You’ve seen the photos. That specific, luminous glow that seems to radiate from within her pores, the sharp-as-a-knife contour, and lips that look like they were painted by a Renaissance master. When people talk about Rihanna beating face, they aren't just talking about putting on some foundation. They’re talking about a transformation. It’s an art form. Honestly, it’s basically a sport at this point.
The term "beating face" comes from the drag community and Black beauty culture, referring to the rhythmic dabbing of a makeup sponge—the beat—to blend product until it’s seamless. Rihanna didn't just adopt the phrase; she became the walking, breathing blueprint for it. Whether she’s at the Met Gala or just grabbing dinner in Santa Monica, her makeup is rarely anything less than a masterclass.
But how does she actually do it? It’s not just about having a billion-dollar makeup line, though having Fenty Beauty at your fingertips certainly doesn't hurt. It's about a specific philosophy of skin and light.
Why the Fenty Face is More Than Just Hype
Most celebrities just slap their name on a bottle. Rihanna? She’s different. She’s famously involved in the chemistry of her products. Her longtime makeup artists, Priscilla Ono and Hector Espinal, have often shared how she’ll reject a formula fifty times if the "undertone" is slightly off.
The core of Rihanna beating face is what she calls the "Fenty Face." It’s a three-step method that’s surprisingly easy to copy once you stop being intimidated by it.
- The Instant Matte Base: She starts with a soft matte foundation to kill shine where you don't want it.
- Layer Your Glow: This is where the magic happens. Instead of putting highlighter everywhere, she strategically places it to catch the light.
- Blot on the Fly: She’s obsessed with blotting. If you see her on a red carpet, she likely has an Invisimatte powder in her clutch.
The goal isn't to look like you're wearing a mask. It's to look like you, but "filtered."
The "Stray" That Went Viral
Recently, a photo of Rih from 2011 went viral—and not because it was perfect. It was a candid, slightly awkward shot from a performance. A meme account used it to talk about how boyfriends love "bad" photos of their girlfriends because they feel authentic.
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Rihanna, being the internet queen she is, actually jumped into the comments. "How I catch this stray tho?" she joked. It was a hilarious reminder that even the woman who perfected the art of "beating face" has human moments. But even in a "bad" photo, her skin looked incredible. That's the power of a good base.
The Tools You Actually Need to Beat Your Face Like Rih
If you want to achieve that level of polish, you can't just use your fingers and hope for the best. Rihanna's technique is all about the tools. She uses the Precision Makeup Sponge 100 for almost everything.
You have to damp the sponge first. This is non-negotiable. If the sponge is dry, it just soaks up your expensive foundation. When it’s damp, it pushes the product into the skin rather than letting it sit on top.
Sculpting vs. Contouring
There is a difference. Most people overdo the contour and end up with muddy streaks on their cheeks. Rihanna’s team uses the Match Stix Matte Skinsticks. The trick she uses is to apply the product to the back of her hand first. This warms up the cream, making it "melt" into the skin.
Then, she brushes it on just under the cheekbones and along the jawline. It’s subtle. It’s "snatched" but not "striped."
- Pro Tip: Always blend upwards. If you blend down, you’re essentially pulling your face down. Not the vibe.
- Highlighting: She doesn't just do the cheekbones. She does the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, and—this is key—the inner corners of the eyes.
Lessons from the Master of the Red Carpet
Looking back at her most iconic looks, like the 2014 CFDA "Diamond Dress" moment, the makeup was just as important as the 218,000 crystals on her body. For that look, her artist Hector Espinal actually used a smoky eye—something Rihanna doesn't do often because, as he joked, it makes her look "overly hot."
But the lesson there was balance. If the dress is loud, the face needs to be sophisticated. If she’s wearing a simple white tee, that’s when she brings out the Stunna Lip Paint in "Uncensored."
It’s all about the mood. Makeup is her accessory.
Actionable Steps to Perfect Your Own Beat
You don't need a professional glam team to get a similar result. You just need patience and the right order of operations.
Focus on the Prep
Start with a hydrating primer. Rihanna’s skin always looks juicy because it's well-moisturized before a drop of pigment touches it. If your skin is dry, the foundation will crack. If it’s too oily, it’ll slide off. Find the middle ground.
Find Your Undertone
The reason people fail at "beating face" is usually because they’re wearing the wrong shade. Look at the veins in your wrist. If they’re blue, you’re cool-toned. If they’re green, you’re warm. If you can’t tell? You’re neutral. Fenty Beauty was literally built on solving this problem with 50 shades, so use their shade finder.
The "Six Second" Rule
When using long-wear products like Flypencil eyeliners, you have about six seconds to smudge them before they set forever. If you want a smoky look, work on one eye at a time. Don't rush, but don't dawdle either.
Matte the T-Zone
Keep the glow on the outer edges of the face. Keep the forehead and chin matte. This prevents you from looking sweaty in photos.
At the end of the day, Rihanna beating face is about confidence. She’s not trying to hide her face; she’s highlighting it. It's a celebration. So, grab your sponge, start dabbing, and don't be afraid to catch a few strays along the way.