Ariana Grande Just Told Me the Secret Highlighter She Wore With *That* Versace Dress
I don't think I'll ever be over the fashion feast that was the Wicked press tour. Sorry, but I'm still very much here for method dressing! That said, if I had to pick a favorite look from the jam-packed three-week blip (it felt more like one short day, and I miss it oh so much), it would have to be Ariana Grande's iridescent Atelier Versace gown complete with a Swarovski necklace and—as it turns out—a confidential new highlighter.
"I wore it secretly and subtly as a part of my base and on my body at the Mexico City Wicked premiere because it matched that dress perfectly," Grande tells me about the glow-inducing hero. Just look at how she shines! Today, however, the cat's finally out of the bag, and in a way, it's already gone viral. Scroll ahead for the exclusive info from the good witch herself.
Of course, the highlighter comes from Grande's own brand, R.E.M. Beauty. On January 24, the brand will debut its Dreamglow Highlight Serum in three luminous shades: Goddess, a bronzy solution with a sunkissed effect; Aura, an iridescent, twinkling pearl; and Honeypot, a warm, sparkling champagne. While you could theoretically tap them directly on your cheekbones like a traditional highlighter, they really shine (pun intended) as an allover glimmering base. Apply one to two pumps on bare skin pre-foundation, or feel free to mix it with your complexion product of choice for a more dramatic effect.
"I've been secretly wearing some of these new shades depending on what type of effect I'm going for," Grande continues. Aura, for instance, gives off a dreamy, ethereal aesthetic that "feels so uniquely and specifically R.E.M.," and it was practically made for that shimmering Versace gown. "I've also been wearing the shade Honeypot almost daily as a first step to give me that glowy base," she notes. Essentially, think of it as a hydrating, glow-inducing serum to make you appear lit from within thanks to light-reflecting crystal pigments.
R.E.M. devotees might notice a resemblance to the beloved Galinda Glow Drops from the brand's limited-edition Wicked collection—great eye! Dreamglow has the same exact peptide- and hyaluronic acid–infused formula, Grande tells me. Considering the fact that shoppers have been begging for R.E.M. to make the Glow Drops part of the permanent roster ("I regret discovering it too late because it can't be found anywhere!" one reviewer writes), I expect this new launch will be an instant hit.
Another fan-favorite and sadly out-of-stock formula? R.E.M.'s So Popular pH Adaptive Lip Oil, which reacts to the natural pH level of your lips for a completely unique pink tint. "We always knew we wanted to bring this sort of everyday magic into our core collection," Grande says. After seeing all the online love for the truly captivating shade, she knew it was time to make it a brand staple. Enter three new shades of R.E.M.'s Essential Drip Glossy Balm: Cosmo, a warm, peachy pink; On Ice, a juicy clear; and Cotton Candy, a pH-adaptive shade that transforms from blue to personalized pink. "I love watching it evolve in real time," says Grande of the pH-reactive sorcery.
I ask Grande to select a favorite newcomer (had to!), a task the star deems nearly impossible. The Glossy Balms, after all, are "so essential and delicious," and the Highlight Serums have a depth "[Grande hasn't] seen before in products like this." She shares, "Each of them have multidimensional tones that make them so unique." And we have yet to discuss the brand's ultra-dewy Eclipse Blush & Lip Stick, which now comes in four new shades—stunning coral, bubblegum pink, rosy mauve, and deep terra-cotta. In true Galindafied fashion, they really do fuse to your skin like magic. "Yeah, I am so sorry. I cannot pick!" she admits. I'd recommend keeping a close eye on the early access page so you can scoop up the lot.
Browse the New R.E.M. Beauty Launches
More R.E.M. Products I Love
Jamie Schneider is Who What Wear’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. With over seven years in the industry, she has a penchant for trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative fragrance launches to need-to-know makeup tutorials to celebrity profiles. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Coveteur, and more. When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty finds, Jamie loves exploring vintage boutiques, reading mystery books (bonus points for an unexpected twist), and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.
-
Ebony Obsidian's Six Triple Eight Character Is a Lesson to Us All
Discover the incredible true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
By Jessica Baker
-
Talk About Great Timing: My Friend Told Me Her Favorite Jeans Are From Mango, and Now They're on Sale
In my lucky girl era.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
One of These Victoria Beckham–Approved Eyeliners Sells Every 30 Seconds—It's Time You Joined the Party
I won't rest until I've collected them all.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Millennials, Rejoice! This "Dated" Eyeliner Trend Is Officially Back for 2025
I never thought I'd try this again.
By Jamie Schneider
-
It's Only January, But These 9 Makeup Trends Are Already Taking Over 2025
Each one deserves a spot on your mood board.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Gigi Hadid on Her Fave Fragrance, Her Earliest Beauty Memory, and Why She's a "Classic Taurus"
She's the new face of *this* new scent.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
Demi Moore Won a Golden Globe and the Award for Best Eye Makeup IMO—Here's the 411
It's so timeless.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I'm a Pop Culture–Obsessed Beauty Editor—7 Icons Inspiring My 2025 Makeup Aesthetic
From Drew to Aaliyah.
By Marie Lodi
-
Megan Fox's Makeup Artist Uses This Genius Trick to Create the Glowiest Red Carpet Skin
I'm trying it ASAP.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I Tested So Many Celeb Beauty Brands This Year—These 24 Items Earned My Stamp of Approval
I'm picky.
By Kaitlyn McLintock