Ariana Grande has taken the world by storm with her music, personality, and, of course, her unmistakable signature look. From her sleek high ponytail to her flawless makeup and chic fashion choices, Ariana’s style has become synonymous with confidence and glamour. Fans worldwide adore her for her ability to effortlessly blend fierce, edgy vibes with soft, feminine touches.
Whether it’s a red-carpet appearance or a casual Instagram post, Ariana Grande’s iconic look is always on point. But what exactly makes her signature style so iconic? And how can you recreate her head-turning look at home? This guide breaks down every element of Ariana’s style—from her high ponytail to her fashion staples—so you can channel your inner pop star in no time.
16 Easy Tips to Achieving Ariana Grande’s Iconic Look
Hair
When you think of Ariana Grande, one of the first things that comes to mind is her iconic high ponytail. This hairstyle has become her trademark, instantly recognizable and always polished. It’s a sleek, elevated look that exudes confidence and sophistication, perfect for casual days and glamorous events. Achieving Ariana’s ponytail not only adds height but also brings an effortlessly chic vibe to any outfit. Here’s how to achieve that flawless, high-volume ponytail she’s known for.
The High Ponytail or Half-Up Half-Down Style
The foundation of Ariana’s look starts with her hairstyle, typically a sleek, sky-high ponytail or a playful half-up half-down style. To achieve her ponytail, gather all your hair at the crown of your head. Use a brush to eliminate bumps and create a smooth, polished finish. The higher, the better! Secure it with a hair tie that blends into your hair color, ensuring it’s tight and won’t loosen over time. If you’re going for her half-up, half-down look, section the top half of your hair and pull it into a ponytail while leaving the rest loose for a more casual, yet still polished, vibe.
Extensions for Length and Volume
Ariana’s ponytail is not just high; it’s voluminous and long, thanks to hair extensions. Clip-in extensions are a great way to add both length and thickness. Choose extensions that match your natural hair color for a seamless blend. Attach the extensions to your ponytail or the back of your head (if you’re going for the half-up style). Once the extensions are in place, comb through your hair to ensure everything is smooth and natural-looking.
Curling Iron for Soft Waves
Ariana’s ponytail is often styled with soft, glamorous waves to add movement and texture. Using a medium-barrel curling iron, wrap small sections of your ponytail around the iron, hold for a few seconds, and then release. For a more relaxed look, run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up, creating Ariana’s signature soft waves. If you’re doing the half-up or half-down style, add waves to the ponytail and the loose sections for consistency.
Hair Accessories (Ribbons, Bows, Etc.)
Ariana often finishes her look with cute hair accessories, like oversized bows, satin ribbons, or sparkly hair clips. Choose accessories that match the vibe you’re going for—whether it’s cute and playful or glam and chic. A velvet ribbon tied around the base of your ponytail can instantly elevate the look.
Makeup
Ariana Grande’s makeup is just as iconic as her hairstyle. Ariana’s makeup highlights natural beauty with a flawless complexion, bold cat-eye eyeliner, and soft nude lips, adding a hint of glam for a polished finish. Her makeup routine enhances her features while keeping her overall look smooth and radiant. Whether performing on stage or walking the red carpet, Ariana’s makeup perfectly balances natural beauty and timeless glamour. Here’s how to achieve her signature makeup look.
Flawless Foundation and Concealer
Start with a clean and moisturized face, then apply a primer to create a smooth base for your makeup. Ariana’s skin always looks flawless, so opt for a medium to full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone. Blend it with a damp beauty sponge or foundation brush for an airbrushed finish. Conceal imperfections or dark circles with a brightening concealer, focusing on areas like under the eyes, the nose’s bridge, and the forehead’s center. Set everything in place with a translucent powder to keep the look matte and long-lasting.
Dramatic Winged Eyeliner
Ariana’s winged eyeliner is arguably the most iconic element of her makeup. Use a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip for precision to achieve this. Begin by drawing a thin line on your upper lash line, thickening it towards the outer corner. Then, flick the line upward to create a dramatic wing. For extra intensity, tight-line your upper waterline with a black pencil liner, making your lashes appear fuller.
