News broke this morning that Hailey Bieber’s viral skincare and makeup brand Rhode is launching into Mecca stores in Australia and New Zealand on February 13. Beauty Editor Ashleigh Cometti shares her recommendations for what to add to cart.

One of my good friends (a fellow skincare obsessive) is currently
in Austin, Texas.

As she departed, I set her a mission: come home with a minimum of three products from impossibly-difficult-to-get-but-worth-the-effort beauty brand, Rhode.

Since its inception by founder Hailey Rhode Bieber in June 2022, Rhode has been almost exclusively available across the Americas.

Our cross-country text exchange went from pure elation to sheer disappointment when she realised the nearest store was miles from where she was based.

Imagine, then, the squeals of delight that rang out this morning when an Instagram post revealed that Rhode was bound for Australasia.

Mecca’s flagship locations – Melbourne’s Bourke St and Sydney’s George St – are the first to receive a selection of Rhode products on February 12, followed by most Mecca stores across Australia and New Zealand on February 13.

The post also revealed customers could shop the full range online, as Australia and New Zealand are to be added to the brand’s international shipping territories on Rhodeskin.com.

When the Los Angeles-based brand launched four years ago, it was with a tight edit of three hydrating skincare products – the Peptide Glazing Fluid, Barrier Restore Cream and Peptide Lip Treatment – with a view to provide shoppers with “glazed donut” skin at an accessible price point.

It swiftly caught on, shooting to popularity on social media and achieving more than US$10 million in sales within the first 11 days.

The line quickly expanded to include facial cleansers and lotions, alongside skincare-makeup hybrids like lip balms, liners and blush sticks.

In May 2025, Rhode was acquired by E.l.f Beauty in a US$1 billion ($1.74b) deal that was completed by August. Bieber has continued her role as the founder, chief creative officer and head of innovation for Rhode, along with being appointed as strategic adviser to E.l.f Beauty.

“We are proud to announce our global expansion to Australia and New Zealand, bringing the world of Rhode to even more places and faces,” says Bieber. “When launching into the Australian market, we looked for a globally aligned partner and Mecca was that perfect fit.”

A summer launch feels particularly apt for the brand, which champions a light touch and a natural-skin-like finish.

Shopping Tips

Wondering what to shop for first? Never fear – we have it on good authority that Rhode’s core collection of Peptide Lip products, skincare essentials and blushes will be available from Mecca, and anything you can’t find can be bought directly from the brand.

NZ pricing is yet to be confirmed but in the US, Rhode products are priced from US$20 for the Peptide Lip Treatment up to US$117 for a four-piece skincare set.

Here are my recommendations of the products to add to your wish-list, stat, and the ones not worth your money.

Glazing Milk

What it is: A nourishing facial essence that boasts a lightweight, milky texture to smooth seamlessly on to skin. It’s brimming with nutrients, including a ceramide trio that mimic the naturally-occurring lipids in skin, alongside magnesium, zinc and copper to fend off environmental damage, and hard-working hydrators vitamin E and glycerin.

What you need to know: I’ve been using facial essences twice daily after cleansing for about two years now, and the difference I’ve noticed in my skin is astonishing. I no longer suffer from seasonal dryness; my skin can handle temperature fluctuations better than it ever has. A couple of pumps is plenty to smooth over your face, neck and decolletage, then allow it to soak in for a minute before moving on to your next skincare step (serums etc). This particular formula is also excellent to help sheer out your foundation when mixed together.

Barrier Butter

What it is: Like a tall glass of water for dry or dehydrated skin, this intensive moisturiser is designed to care for skin while you slumber. The buttery texture means it’s too rich for daytime use but makes for a cosseting addition when smoothed on before bed. It’s said to help fortify the skin barrier and seal in moisture for up to 24 hours, thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, murumuru butter and ceramides.

What you need to know: This product was an award-winner in last year’s Allure Best of Beauty Awards, and I tend to agree. It’s best for bringing normal to dry skin types back to balance (those with oily or combination skin may find it slightly too heavy – consider the Barrier Restore Cream as a lighter take). The decadent texture is a joy to use, and can also be smoothed on to other dry areas like cuticles, elbows or knees.

