Paco Rabanne have just undergone a pretty significant rebrand. While the name 'Rabanne' is here to stay, 'Paco' is gone, signalling a new era for the fashion and fragrance house - they’re shaking things up, and the industry, it would seem, are listening. Enter Rabanne beauty, an edit of pigments, eyeshadow palettes, mascaras and lip colours which dropped exclusively at Selfridges last week. Its MO? An intergalactic inspired collection that oozes avant-garde cool. The label have translated their fashion fabrics into beauty- there's finishes and hues of matte leather, metal foil, sparkling lustre and gloss vinyl. It’s this new vision that looks set to pack a punch among the beauty set.
'I think we're seeing a move away from filters and unattainable beauty,' says legendary make-up artist and Rabanne's newly appointed global beauty creative director Diane Kendal. 'With this in mind the collection seeks to celebrate what it means to be imperfect, and to have fun with make-up. It's genderless, and it's joyful, and there's something suited to every taste.'
It's no wonder then, that Rabanne’s newest beauty range is being touted as gold-standard - it’s already selling out on the Selfridges website and industry heavy weights like Nikki Wolff are waxing lyrical about it on social media. Spoiler alert: I’m in no way surprised. These products look, feel and perform like the epitome of luxury.
Scroll on for my full review of each and every product.
Shop: Rabanne Beauty 2023
www.selfridges.com
Housed in a glinting silver compact and available in four dazzling colourways, this palette ticks serious boxes. Choose between a matte or lustre finish to line the waterline, perfect a feline flick or sculpt the eye crease. In terms of favourites I'm erring towards the more subtle gold-meets-bronze hues of the ‘No More Drama’ which, unsurprisingly, brings lashings of drama thanks to the pigment pay-off - it's truly among the best I’ve used. High praise indeed.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Be careful not to overload your brush - a little goes a long way
www.selfridges.com
Sheer, subtle, and suited to all skin tones, if you’re a fan of the Dior lip oil then this one could be your new go-to. Just a glide over the top of parched lips moisturises and provides an ultra–glossy finish that lasts from dusk ‘till dawn thanks to nourishing hyaluronic acid and plumping pomegranate. This one will certainly become a handbag staple for me - it makes for the perfect glossy lip.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- While moisture and gloss will remain, you'll need to reapply frequently to keep the colour going strong
www.selfridges.com
This one? It’s not to be slept upon. Not only did it leave my complexion with a soft, radiant glow but the infusion of excellent skincare makes this foundation worth the money for me. It’s made with avocado oil - an ingredient well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for a more plumped up, perfected skin over time. If you purchase one thing from the range? Make it this.
Pros
- 30ml
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It's not for those who like a full coverage base
www.selfridges.com
I’m, admittedly, a mascara snob, but this one has impressed me no end. It’s blacker than black and left my lashes looking long, fanned out and voluminous - not a clump in sight.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Work quickly - it doesn't take long to dry
www.selfridges.com
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a clear lash primer could be a waste of money - but that’s where you’d be wrong. While it can be worn as a base layer to Rabanne’s mascara, I’ve been using it as a nourishing overnight mask for my lashes. It took a while, but they appeared more boosted in volume and definition in around six weeks.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Results aren't instant
www.selfridges.com
While the idea of a silvery mascara laden with glitter might, understandably, fill you with terror, this might just be my new favourite thing. While you can wear it over a black mascara for a high contrast, ultra-glam finish, I adore how it looks on bare lashes. A single sweep (and no more) adds length and a barely there shimmer that will catch the light beautifully. An unexpected hero.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
Cons
- Too much can leave lashes with a slightly white cast
www.selfridges.com
Available in an impressive 12 shades, Rabanne’s matte hydrating lipstick is a treat to wear. From siren reds to your-lips-but-better nudes, just a slick leaves behind softly moisturised lips that look instantly plumper and smoother. The shade 'Idea Fixee' is my personal favourite.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Nothing! It's a dream.
www.selfridges.com
There’s highlighters and then there’s Rabanne’s Liquid Shot. Not one for beauty wallflowers, just a small amount of this highly pigmented formula will leave your skin positively gleaming. The impact? Trust me when I say that this one achieves a megawatt shine. Use it alone or on top of make-up for a glow-laden sheen that could be seen from space. Almost.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- There's not much room for error - it's hard to remove.
www.selfridges.com
Something of a stand out for those who wish to up the ante, these loose metallic pigments are perfect for creating a blown-out silvery eye look. The key? Not focusing on precision. This one is all about a perfectly imperfect finish.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Loose pigments? They can be pretty messy
www.selfridges.com
Rabanne’s other eye colour offering features a soft, creamy formula that blends well using the warmth of your finger tips. Press the pigment into the inner corner of your lid then blend out for a gradient finish. It’s available in 11 beautifully blendable shades, but my favourite belongs to ‘My Bad,’ - it’s the perfect deep brown.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not one for those with oilier lids
www.selfridges.com
Mini eye-shadow. Big impact. This dinky eye-shadow palette combines two contrasting shades in contrasting finishes - matte and shiny- to deliver dazzling eye-makeup looks every time. It’s the perfect size to use on the go.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
www.selfridges.com
The most daring of the bunch, Rabanne's glitter bomb, is for those who want a more-is-more look. Hold an arms length away for a pearly shimmer veil or closer for an unabashed, full glamour finish.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It's an aerosol
Our Verdict
Rachael Martin, junior beauty editor:
We see a lot of new launches on the Grazia beauty desk, so for a brand to really pique our interest it has to be something special. Like Prada’s newest beauty range before it, Rabanne beauty is a must-try for make-up aficionados. The products feel weighty and luxurious, plus they apply beautifully thanks to the dense pigments and silky formulas. While several products won't feature in the daily routine of most (I’m looking to the Shimmer Bomb Spray) Rabanne Beauty doesn't scrimp on the creativity and there are still plenty of everyday staples sure to see you right. The stand out for me? The foundation. Glossy, glowy radiance with just a sweep. Try it, and you won't regret it.
How We Tested It
Rachael says: 'I was first able to sneak a peek at Rabanne’s make-up offering a few months ago while in Paris on a press trip for the brand. Initial impressions? ‘Wow!’ - and it’s safe to say I couldn’t wait to put the products the test. Since then I’ve been swatching, swiping, blotting and blending at every excuse. Cocktails with the girls? It’s a sweep of Rabbane Famous Glitterizer top coat mascara. No make-up glossy skin? I reached for Rabanne Fresh Touch Hydrating Foundation. I tried to incorporate a new product as often as possible over the course of a couple of months - there’s a fair few after all.
Overall rating
This luxury range really, really, delivers. It’s a 5 out of 5 from me.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.