Pop icon and actress Ariana Grande made a stunning appearance at the Critics Choice Awards on the evening of 4 January 2026, showcasing a full face of makeup from her own cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty. The star's ethereal, soft glam look, which she shared on Instagram, was anchored by a surprisingly affordable product: the Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker, available for just £16 at Boots.
The Star's Red Carpet Beauty Secret
Grande chose the shade 'Booked n Busy', a soft mauve tone, from her own line for the high-profile event. The lip stain marker, which boasts a unique pen-style applicator, is designed to offer long-lasting colour without drying out the lips. The product can be built up for intensity or sheered out for a subtle wash, promising a natural-looking finish that resists transfer.
Unlike traditional liquid lip stains, the marker tip allows for both liberal application and precise lining. Beauty experts recommend prepping lips with a scrub and balm beforehand to ensure a smooth, hydrated base for the best results. The look can be achieved in multiple ways: blended from the centre for a 'popsicle-stained' effect or used as a solid base under gloss.
Shopper Reviews and Alternative Options
The product has garnered significant attention from consumers. One enthusiastic shopper noted, "Absolutely love this .. stays put for hours no bleeding or smudging," while another praised its use as a lip liner. However, some reviews were mixed, with a few customers reporting issues with longevity or the product drying out quickly.
For those seeking alternatives, the market offers several options with similar applicators or formulas. The KIKO Milano Long Lasting Colour Lip Marker is priced at £12, while Benefit's iconic Benetint, currently on sale for £18 at LookFantastic, provides a buildable, watery stain. Another popular contender is Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading All-Day Lip Stain at £18, which comes in a vast range of 19 shades.
Affordable Beauty in the Spotlight
Ariana Grande's choice to wear and promote her own affordable product on a major red carpet highlights a continuing trend of celebrity beauty lines offering high-quality, accessible options. By demonstrating the £16 lip stain's viability for a black-tie event, she directly connects her brand with both glamour and value. The move is a savvy blend of celebrity endorsement and practical consumer marketing, likely driving significant interest in R.E.M. Beauty's offerings.
The star's full makeup routine from the night provides fans with a step-by-step guide to recreating her acclaimed look, further solidifying the connection between her personal style and her brand's products. This incident underscores how celebrity-founded beauty brands are leveraging their founders' public appearances for authentic, impactful promotion.