Peptide Glazing Fluid

What it is: A dewy, gel-textured serum responsible for Bieber’s signature “glazed donut” skin. It absorbs quickly into skin, leaving a dewy, luminous finish in its wake. The gel-serum combines key ingredients to hydrate skin and leave it appearing more plump over time, including peptides, niacinamide, marula oil and glycerin.

What you need to know: The Peptide Glazing Fluid was part of the original trio that launched with the brand in 2022, so you can rest assured it’s shot to popularity for good reason. It lends a healthy-looking sheen to skin without appearing oily or shiny, making it perfect for wearing under sunscreen with no makeup on top. I wouldn’t rely on this product as my lone serum in a skincare routine (unless your only skin goal is hydration), but it makes for an excellent precursor to prep skin for the products to follow.

Pocket Blush

What it is: An on-the-go cream blush stick that promises to deliver a wash of colour to lips and cheeks with a satin finish. It comes in 11 shades, including the new shade Sun Soak, a spiced orange hue, which melts into skin whether warmed with fingertips or swept over cheeks using a fluffy brush.

What you need to know: This recommendation comes with a caveat: if you enjoy a bold blush, you may find you need to layer this product to achieve your desired colour depth. The formula is buildable, so you can layer on as much as you like, depending on preference. For natural makeup lovers, it’s perfect for that subtle, “just kissed” flush.

Peptide Lip Treatment

What it is: Another Rhode original, the Peptide Lip Treatment is designed to nourish, hydrate and replenish lips, while leaving them glossy and shiny. The smooth formula locks in hydration and supports skin health, and is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines on the lips with continued use.

What you need to know: Chances are you’ve seen this product slotted into Rhode’s viral lip case, evidence of the beauty accessorising trend we predicted would be major in 2025 (it was). But you don’t need the case to have soft, smooth and shiny lips, and this product has quickly become a mainstay to apply on the go, over lipstick or to care for lips before bed.

Peptide Lip Tint

What it is: This lip tint boasts a similar ingredient profile to its predecessor, but this time with a hint of colour that can be built up depending on preference. It’s currently available in four limited-edition, scented shades (including fan favourite ribbon), but the core collection of seven hues is equally lovely – ranging from the shimmery sheer pink of jellybean to the rich toffee brown of espresso.

What you need to know: Everyone needs a solid lip tint in their makeup wardrobe, and this one is as good as they come. It’s glossy but not sticky, and plays nicely when layered with other lip products without feeling tacky. I have at least five shades on my radar and plan on adding all to my cart first thing on February 13.

What to skip

So that’s everything that’s good, but what about the others that didn’t make the cut? My honest thoughts, below.

Peptide Eye Prep

What it is: A set of six hydrogel under-eye patches emblazoned with the Rhode logo and R icon. Each set is said to depuff and brighten the under eye area and minimise fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles – including when used before makeup application.

What you need to know: If you’re a “loud luxury” type and want to buy a set of these for an Instagram-worthy snap, be my guest. But there are countless eye patches out there that don’t come so heavily branded (and as such are a fraction of the cost) but work just as effectively.

Pineapple Refresh PGA Cleanser

What it is: A balm-to-lather daily cleanser that helps remove surface debris, makeup and SPF to leave skin feeling clean and clear. It contains surfactant ingredients gentle enough to cleanse skin thoroughly, but is said not to leave skin feeling tight or dry.

What you need to know: I’ve interviewed a handful of dermatologists over the years, and the resounding message is this: when it comes to skincare routines, always invest the most in products that you leave on, not wash off. The NZ RRP of this product hasn’t been revealed yet, but I predict it’ll be on the expensive side. There are plenty of wonderful cleansers available in NZ that you don’t have to spend a pretty penny on.

Peptide Lip Shape

What it is: Described by the brand as a “contouring lip shaper”, this lip pencil bridges the gap between a lipstick and a lip liner. It can be used along the outer border of lips, then diffused or defined in the centre using the silicone smudger on the other end.

What you need to know: According to the aforementioned friend, this lip product fell short of expectation. It wasn’t nearly as creamy as the description led her to believe, nor did it glide on as smoothly as she’d hoped. I personally haven’t tried this, and am keen to make my own judgments, but the bar for lip products is very high for me, considering I cycle daily between a lip tint, stain or lipstick. Watch this space.

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