Celebrity skincare brands usually make me sceptical. Too often, they lean heavily on the name rather than the formula. But Rhode feels a little different.
Hailey Bieber has built the brand around her signature “glazed” skin look, and the buzz around Rhode Glazing Milk has been impossible to ignore. After seeing it everywhere and hearing genuine praise beyond social media hype, I decided it was time to try it properly.
I’m firmly in my clean, glowy skin era right now, and Rhode’s minimalist aesthetic fits that perfectly. Out of the range, Glazing Milk stood out most to me. A ceramide-rich facial essence promising hydration, barrier support, and redness reduction felt like something that could slot seamlessly into my routine. So I ordered it directly from the Rhode website, alongside the peptide lip treatment, which I’ll be reviewing separately.
I’d love to wake up one morning with Hailey’s skin, so it felt like a natural step to try the products she’s built Rhode around. The range is very clean-girl, glowy-skin focused, and honestly, I’m not mad at that. I was a bit overwhelmed choosing what to start with because it all sounded good, but Glazing Milk felt like the most useful everyday step, especially with the ceramides, barrier support claims, and redness-soothing angle.
Mini Review: Rhode Glazing Milk after long-term use
I’ve been using Rhode Glazing Milk consistently for a good stretch of time now, long enough to move past the hype and novelty stage and see how it actually performs in a real routine. At its best, it’s a lightweight, skin-softening hydrator that gives that glazed, healthy finish without feeling heavy or greasy. It layers beautifully under moisturiser and makeup, and when my skin barrier is behaving, it makes everything look smoother and fresher.
That said, it’s not a miracle product and it’s not for every skin type. On days when my skin is more reactive or already congested, it can feel like an extra step rather than a necessary one. I enjoy using it, and I do think it earns its place when skin needs comfort and glow, but it’s not something I’d rely on alone for hydration or barrier repair.
Quick Take
Rhode Glazing Milk is a lightweight milky essence that adds hydration, softness, and a really nice glow, especially under moisturiser and makeup. It’s best if your skin gets dehydrated or looks a bit dull, but it isn’t a standalone fix for a properly compromised barrier.
What is Rhode Glazing Milk?
Rhode calls Glazing Milk an “essential prep step”, sitting somewhere between a toner and essence. Unlike watery toners, this has a milky texture that feels nourishing but not heavy. It’s designed to hydrate deeply, calm irritation, and create the perfect base so your next steps, whether that’s serums like vitamin C or retinol, absorb more effectively. I have to admit I haven't used a milky toner before and this is my first one.
Who is Hailey Bieber and What is Her Influence?
Rhode was founded by Hailey Bieber, whose “glazed doughnut skin” aesthetic inspired the brand’s focus on barrier support and hydration. Unlike many celebrity brands, Rhode positions itself around simple, functional skincare rather than trend-led launches.
Why is Everyone Talking About This Product?
Social media has really turned Rhode Glazing Milk into a bit of a phenomenon. People love that it offers barrier support and hydration all in one step, while still leaving skin with that glossy, glass-like finish we all crave. It’s the kind of product that works beautifully under makeup but also looks fresh and dewy on bare skin. Of course, the fact that Hailey includes it in her own daily routine has only added to the hype. At this point, Glazing Milk isn’t just a skincare product; it’s part of the whole “glazed doughnut” lifestyle, which is probably why it’s so hard to get hold of at times.
Product Overview
Rhode’s Glazing Milk has a lightweight, milky essence texture that feels refreshing and sinks quickly into the skin without any heaviness. The full-size bottle comes in at 140ml, which is a really decent amount considering you only need a few pumps each time. I, being the sensible Sally that I am, bought the smaller version to try at £20.
It’s designed to suit most skin types, including normal, dry, and sensitive, though if you’re oily you’ll still get on with it as long as you use it sparingly. Price-wise, the big size retails for around £32 directly from Rhode’s website, and you’ll also find it popping up on Sephora UK soon when it’s in stock.
What Are the Key Ingredients in Rhode Glazing Milk?
We all know I love to delve into the ingredients in a product. Rhode Glazing Milk is designed as an “essential prep step”, as we have been told, and the ingredient list shows why it’s become such a cult favourite. It’s not just another hydrating toner; it’s a barrier-supporting treatment in liquid form.
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Ceramide Trio (NP, AP, EOP): The star of the formula. These three ceramides mimic the natural lipids in your skin, helping restore and strengthen the barrier.
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Ceramide NP deeply moisturises and smooths, making skin feel instantly softer.
