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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Lifestyle
Rachel Pugh

Ariana Grande has opened a huge Manchester store after her 'unrecognisable' transformation

Pop sensation and honorary Mancunian Ariana Grande has opened up a huge cosmetics counter in Manchester just weeks after sharing a make-up-free selfie where she looked almost unrecognisable. The pop sensation launched her make-up brand r.e.m. beauty in 2019.

After years of developing the brand and wearing the products herself, Ariana Grande has brought it to Manchester. Anyone who wants to buy r.e.m. beauty products can do so by heading to Selfridges in the Trafford Centre.

Inside the beauty hall you'll find the large r.e.m. beauty section - which is easy to spot thanks to its futuristic space-like feel. Adorned with pictures of Ariana wearing various futuristic make-up looks, and silvery grey packaging that wouldn't look of place on a (very stylish) spaceship, the store definitely has a feel of its own, and stands out amongst the various high-end beauty counters in Selfridges.

READ MORE: Major high-street store is stocking full-size perfume made by Jo Malone for £15.99

The store design references r.e.m.'s initial references to vintage make-up ads from the 50s and 60s, space warriors (Ariana is a fan of the film B arbarella ) and dreamy, mist-covered landscapes. Like a streetwear brand, r.e.m. beauty arrives in a series of drops, or in this case, chapters.

The r.e.m Trafford Centre counter (Rachel Pugh)

The first drop, Selfridges says, is (unsurprisingly) focused on the eyes, where you’ll find ultra-fine liners, luminous eyeshadows, mascara and feline-shaped false lashes to get that ultimate ‘Ari eye’. Chapter Two introduced skincare, with viral favourites like the Cooling Blurring Under Eye Balm (a tub is sold every 12 seconds it is AMAZING, and instantly makes you look like you've had a full night's sleep), as well as instant plumping lip glosses and Ariana's iconic eyeliner.

I was particularly impressed with the wide and diverse range of foundations available to buy. The very helpful store assistants told me there are more than 60 shades available - including black and white colours so you can colour match perfectly to your skin.

There are more than 60 skin shades in the r.e.m. range (Rachel Pugh)

As well as make-up to purchase, the counter is also offering make-overs so you can look exactly like Ariana Grande herself. The beauty menu has been created by Ariana's personal make-up artist Ash K Holm.

Ariana Grande's r.e.m. lip colours are highly pigmented (Rachel Pugh MEN)

If you want one of the makeovers you're advised to call or pre-book ahead. You'll be able to redeem the cost of a makeover (price depends on the style you choose) against make-up in store.

Speaking about the Manchester launch, Ariana Grande, said: “The first time I tested and wore any of our r.e.m. formulas publicly was live on stage at The O2 arena in London during the sweetener tour in 2019, so 3 years later it’s incredibly special and meaningful to be finally launching the brand here in the UK, especially with Selfridges, who are synonymous with beauty and who such a respected institution.

I was really impressed by the Ariana Grande eyelashes (Rachel Pugh)

"So I’m beyond excited, honoured and thankful. Now, more than ever, physical retail and having that touch-point where people can see, feel and test and experience the products first hand is so important.

"I absolutely adore the Selfridges service menu of looks that will be available in-store from launch. Please please come by and see the teams, or book an appointment online if you‘d like the full r.e.m beauty experience!"

You can find r.e.m. beauty on the Selfridges website and inside Trafford Centre Selfridges now.

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