Prada Beauty Makeup Is Just As Chic (And Heavenly!) As You'd Expect

Slick mascaras, sheer shimmers, and punchy runway colour. Prada’s first foray into makeup is, well, very Prada.

Known for their cool aesthetic and quiet rebellion, Prada Beauty's approach to makeup feels just as considered.

The packaging is architectural, the formulas are skincare-infused, and the colours toe the line between wearable and artful. Everything - from the softly radiant bases to the sculptural lipstick bullets - feels designed to sit on your vanity and your grid. Rooted in experimentation, the collection still feels wearable, luxurious, and distinctly Prada.

So, in the spirit of nada to Prada - I put a full face of Prada Beauty formulas to the test.


Prada Beauty Makeup marks the fashion house’s highly anticipated expansion into the world of colour cosmetics.

With innovative technology and artistry at the forefront - the brand’s launch focuses on a curated lineup of skin-optimizing foundations, monochrome lipsticks and lush eye palettes all designed to be refillable (sustainable ticks!), high performing and long lasting.Think: warm-toned lipsticks with cool finishes, foundations that flex with your skin tone, and opulent palettes that blend neutrals with striking metallics.

Never have I wanted to Instagram a lip balm more in my life!

Beyond a lip treatment; this balm is an experience. It's encased in a sleek, refillable tube with a magnetic closure (and bougee engraved Prada logo). A cheat-code to levelling (and luxe-ing) up your handbag. The formula is brimming with jojoba oil and bifidus extract to hydrate and nourish. Remember: moisturised lips can contribute to the appearance of fuller, plumper pouts. These lip-loving ingredients also strengthen the lip barrier and offer up to 24 hours of comfort.

From first swipe, it does feel very comfortable and lightweight (no sticky or glossy finish). It does offer a healthy sheen but maintains it's true satin-matte finish. I don't think I've experienced a 'matte' lip balm quite like this before. The ultra-sheer and plush texture, makes for the perfect base under lippie.

It's luxury meets next-level lip care.

I'm a firm believer in the importance of primer (it's the equivalent to shapewear under a tight dress) and this skincare/complexion hybrid further solidifies my affinity. Smooths, plumps and preps.

The lightweight gel consistency glides effortlessly over skin. The texture is slightly grippy (not tacky) ensuring foundation adheres easily for a polished finish and extended wear-time.

Boasting shine-control technology, the finish is equal parts matte and hydrated. It's great for all skin types, particularly oily. The blurring ingredients minimise the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines, leaving behind a soft-focus effect. The primer doesn't impart significant colour correction, though I did note a slight reduction to some redness, particularly around the nose area.

The formula's dosed with AHA, BHA, and LHA's to gently exfoliate and refine skin's texture. Added Panthenol (Vitamin B5) hydrates and moisturises, ensuring a perfectly plump smooth base for foundation to follow.

Throughout the day, the Primer and Foundation duo proved its worth. My makeup applied beautifully and lasted through a full work day (plus happy-hour) without settling into fine lines or fading prematurely. Skin looked fresh and radiant.

If Instagram's iconic Claredon filter was real, it would be this foundation. Iykyk - it's brightening and vibrancy boosting to the max. A few words come to mind here: Soft-focused. Ethereal. Radiant. Just a stunning complexion.

The first thing I noticed is that the formula is thicker than I expected - it definitely feels like a medium to full-coverage foundation. Not the sheer, second-skin textures I typically gravitate towards, which meant a few more pumps of product were needed - but it was beautiful and surprisingly natural nonetheless. I suspect that's thanks to the high-tech IRL Micro-Filter™ Technology that Prada uses to micro-crystallize on the skin. It promises to deliver a soft-focus effect that blurs imperfections and enhances luminosity.

Another skincare hybrid, the formula is dosed with vitamin E, 100% active niacinamide (calming and great for texture) and Lactobacillus Extract Complex to optimise tone and supercharge hydration.