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Ceramide AP supports flexibility and helps balance dry or sensitive patches.
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Ceramide EOP reinforces the skin’s structure to prevent water loss and improve resilience.
Together, they’re like a patch repair kit for a stressed-out barrier — leaving skin plump, supple, and stronger against daily irritants.
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Magnesium, Zinc & Copper Complex: This mineral blend goes beyond hydration. Magnesium helps with overall repair and renewal, zinc calms redness while supporting healing, and copper boosts firmness and elasticity. It’s a powerhouse trio for skin recovery.
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Niacinamide: Brightens tone, smooths uneven texture, and reduces redness. It’s a multi-tasker that works beautifully alongside ceramides to keep skin calm and glowing.
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Hyaluronic Acid + Glycerin: The hydration dream team. They pull water deep into the skin and lock it in, so you get that juicy, glazed look rather than surface-level shine.
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Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): A protective antioxidant that defends against environmental stress and soothes irritation.
What makes this formula stand out is the combo of barrier-repairing ceramides and skin-strengthening minerals. Most hydrating essences give you a hit of moisture and that’s it — but Glazing Milk helps rebuild the skin’s barrier while hydrating at the same time. That’s why it works so well before serums like Vitamin C or Retinol: your skin is stronger, calmer, and able to absorb the actives without irritation.
And because it’s fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, it’s safe even if you’ve got sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
My skin type and why this matters here
I have combination skin that leans dehydrated, especially in colder months or when I’m using actives. My barrier can fluctuate depending on weather, hormones, and how consistent I’ve been with tretinoin. That matters with Glazing Milk because it behaves very differently on calm, balanced skin versus skin that’s already irritated or congested.
On good skin days, it enhances hydration and glow. On reactive days, it can feel unnecessary or slightly occlusive layered with richer products.
What Claims Does the Product Make?
Rhode says Glazing Milk is all about instant results with long-term skin health. The lightweight formula is designed to plump and hydrate straight away, calm redness, and strengthen the skin barrier over time. It also preps your skin for whatever comes next, whether that’s layering serums, applying makeup, or just rocking a bare, dewy finish. The end result? That signature glass-skin glow Hailey has made so famous.
On my skin, I have to say it really does deliver that fresh, healthy look. It sinks in quickly without feeling sticky, and I noticed my skin looked calmer and less red after just a couple of uses. As someone with combination skin, I love that it doesn’t sting or leave me tight; instead, it feels like a hydrating cushion that makes my other skincare glide on more smoothly. I really think it has helped repair my damaged skin barrier and plump and hydrate the skin, too.
On its own, it isn’t enough to fully repair a compromised barrier, but layered consistently within a routine, it definitely supports recovery and resilience over time.
How is Rhode Glazing Milk Different from Other Products?
It’s not a classic toner, nor is it a serum; it’s a hybrid essence-step, designed to be applied immediately after cleansing. Where others focus only on hydration, this one also includes barrier-supporting minerals, making it more multi-tasking. It’s a completely different beast from what we know of a toner and I think we need to stop thinking of it as one. The milk is meant as a convenient way to help barrier function and I can’t argue with that.
Packaging and Presentation
We all know I am a packaging geek. The sleek grey bottle with its pump dispenser is chic and minimal, very Rhode. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and travel-friendly. I love that the packaging matches the whole “clean, dewy” aesthetic Hailey promotes. The bottle with its slow-release dropper-style top also makes it easy to control how much you’re using, so there’s less waste.
Application and Usage
I’ve worked Rhode Glazing Milk into my routine both morning and night, and honestly, it feels like that essential prep step that ties everything together.
After cleansing, I press into damp skin (always damp, it helps the actives really sink in). On normal days, I go with about a coin-sized amount, pressing it in with my fingertips rather than swiping it around. Hailey herself calls this the “press and pat” method, and it does make a difference in how dewy your skin looks. Yes I felt silly the first few times I tried this method. Why am I basically slapping my face in the name of “glazed donut skin? But it does work.
Once it’s settled, about 30 seconds is enough I think. I follow with serums like vitamin C in the morning or retinol in the evening. It layers beautifully without pilling, which is such a bonus if you like a multi-step routine. I then lock it all in with a moisturiser and SPF (daytime, always SPF!). We all know how I feel about sunscreen, get it on your face!
If you’ve got oily or combination skin like me, I’d say stick to a small amount so it doesn’t feel too rich. Drier skin types, like mine in winter, will love a bit more product for that plump, hydrated feel. On makeup days, it’s a dream it gives your foundation that smooth, glassy base without sliding around. I am really impressed with makeup.
