A Deep Dive into the REM Beauty Wicked Collection

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Have you ever looked at a classic Disney villain and felt a tiny bit of… envy? That confidence. That dramatic flair. That unapologetic power.

Most of us are taught to be the hero. To be nice, to be soft, to be good. But sometimes, it’s fun to tap into a different side of ourselves. A side that’s a little bolder, a little darker, and a whole lot more dramatic.

That’s exactly the feeling that Ariana Grande and her makeup brand, REM Beauty, want you to explore with their Wicked Collection. This isn’t your everyday, natural “no-makeup” makeup. This is a call to embrace your inner villain, to play with colour, and to express a more powerful, mysterious version of you.

Also Read: Sigma Beauty Brushes: Pro Artist Secrets for Building Your Perfect Brush Collection

But is this collection just a gimmick, or is it a serious set of makeup you’ll love using? I’ve got my hands on the key pieces to give you the full, honest story. Let’s dive into the magic and mayhem.

First, What is the “Wicked” Vibe All About?

Before we talk about the lipsticks and eyeshadows, we need to understand the story. The “Wicked” collection is inspired by the world of villains, fairy tales, and fantasy. Think Maleficent’s dark elegance, the Evil Queen’s dramatic poise, or the sass of a modern-day anti-heroine.

The colours are deep, rich, and often have a mystical twist. We’re talking emerald greens, deep purples, shimmery silvers, and berry-stained lips. It’s about creating a look that tells a story.

This collection is for:

• Anyone who loves a bold lip.
• Anyone who wants to try more colourful eyeshadow.
• Anyone who wants to feel a little more powerful and confident when they go out.
• Fans of Ariana Grande’s music and her unique, modern-vintage style.

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Meet the Stars of the Show: The Key Products

Let’s look at the main products in the Wicked collection and what they’re really like to use.

1. The Wicked Liquid Eyeshadow

This is often the star of the show. It’s a liquid eyeshadow that comes in a little tube with a wand applicator, much like a lip gloss.

• What It Does: It gives you intense, shiny, metallic colour with just one swipe. The pigments are very strong, so you get a lot of impact for very little effort.
• The Shades: Think of colours like “Wicked” (a deep emerald green), “Villain” (a royal purple), and “Spell” (a shimmery silver). These are not your everyday neutral shades!
• How It Feels: It feels wet when you first apply it, but it dries down. It doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on your eyelids.
• Pro Tip: For the best results, just put one layer on your eyelid and don’t rub it until it’s dry. This will give you a smooth, even, and super shiny finish. You can find tutorials on how to apply liquid shadow on Space NK’s blog.

2. The Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette

If you prefer powder eyeshadow, this palette is for you. It’s a collection of shades that let you create a full, wicked-inspired eye look.

• What’s Inside: You get a mix of matte (non-shiny) and shimmer (sparkly) shades. The colours are a curated story of purples, greys, blacks, and pops of blue and green.
• How It Performs: The shadows are soft and easy to blend. The darker colours are especially good – they aren’t patchy, which can be a problem with some cheaper eyeshadows.
• Who It’s For: This is great for someone who likes to build their look and play with different combinations. It gives you more control than the liquid shadows.

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3. The Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream

A bold eye needs a bold lip. The Lip Soufflés in this collection have perfectly matching, dramatic shades.

• What It Is: It’s a liquid lipstick that goes on creamy and dries down to a velvety, matte finish.
• The Shades: Names like “Possessed” (a deep berry) and “Villain Era” (a dark plum) give you a clue – these are deep, statement colours.
• How It Feels: It’s comfortable for a matte lipstick. It doesn’t feel super drying, but like all matte liquid lipsticks, it’s a good idea to make sure your lips are smooth beforehand. Putting on a little lip balm 10 minutes before applying your makeup can help.

How to Actually Wear “Wicked” Makeup (Without Feeling Silly)

I know what you’re thinking. “A full face of purple eyeshadow and dark lips is a bit much for a Tuesday at the office.” And you’re right! But the secret is, you don’t have to use it all at once. Here’s how to make these powerful products work for real life.

The “Softly Wicked” Approach: Just a Hint of Villainy

You don’t need to go all out. You can just add a touch of the collection to your normal makeup.

• A Pop of Colour: Use the Wicked Liquid Eyeshadow just in the very centre of your eyelid over your normal eyeshadow. This will add a beautiful, magical sparkle that catches the light, but isn’t too overwhelming.
• A Dark Lip, Simple Eyes: Wear one of the dark Lip Soufflés with very simple eye makeup. Just a coat of mascara and some groomed eyebrows will look amazing and balanced. This is a classic, chic look.
• Use the Dark Shades as Eyeliner: You can use a small brush with a dark eyeshadow from the palette to create a soft, smudgy eyeliner. It’s much softer and easier than using a black liquid liner.

