Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty is leaning back into matte lips, but not in the way you might expect. The brand’s new Blur Butter Lip Balm has landed, and as Hypebae puts it, it’s part of a wider move towards “soft-focus, skincare-infused makeup” that prioritises comfort over the typically dry matte finish.
The result is a hybrid product that sits between a balm and a matte lip, designed for everyday wear rather than a high-maintenance look.
Grande says the idea came from a long-running frustration with traditional matte lipsticks. While she’s always liked the look, she’s been open about how uncomfortable they can feel on the lips over time.
The Blur Butter Lip Balm is her answer to that: a softer matte finish that still feels hydrated, with a texture that glides on like a balm but sets into a blurred, diffused effect.
The formula uses plant-based blur powders and mineral pigments, combined with skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid, Monoi de Tahiti, hibiscus, and wakame. It smooths the look of lip texture while keeping lips comfortable, so the finish comes through as soft-focus rather than flat or powdery matte.
There are six shades in the lineup, ranging from bold reds to deeper brown tones. The range is designed to be flexible, so you can wear it sheer for a light wash of colour or build it up for more intensity without losing the balmy feel.
The Blur Butter Lip Balm is priced at US$24 and is available via the brand’s official website. Blur Butter Lip Balm Product Page On social media, the brand is highlighting the texture and finish of the product, showing how it sits on the lips in real time. r.e.m. beauty Instagram
