The Rhode Summer Collection 2026 is here and it has 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’ve narrowed everything down and if you’re trying to decide on your best bronzer shade I’ve got 4 of them swatched and lots of comparisons below. A quick note now that I have a blush now that summer is here – I don’t mix shades anymore and I can wear Dior Forever Perfect Foundation Stick in 3N or 3WO without blending 2.5. I’m still Chanel Les Beiges BD41.
Pocket Bronze
Rhode Pocket Bronze ($25 each) really surprised me because I didn’t expect to like it more than Dior or Westman Atelier (with a cream formula). I still find the other two formulas very good but the Rhode Pocket Bronze is the hardest to apply and blend into the skin. It’s creamy and blends with natural looking bronze.
Comparing formulas, Rhode is the creamiest, Dior is the richest, Westman Atelier is in between. I think the biggest challenge with bronzer is finding the right undertone. Many of you prefer neutral or cool while I usually prefer warm colors. This launch I was surprised to find that it was too golden and ended up too yellow for me.
If you’re my skin twin, here’s how the 4 shades I bought compare. Also wearing 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 by Essie Geranium, Hoop Earrings Mejuri.
Pebble – a very neutral undertone
Sip – warm gold, but pulls a bit yellow for me
Sunbed – my perfect summer bronzer (my favorite)
Bake – warm red undertones in that sunny look
Note that I have a tan now! I’m probably at least 1.5 darker than I usually am. I still think Sunbed would be my pick for my winter skin tone.
See the comparison below for Dior Forever Skin Bronze Sticks (reviewhere), Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Duos (swatcheshere), Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Sticks (I picked up a few of the new shades to try and they really pulled me pink) and Merit Bronze Balm.
The Pocket Double Sided Brush ($25) is really nice and blends the cream well. I still have mixed feelings about double ended brushes because of the last problem. You really need to keep this styler down on the counter so you don’t disturb the bristles.
Highlight Milk – Luminizer
I also love the Gliplight Milk Luminizer ($28). I’ve been a big fan of the regular version and I think the highlighter variant is a great addition to the Rhode range. This is a little runny and the shimmer looks natural. It’s not thick or greasy, it’s the most natural of the luminizer/mixers I’ve tried. In a quick texture comparison I feel like L’Oreal Glotion is thicker and more shiny, Armani Fluid Sheers is sheerer and more emollient, Saie Super Gel has a completely different texture.
I tried all four shades, and my favorites are Shade 01 and Shade 02. Shade 03 makes my skin too dark for me, and Shade 04 is too deep for me at the moment. You can apply these all over the face, combined with moisturizer or foundation. My favorite way to apply is to mix with foundation. The finish is naturally radiant without looking frosty or shiny.
Peptide Lip Tint
And I couldn’t resist the limited edition Peptide Lip Tint ($20). At the moment they seem to be the only ones in Rhode and they sell a lot. Every color is a beautiful variation of a perfect nude tan. I really hope Rhode will restock them or consider making them permanent. It is sad to love something so limited.
You can find the collection now at Sephora and Rhode.