Samantha Bartlett, Assistant Editor at Social News, tested the Fenty Skin Lux Balm Ultra-Hydrating Cherry Lip Balm, a product from the ongoing collaboration between rapper A$AP Rocky and Rihanna's Fenty Skin line. The unisex lip treatment, which retails for around £16 for a 5g twist-up stick, is designed to instantly revive and protect dry, chapped lips.
Fenty's Inclusive Beauty Legacy
Rihanna, 38, rose to fame in 2003 after being discovered by record producer Evan Rogers. She went on to a successful music career with hits such as Umbrella, We Found Love, Only Girl, Don't Stop the Music and Disturbia. Over the past decade, she has shifted focus from music to build a billion-dollar retail empire, pursue Hollywood acting roles, and focus on motherhood.
One of the major brands contributing to her success is Fenty. Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin launched in 2017 in partnership with luxury conglomerate LVMH. The makeup line famously changed the beauty industry by debuting with 40 inclusive foundation shades, and Rihanna's beauty empire remains a primary focus, actively teasing new product drops. Nine years on, it is still going strong.
A$AP Rocky's Continued Collaboration
Rapper and Rihanna's long-term partner A$AP Rocky has been teaming up with the star for limited-edition Fenty Skin collaborations since 2020. One product he has attached his name to is the Fenty Skin Lux Balm Ultra-Hydrating Cherry Lip Balm, which Bartlett put to the test.
The product is formulated to immediately drench lips in rich moisture and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier all day. Unlike high-shine glosses or oils, the lip balm gives a clear, velvety, minimal-shine finish that looks natural on anyone. Bartlett noted it is perfect for daily use to bring moisture back into the lips. The lightweight, sheer formula makes it suitable to wear alone or as a smooth base to prime lips before lipstick application.
Packaging and Value
Bartlett described the packaging as chic and much more stylish than a typical lip balm found at a supermarket. While acknowledging it is pricier than a Nivea option, she concluded that for the smooth formula, great moisture, and sleek packaging, it is worth the money.
Bartlett's test comes as A$AP Rocky (real name Rakim Athelston Mayers) released a new Fenty Skin campaign titled "Don't Be Dumb," tied to his album branding. The campaign positions the rapper as a charismatic street salesman pitching essential skincare products inside a traditional beauty salon.
New Products in the Collection
The collaborative collection features individual products and bundles available directly on the official brand platform. This includes the Fenty Skin Lux Balm Hydrating Moisture Barrier Lip Balm, a newly formulated, limited-edition coconut-flavoured lip balm infused with shea butter and vitamin E, designed to soften lips and reinforce the moisture barrier for up to eight hours.
Also part of the line is the A$AP Rocky x Fenty Skin SPF Moisturiser and exclusive case, which is the brand's signature Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF 30 Moisturiser packaged with a custom hair roller case designed personally by A$AP Rocky. Shoppers can also get a complete set that packages the moisturiser, the custom case, and the lip balm together with an exclusive keychain accessory.
Where to Buy Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin in the UK
Authentic Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin products are available in the UK from several major high street retailers, department stores, and online beauty platforms. In-store and online retailers include Boots, available at Boots.com and physically across major Boots UK flagship locations; Sephora UK, available on the official website and inside physical storefronts such as the flagship Sephora London East branch at Westfield Stratford; and Space NK, available online and in-store at select nationwide locations.
Premium department stores include Harvey Nichols, which sells the full collection across its nationwide stores and on HarveyNichols.com; Selfridges, available at major destinations like Selfridges London on Oxford Street; and John Lewis, which sells both skincare and cosmetic lines online and at selected physical department counters. Online-only authorised retailers include the Fenty Beauty UK official site, which provides local customer service and direct shipping; Cult Beauty; and LookFantastic, which stocks major product lines including skincare, makeup, and newer haircare releases.