The coverage was rich enough to cover a stubborn blind pimple (and redness) with ease, but to let my natural skin texture and a few freckles shine through. Because the coverage was so great, I was able to forego concealer (my favourite thing ever) and instead tapped in a little extra product (with fingers) around my under eyes. It worked a treat!

This complexion-enhancing, surreal skin foundation may have just converted me to medium coverage - for good.

True to name, it glides on like a dream.

I don't typically opt for kohl liners - I like my wings to be dark and sharp - however I was pleasantly surprised with just how much control and pigment I could achieve with this pencil. It's creamy and ultra-blendable which allowed me to create both precise lines and soft, smudged-out looks with ease. I did have to apply a second layer for a more opaque black finish when tightlining the waterline. Not a biggie but worth flagging.

Also worth flagging, the formula is waterproof, smudge-resistant and ophthalmologist-tested - all those good things. Ingredients like hydrogenated polyisobutene and synthetic wax contribute to a smoother application and non-drying finish.Overall I found the pencil to be longwearing and relatively budge-proof. Again, pleasantly surprised with just how crisp I was able to get my wings.

What: Prada Monochrome Soft Matte Lipstick

Nothing short of art.

Not only are these immaculately packaged (has a prettier lipstick bullet ever existed?!), the formula (feel, finish, longevity) is top notch too.

It's formulated with a Micro-Fit™ Technology designed to deliver a diffused matte finish that feels weightless (it does!) and lasts up to six hours (jury's still out).

There's 13 idyllic shades to choose from - all thoughtfully curated to flatter as many skin and undertones as possible.

Nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and bifidus extract work to condition, soften and improve lip texture over time. It also makes for the slick, silky feel.

To test, I opted for the shade Soft - a delicate, muted pink. I was immediately impressed with the colour pay-off. I'm talking, one swipe and you're done.

The finish was smooth and satin-y, none of that thick pilling or clinging-to-dry-spots that you would typically associate with 'matte'. It's buildable allowing for a subtle tint or a more pronounced colour.

The perfect red lip doesn't exi-

Well, it turns out it does. And it goes by the shade name R27 – Rubino.

Jewel-toned (and boasting a warm undertone), the true red hue commands attention.

It's pigmented lending to an opaque finish - however I personally like to buff it out (using a dabbing motion with fingers) for a diffused, worn in look. Think: French girl chic (or Italian chic, I should say).

Back to the shade - It's SUCH a good red. I think it would be tricky to find someone this shade doesn't flatter. The perfect way to inject colour and warmth into your makeup look.

What: Prada Pradascope - Lash Extending Volume Mascara - 01 Nero

Yes, this is THE viral mascara that has been flooding your feeds. And yes, it is every bit worth the hype.

Drawing inspiration from Prada's Re-Nylon fabric, the mascara features a sleek, tactile tube and an innovative 180° Lift and Grip brush which is crafted from nylon fibers to ensure precise application and separation of each lash. The flexible Micro-Film™ formula envelops lashes in an intense black pigment, delivering up to 10 times buildable volume without clumping.

I applied two thicker layers - starting right at the lashline and zigzagging upwards and outwards - and was thoroughly impressed with the insane volume and lengthening of lashes. I have another favourite mascara that boasts similar volume but can often appear clumpy and 'spider-y'. This finish was polished and touted just the right amount of 'fluttery' volume. There was also no smudging - which is something I often experience with my beloved (but messy) zigzagging technique.

The mascara held up really well throughout the day, there was no flaking, and it held that lifted, curl shape long into the evening. Bonus points for also being a true-black, deep finish.

The formula is also infused with a hyaluronic acid complex to enhance the appearance of lashes but also contribute to their health with each use.

Promising up to 24 hours of wear, it's lightweight, smudge-resistant technology leaves lashes lifted and defined. Not a smudge or flake in sight.