The “Full Villain” Look: For When You Want to Make a Statement

For a night out, a party, or just a day when you’re feeling extra confident, go for it!

• Smoky Dramatic Eyes: Use the Midnight Shadows Palette to create a deep, smoky eye using the purples or greys. Blend the colour outwards for a winged, dramatic effect.
• Bold Lip Combination: Pair your dramatic eyes with a matching dark lip. A berry eye with a berry lip can look incredibly modern and powerful.
• Sparkle All Over: Don’t be afraid to use the shimmery shades on your eyes, and even a little on your cheekbones as a highlighter. The key is to blend well so it looks intentional, not messy.

The REM Beauty Philosophy: What Makes It Special?

REM Beauty isn’t just another celebrity makeup brand. Ariana Grande has talked a lot about how makeup is a form of self-expression and therapy for her. It’s a way to create characters and explore different parts of your personality.

The Wicked collection is a perfect example of this. It’s not about looking “pretty” in a traditional way. It’s about feeling powerful, creative, and in charge. The packaging is also very sleek and feels luxurious, which adds to the whole experience.

Is the Quality Worth the Price?

Let’s be honest, high-quality makeup isn’t cheap. So, is the Wicked collection good value?

• The Positives: The pigments are excellent. You get a lot of colour payoff, which means the products will last you a long time. The liquid eyeshadows, in particular, are very unique and hard to find at a lower price point with the same quality.
• Things to Consider: If you only wear very natural, neutral makeup, this might not be the most practical collection for you. It’s designed for people who want to play and make a statement.

Think of it as an investment in your creativity and confidence. Buying one or two key pieces, like a liquid shadow and a lip soufflé, can be a great way to start without spending a fortune.

Your Quick-Start Guide to the Wicked Collection

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a simple plan:

1. Start Small: If you’re new to bold makeup, buy one Wicked Liquid Eyeshadow in your favourite colour (green, purple, or silver). It’s the easiest way to get a big impact with minimal skill.
2. Go for the Lips: If you already love a bold lip, choose a Lip Soufflé in a deep shade. It will feel familiar but still exciting.
3. Go All In: If you’re a makeup lover, the Midnight Shadows Palette gives you the most options to create endless looks.

You can browse the entire collection and see the shades for yourself on the REM Beauty official website. It’s also available in the UK through retailers like Cult Beauty.

Conclusion: Should You Unleash Your Inner Villain?

The REM Beauty Wicked Collection is more than just makeup. It’s an invitation to be brave, to be creative, and to have fun with your look. It reminds us that makeup isn’t about hiding, but about revealing different parts of who we are.

You don’t have to be a makeup expert to use it. Start with a little sparkle on your eyes or a bold lip colour. See how it makes you feel. You might just discover that your inner villain is the most confident, powerful, and exciting version of you.

So, go on. Don’t be afraid to be a little wicked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the Wicked Collection just for Halloween or can I wear it in daily life?
While the collection has a dramatic, fantasy-inspired theme, it’s absolutely designed for year-round use. The key is in the application. A full face of emerald green shadow and deep plum lipstick makes a powerful statement for a night out, but the individual products are versatile. You can use the Midnight Shadows Palette to create a soft, smoky eye with the taupe and grey shades for daytime, or simply add a tiny dot of the Wicked Liquid Eyeshadow to the centre of your lid over a neutral base for a subtle, ethereal sparkle. The collection encourages creativity beyond a single holiday.

2. I have mature skin. Will these bold, metallic products emphasize fine lines and wrinkles?
This is a common concern, and the answer depends on the product and technique. The matte shades in the Midnight Shadows Palette are actually excellent for mature eyelids, as they don’t draw attention to texture. For the Wicked Liquid Eyeshadows, the trick is to use a good eyeshadow primer to create a smooth canvas and to avoid applying a thick, unblended layer, which can settle into creases. Instead, apply a thin layer and let it dry completely. A bold, well-applied lip colour like the Lip Soufflé can be incredibly lifting and empowering, drawing attention to your smile rather than any fine lines.

