Here’s Why Prada Beauty Lipsticks Aren’t Just Another Overpriced Designer Product

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When Prada Beauty burst onto the scene in fall 2023, the collection made the only entrance appropriate for a highly-anticipated designer beauty label: on the runway, of course. The line debuted on models during Prada’s spring 2024 show in Milan, where glossy eyelids juxtaposed with matte, lived-in lips for an attainable take on an editorial look. Since debuting at retailers like Nordstrom earlier this year, Prada lipsticks have become the line’s breakout star, not only selling out but also making a cameo in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” music video. Given the buzz — and a limited-time deal on a Prada Lipstick set during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale — our WWD Shop editors have been testing out Prada Beauty lipstick to write this review.

The Prada Beauty lip collection includes three formulations: a lip balm that primes your smile for a swipe of color, the buildable Soft Matte lipstick, and the intensely pigmented Hyper Matte lipstick. Based on tester reviews and inventory at Sephora and Nordstrom, the Monochrome Soft Matte Lipstick is the crown jewel of the trio, likely because it creates a blurred, soft-edged lip look that we’ve seen trend on runways and red carpets. Each Prada lipstick is available in 18 shades that range from earthy pink to peach and burgundy red.

Beyond formulation, Prada Beauty’s packaging prioritizes sustainability without sacrificing a luxury feel: The weighty metallic lipsticks are refillable, with refill bullets going for $40 versus $50 for the lipstick case and formula.

Still on the fence? Read our Prada lipstick testing review, below.

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How We Tested & Reviewed Prada Lipsticks

Prada Lipstick Review — Editor Testing Notes

Lipstick is similar to mascara in that a luxury iteration often provides results that are only a hair better than their best drugstore counterparts. When I’m spending my own cash on beauty products, I’m more likely to invest in face serums and save on statement-making lipstick colors that I’ll only wear for a bold look once in a blue moon. Prada Beauty’s lipsticks have entirely changed my mind. After testing five shades — including a rich mahogany I’d usually never pluck for my fair complexion — I’m convinced that these matte lipsticks are worth the investment for the shade range alone.

When you scroll through the swatches of Prada Beauty lipsticks, you’ll see notice that the range includes classic pink lipsticks and true reds. But my favorite shades in the line fall more in the middle; Prada Beauty has aced the undertones of hard-to-pull-off lip colors like peach, taupe, and auburn to make your next statement lip look, well, more of a statement.

I’ve tested both the Prada Beauty Hyper Matte lipstick and the Soft Matte Lipstick, and you can expect a similar velvety-soft texture from each. Where they differ is in color payoff. The Soft Matte version is more apropos for daytime wear or lived-in lip looks — it has a mild intensity that you can build up with a few swipes, and easily smudge out with your fingertips. The Hyper Matte, on the other hand, offers ultra-rich color payoff that looks fully done with one coat. While I’ve been loving the Soft Matte for pared-back glam this summer, the Hyper Matte will be on high rotation in my beauty routine this holiday season.

My biggest takeaway from testing the Prada Beauty lipsticks is that prep work is essential. These are matte lipsticks, which are notoriously unforgiving on chapped lips, so I recommend massaging on a lip scrub and moisturizing your lips about 30 minutes before you apply either formula. That way, you have a soft, supple surface that helps extend the wear time. I wore the Hyper Matte lipstick out for dinner and drinks, and it stayed put for six hours of snacking and sipping. Even as the pigments started to fade, my lips were left with a soft stain.

If you’re interested in testing both lipstick formulas, Prada Beauty is included in Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale beauty deals: The Prada Beauty Clutch Gift Set offers $250 worth of pink and red lipsticks, plus a cute case, for $190.

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Meet the Author

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness and regularly reports on luxury lipsticks from brands like Prada Beauty. Sullivan personally tested Prada’s lipstick in five shades over the course of six months to write this review.