Top tip: If you’re after the full “glazed donut look, pair it with Rhode’s Barrier Restore Cream on top. It’s like the perfect double-act for calm, dewy skin that feels as good as it looks.
Texture and wear
The texture is a thin, milky fluid that spreads easily and absorbs fairly quickly. It leaves a soft, slightly dewy finish rather than a sticky one, but it does stay a touch tacky until you layer something over the top. Under moisturiser and SPF it settles well, and under makeup it gives a smoother, more hydrated base without causing foundation to slip.
Performance and Results
The first time I used Rhode Glazing Milk, I noticed that “ahh” moment straight away. I wasn't actually expecting to see quick results. My skin felt instantly hydrated, soft, and calm, like it had just had a big glass of water. The redness around my cheeks looked noticeably less obvious, and instead of that tight, just-cleansed feeling, my skin felt soothed.
It leaves behind a subtle glow, not greasy or shiny. This is not mirror ball skin, thank god, just that healthy, lit-from-within look that catches the light in all the right ways.
After a couple of weeks of using it twice a day, the longer-term benefits really started to show. My skin barrier felt more resilient at first, I couldn't work out what I was doing differnt to help this. I had fewer dry patches cropping up, even in my usual trouble areas around my nose and chin, Is anyone else plagued with this at this time of year?
I also noticed less irritation when I used stronger actives like vitamin C or tretinoin, almost as if the Glazing Milk was cushioning my skin and helping it cope. My t-zone seems less oily too. It just gives my skin the extra help it needs, making the glazing milk worth its weight in gold to me.
What I didn’t expect was how much better my other products performed. My serums seemed to absorb faster and more effectively, and my moisturiser didn’t just sit on top of my skin — it locked everything in. Makeup also glided on more smoothly and stayed looking fresh for longer, which is always a win.
The glow is consistent, too. Even on makeup-free days, I looked a bit more awake and polished than normal. (Sometimes I do worry I used to scare the postie,) But it's almost like I’d had a good night’s sleep (even if I hadn’t). After 2–3 weeks, my skin overall looked calmer, more even in tone, and dare I say, a little more “Hailey-esque” minus the supermodel genes, of course! This glazing milk contains magic that's for sure to make me look more awake after many nights of no sleep.
How it wears through the day
By midday, my skin still feels comfortable when I’ve used this in the morning, especially around the cheeks where dehydration shows first. It doesn’t turn shiny, but the glow softens rather than intensifies. If my skin is already well hydrated, I don’t notice dramatic longevity benefits, but on drier days it does help maintain comfort.
Pros
It makes skin look instantly fresher and more hydrated.Layers beautifully under moisturiser, SPF and makeup.
Feels calming when my skin is feeling a bit reactive.
Fragrance-free and doesn’t sting on me.
Cons
Not enough on its own for a properly compromised barrier.Can feel like an extra step if your skin is already balanced.
If you’re very congestion-prone, you might prefer something lighter.
Is It Suitable for All Skin Types?
Rhode Glazing Milk is designed to work across most skin types, but the way it performs can vary depending on your skin’s needs:
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Normal skin – Keeps hydration levels balanced and adds that healthy, glass-like glow without overloading.
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Dry skin – The ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and beta-glucan deliver deep hydration and help reduce tightness, flakiness, and irritation.
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Sensitive skin – Fragrance-free and packed with soothing ingredients, it helps calm redness and strengthen a weakened skin barrier.
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Oily skin – Lightweight enough not to feel greasy; just stick to one pump to avoid looking shiny while still getting the barrier support.
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Acne-prone skin – Gentle, non-stripping formula that helps repair barrier damage (often caused by harsh treatments), but again, less is more to avoid clogging.
Who this is best for
This works best for:
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Normal to dry skin
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Dehydrated skin needing a lightweight hydration layer
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Anyone who enjoys a glazed, fresh skin finish under makeup
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Minimal routines where layering is kept simple
Who this is not for
This is probably not for you if:
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You have very acne-prone or congestion-prone skin
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Your barrier is actively compromised or irritated
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You prefer rich, deeply nourishing hydrators
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You want visible results rather than subtle skin feel improvements
How Does Rhode Glazing Milk Perform Under Makeup?
One of the things I love most about Rhode Glazing Milk is how well it works under makeup. Because it has that lightweight, milky-essence texture, it sinks in quickly without leaving any stickiness or residue. Once it’s absorbed, my skin feels hydrated and smooth, which makes the perfect base for foundation or tinted moisturiser.