3. How does the quality of REM Beauty compare to other high-end brands like Charlotte Tilbury or Pat McGrath?
REM Beauty positions itself as a “prestige” brand, sitting at a slightly more accessible price point than ultra-luxury brands. The quality is consistently high, with strong pigmentation and modern, user-friendly formulas. Where it differs is in its aesthetic philosophy. While Charlotte Tilbury focuses on “dolce vita” glamour and Pat McGrath on high-fashion artistry, REM Beauty is rooted in pop culture, fantasy, and personal identity. You’re paying for excellent performance packaged with a specific, character-driven point of view that feels younger and more playful.

4. The dark lip colours are stunning, but I’m scared of them feathering. How can I prevent that?
Feathering (or bleeding) is a common issue with deep, matte lip colours. To achieve a crisp, flawless application, follow these steps:

1. Exfoliate and Hydrate: Start with smooth lips. Gently exfoliate, then apply a hydrating lip balm. Let it sink in for 10 minutes, then blot away any excess.
2. Use a Lip Liner: This is the most crucial step. Line and fill your entire lips with a lip liner that matches the Lip Soufflé shade. This creates a waxy, coloured base that “locks in” the liquid lipstick and prevents it from migrating.
3. Apply Precisely: Use the doe-foot applicator carefully to fill in the lips, staying within the lined border.
   This technique ensures your bold lip look stays sharp and perfect for hours.

5. Are the Wicked Liquid Eyeshadows easy to remove, or will they stain my eyelids?
Due to the high concentration of vibrant pigments, some of the deeper shades (like the emerald green and royal purple) have the potential to cause slight temporary staining, especially on fair skin. This is a common trait of highly-pigmented colour cosmetics and is not unique to REM Beauty. The most effective removal method is to use a dual-phase eye makeup remover or a cleansing balm. Soak a cotton pad, hold it against your closed eyelid for 20-30 seconds to dissolve the product, and then gently wipe away. Avoid harsh rubbing, as this can irritate the skin and push pigment into the pores.

6. I’m very fair / have a deep skin tone. Will these colours work for me?
The Wicked Collection is surprisingly inclusive across the skin tone spectrum. For fair skin, the darker shades can create a beautiful, high-contrast gothic or fairy-tale look. The key is to blend meticulously. The silvers, taupes, and lighter purples in the palette can also create stunning, softer looks. For deep skin tones, these rich pigments truly come alive. The emerald green, royal purple, and deep berry lip colours will appear vibrant and luminous against darker skin, offering a regal and powerful aesthetic that can sometimes look muted on lighter complexions.

7. What is the staying power of these products, especially on oily skin?
The performance is generally excellent, but preparation is key for oily skin types.

• Liquid Eyeshadows: On their own, they have good longevity. For oily eyelids, a dedicated eyeshadow primer is non-negotiable. This will prevent creasing and fading, locking the shadow in place for 8+ hours.
• Lip Soufflés: As matte liquid lipsticks, they have exceptional staying power through eating and drinking. They are transfer-resistant once fully dry.
• Eyeshadow Palette: The powder shadows have good pigment payoff and will last well with a primer. Without a primer, those with oily lids may experience some fading in the crease after several hours.

8. Can I use the Wicked Liquid Eyeshadow as eyeliner?
Yes, and this is a fantastic pro-tip for a more subtle way to incorporate the colour! The precise doe-foot applicator allows you to draw a thin line along your upper lash line. You can create a classic thin line or a dramatic wing. Because the formula is a liquid shadow, the finish will be shimmery and metallic rather than a flat matte, which adds a unique, eye-catching detail. For the sharpest line, use a separate, fine-tipped eyeliner brush to smooth and perfect the shape.

9. What makes this collection different from other “dark” or “alternative” makeup lines?
The key differentiator is its accessibility and mainstream appeal. While brands like Melt Cosmetics or Necromancy Cosmetica dive deep into the goth and alternative scene, the REM Beauty Wicked Collection is filtered through Ariana Grande’s pop star sensibility. It’s “villain” makeup that is still approachable, wearable, and glamorous. It draws inspiration from Disney and fantasy in a way that feels nostalgic and fun, rather than intimidating or subcultural. It’s dark makeup for people who might not identify with the traditional “alt” aesthetic.

10. I only want to buy one or two items. What are the most versatile pieces in the collection?
If you’re looking to dip your toes in, the most impactful and versatile single product is a Wicked Liquid Eyeshadow in a shade like “Villain” (purple) or “Spell” (silver). With one swipe, it gives you a complete, high-impact eyelid look. For a more customizable option, the Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette offers the most value, as it contains a range of shades from wearable taupes to dramatic blacks and purples, allowing you to create everything from a soft daytime smoky eye to a full, dramatic villain look.