The Rhode Summer Collection 2026 is here and it exceeded my expectations in every way. I placed an order the day it launched and it took weeks to arrive but I have to say I think it was worth the wait. I hauled a little bit of everything and if you’re trying to decide on your best bronzer shade I have four of them swatched along with lots of comparisons below. Quick note I have a tan now that summer is here – I’m no longer mixing shades and can wear the Dior Forever Perfect Foundation Stick in 3N or 3WO without mixing the 2.5. I am still a Chanel Les Beiges BD41.
Pocket Bronze
The Rhode Pocket Bronze ($25 each) really surprised me because I didn’t expect to like them more than Dior or Westman Atelier (for a cream formula). I still find the other two formulas excellent but the Rhode Pocket Bronze is the most effortless to apply and blend on the skin. It’s creamy and blends out to a very natural looking bronze.
To compare formulas, the Rhode is the most creamy, Dior is the most satiny, Westman Atelier is somewhere in between. I think the biggest challenge with bronzer is finding the right undertone for you. So many of you prefer neutral or cool while I usually prefer warmer colors. This launch I was surprised to find the most golden one ended up looking very yellow on me.
If you’re my skin twin, here’s how the 4 shades I bought compare. Also wearing the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation in 3WO, Natasha Denona Tan Palette, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Merit Tubing Mascara, Aritzia Halter Tank, Nail Polish is Essie Geranium, Hoop Earrings Mejuri
Pebble – the most neutral undertone
Sip – warm golden, but pulls a little yellow on me
Sunbed – my perfect summer bronze (my favorite)
Bake – warm reddish undertones for that sun-kissed look
Do note that I have a tan now! I’m probably at least 1.5 shades darker than I usually am. I still think Sunbed would be my pick with my winter skin tone.
Swatch comparisons below to the Dior Forever Skin Bronze Sticks (review here), Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Duos (swatches here), Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Sticks (I picked up a few of the new shades to try and they pull really pink on me) and Merit Bronze Balm.
The Pocket Double Sided Brush ($25) is a really nice one that blends the cream out perfectly. I still have mixed feelings about double ended brushes because of the storage issue. This style you really need to store flat on a counter so you don’t mess up the bristles.
Highlight Milk – Luminizer
I’m also loving the Highlight Milk Luminizer ($28). I’ve been a huge fan of the regular version and I think the highlighter variation is a really nice addition to the Rhode lineup. This has a very thin fluid texture and the shimmer is very natural looking. It’s not thick or greasy, it really is the most natural out of the luminizer/mixers I’ve tried. For a quick texture comparison I feel like the L’Oreal Glotion is thicker and more shimmery, Armani Fluid Sheers is more sheer and a little more emollient, Saie Super Gel has a completely different texture.
I’ve tried all four shades, and my favorites are Shade 01 and Shade 02. Shade 03 gives my skin a tanned glow which is slightly too dark for me, while Shade 04 is a definitely too deep for me right now. You can apply these all over the face, mix with moisturizer or foundation. My favorite way to apply is to mix in with foundation. The finish is naturally radiant glowy without looking frosty or glittery.
Peptide Lip Tint
And I couldn’t resist the limited-edition Peptide Lip Tint ($20) shades. For now they seem to be exclusive to Rhode and they sold out really fast. Every color is a beautiful variation of the perfect tan nude. I’m really hoping Rhode restocks them or considers making them permanent. It’s heartbreaking to fall in love with something limited-edition.