It gives my complexion that subtle dewy glow that peeks through makeup without ever making me look greasy. I’ve found that it actually helps my base products apply more evenly and last longer because my skin feels properly prepped.
On no-makeup days, it leaves that soft, glazed finish on its own, but on makeup days, it works almost like a primer, keeping everything looking fresh and natural. Importantly, it doesn’t pill under heavier creams, SPF, or foundation, which is a big plus compared to some other “essence” style products I’ve tried.
Price & Value
In the UK, Rhode Glazing Milk (140 ml) retails at around £32 on the official Rhode website. That places it firmly in the mid-luxury category, affordable but elevated enough to feel like a splurge.
There’s also a travel-size option £20 (65 ml), This smaller size is great if you want to try before committing to the full bottle or need something suitcase-friendly. Like I did.
To give you perspective:
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Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Plump Treatment Essence (150 ml) sells for about £26.20 in the UK
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Tatcha The Essence (75 ml travel size) comes in around £63 on the Tatcha UK site
The travel size has lasted me two months so far, and I still have some left. So cost per use is a good one with this one, I think.
Would I repurchase it?
I would repurchase this selectively, not automatically. I enjoy it when my skin is calm and I want extra hydration and glow, but it’s not a staple I’d panic without. For me, it’s a nice-to-have rather than a must-have.
Conclusion – Is It Worth the Hype?
My honest review, For me, yes, Rhode Glazing Milk really does live up to the hype. It’s not just another celebrity skincare launch; it actually delivers. The lightweight milky texture sinks in beautifully, it’s fragrance-free (a huge win for sensitive skin), and it leaves my complexion feeling hydrated, soothed, and calm. I love how it gives that “glazed doughnut” glow on no-makeup days, but it also layers perfectly under makeup without pilling. When you apply the glazing milk, you feel that it's a luxury product. I like to apply the glazing throughout the day if I my skin is suffering badly and I can see instant improvements. It just calms and shows less red when I use this consistently.
The ingredients are well thought out with ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and that mineral trio (magnesium, zinc, copper) all work together to support the skin barrier while adding hydration and glow. I should mention it is runnier than I expected and but the bottle has a good system to not let too much product out at a time. If you want a generous amount, it does take a little bit of time but this is way less wasteful.
It's meant to be applied with the tapping method, which takes a bit of getting used to, but I can see it does help get the product in. But between you and me, I have used it the normal way and it works just fine.
The clean, minimal packaging feels modern and fresh, and I like that it’s functional as well as Instagram-worthy.
Who else will love it
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Dry or sensitive skin types looking for calming hydration
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Anyone chasing that glossy, glass-skin finish
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Skincare minimalists who want an easy prep step before serums and moisturiser
Who might skip it?
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Very oily skin types who prefer matte finishes
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Those looking for heavy treatment (this is more about barrier support and glow than acne or anti-ageing)
Final thoughts
Overall, I’m impressed. My skin looks calmer, plumper, and more hydrated since adding it into my routine, and it’s one of those products that actually makes me want to use it every morning and night. If you’re after radiant, healthy-looking skin, Rhode’s Glazing Milk is a solid investment for your routine if you have skin problems like me. I do think it works best as a long game product rather than an instant relief, but you will find some instant relief. This is made to work long-term. Use it under makeup and worn alone, you can't really fault this product. It's really good.
It’s not a holy grail I’d panic without, but it’s one I genuinely enjoy, and I can see myself repurchasing when I’m in a dry, dull-skin phase or want that effortless glow.
FAQs
Is Rhode Glazing Milk worth it?
If you enjoy lightweight hydration and a glazed skin finish, yes. If you need barrier repair or heavy moisture, probably not.
Is Rhode Glazing Milk sticky?
It can feel slightly tacky initially, but it settles well once layered with moisturiser or makeup.
Can acne-prone skin use Rhode Glazing Milk?
Some acne-prone skin types may find it too much, especially if layered with richer products.
Is it good under makeup?
Yes, it works very well as a hydrating prep step under foundation and concealer.
Is it similar to other milky essences?
Yes, it sits in the same category as other milky hydrating essences, offering comfort and glow rather than active treatment.
About the author
Hi, I’m Laura, the blogger behind MissLJBeauty. I’ve been writing honest beauty and skincare reviews for over 15 years, with a focus on real-life wear testing, sensitive and combination skin, and products that actually earn their place in a routine. Expect practical verdicts, not salesy hype.
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