacup is a mauve raspberry pink. Candy Apple is a bold reddish pink. Both pull bold on first swipe, but because they blend so smoothly you can control exactly how much pigment shows — sheer wash or full-on flush, your call.
I think Candy Apple is one of the flatter reds I’ve found in cream form. A solid win for either shade.
Peptide Lip Tints — New Shades
I’ll be honest: I’ve had mixed feelings about this formula. About a year ago, when we moved to Miami, I did a serious declutter and tossed most of my lip tints because they’d developed that weird gritty texture. Reviews suggested temperature fluctuations were the culprit, so it was a precautionary dump.
I’ve since bought fresh ones, and newer reviews say Rhode fixed the issue. So far, mine have been smooth — no grit at all after months in a bag that’s seen everything from JFK heat to Paris chill.
Sweet Pea is a warm sheer pink. The vibe reminds me of Patrick Ta’s Major Moisture Smoothing Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Salted Caramel, though the Rhode version has more gloss and that glass-shine finish. Rhode calls it “pearly,” but I haven’t noticed any shimmer or iridescence on mine.
Pretzel is a shimmery mauve — described as warm by Rhode, but on me it reads neutral to cool-toned. Still really pretty, and it sits on the medium-sheer side with enough pigment to show up without looking heavy.
How They Look Together
I wore two combinations to see how these pair in real light — not just swatched on my wrist. Both worked well as quick desk-to-dinner looks.
The rest of the face, for reference:
- Foundation: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint in ST 12.75
- Concealer: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer in 17W
- Eyeshadow: Natasha Denona Essential Eye Duo
- Mascara: Diorshow Overvolume Extreme Waterproof Mascara
- Nail polish: OPI I’m a Bubble Bunny
The 2-Minute Fix
Tap the Pocket Blush on your cheeks with your ring finger — no brush needed — and follow with Peptide Lip Tint straight from the doe-foot. Both set in about 60 seconds. Perfect for that window between landing and making it to the hotel desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Peptide Lip Tints get gritty? Earlier batches did, especially with temperature swings. The formula appears to have been improved — mine from recent purchases haven’t shown any grit so far.
Are these TSA-friendly? Yes, both products come in travel-size packaging that fits comfortably through security without repacking.
My Verdict
I love the Pocket Blush shades — both are carry-on staples now. The new lip tint colors are beautiful, but I’m still keeping an eye on how they hold up across seasons and climates. If you’ve picked up a Peptide Lip Tint recently, let me know if yours has developed any gritty particles.
You can find the new Rhode Peptide Lip Tint and Pocket Blush shades at Rhode Skin. They also offer bundled sets with a nice price break — worth checking if you’re grabbing more than one.
Glow doesn’t wait — and neither do you.