Long, Voluminous Lashes
Ariana’s eyes always look big and doll-like, thanks to her long, voluminous lashes. After applying eyeliner, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler and apply a generous coat of volumizing mascara. You can use false lashes for extra drama, miming Ariana’s fluttery style. Choose long and wispy lashes rather than too thick, which will keep the look soft and feminine.
Soft, Shimmery Eyeshadow
Ariana’s eyeshadow is often neutral and shimmery, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering the rest of her makeup. Start with a light beige or taupe shade in the crease of your eye to create depth. Then, apply a shimmery champagne or rose gold shade to your eyelid to make your eyes pop. Blend the shadows for a seamless look, and highlight the inner corners of your eyes with a light shimmer to brighten them up.
Nude or Glossy Lips
Ariana often opts for a nude lip to balance the dramatic eye makeup. Choose a lip liner in a shade close to your natural lip color and lightly outline your lips. Then, apply a creamy nude lipstick or a gloss for a fresh, plump finish. Top the lipstick with a clear or lightly tinted gloss for added shine to achieve Ariana’s signature glossy lips.
Ariana’s Fashion Choices
Ariana’s fashion choices are a mix of cozy, oversized pieces and form-fitting, stylish outfits perfect for everyday wear or special events. Whether sporting an oversized sweatshirt or a crop top with high-waisted pants, her style is all about being comfortable while looking effortlessly chic. She often combines streetwear with glamorous accessories, like platform boots and statement jewelry, to create a balanced, edgy look. Ariana’s fashion embraces casual comfort and high-fashion sophistication, making it easy to recreate for any occasion.
Oversized Sweaters or Crop Tops
One of Ariana’s go-to looks is an oversized sweater that falls just below the hips, paired with thigh-high boots for a cozy yet stylish look. If you want something more fitted, try one of her signature looks: a cropped hoodie or a crop top paired with high-waisted bottoms. These pieces highlight the waist while still giving off a laid-back vibe.
High-waisted skirts or Pants
Ariana loves wearing high-waisted bottoms, whether a flirty A-line skirt or a pair of sleek, high-waisted pants. High-waisted clothing accentuates the waistline and elongates the legs, creating a flattering silhouette. Pair high-waisted skirts with fitted crop tops for a balanced look, or tuck a blouse into high-waisted pants for a more polished vibe.
Platform Boots or Sneakers
Ariana is almost always seen in platform boots or sneakers, which give her extra height while keeping her look edgy and stylish. Thigh-high boots are a staple in her wardrobe, often paired with oversized sweaters or short skirts. If you’re going for a more casual look, opt for chunky platform sneakers, which still give you height but are perfect for everyday wear.
Accessories (Choker Necklaces, Hoop Earrings)
No Ariana Grande look is complete without accessories. Choker necklaces, in particular, are a vital part of her style, adding a touch of ’90s flair to any outfit. Ariana also enjoys oversized hoop earrings, which add glam to her outfits. When accessorizing, choose pieces that complement the overall look without overwhelming it.
FAQ: What products does the pop star use for her looks?
Like Taylor Swift’s bold red lip, Ariana Grande has become synonymous with specific beauty trends. Regarding the signature cat-eye look, no one does it better than Ariana. In a “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) video she filmed with Vogue, the pop star shared the 15 makeup products that helped her achieve her iconic look.
Her makeup routine features a range of products, from her brand, r.e.m. beauty, to popular beauty staples from brands like Bobbi Brown, MAC, and Charlotte Tilbury. The Vogue video offers fans a detailed breakdown of Ariana’s go-to products and serves as a masterclass for recreating her 1960s-inspired cat-eye look. In the video, she also explains how she sculpts her nose for a “button” effect and why she layers four different lip products for the perfect finish.
From setting powders that lock in her flawless base to contour balms that snatch her face, Ariana’s beauty routine will leave makeup lovers (and fans of the singer) with plenty of products in their shopping carts. Ready to find out what makes her routine so unique? Please keep reading to discover the 15 products that play critical roles in Ariana Grande’s makeup routine and her tips for applying them.
Ariana Grande’s signature look has become a global fashion and beauty staple. Her sleek high ponytail, flawless makeup, and chic outfits blend glamour with everyday wearability. Ariana’s style is polished yet approachable, from her high-volume ponytail to her bold cat-eye. To recreate her look, focus on the balance of natural beauty with a touch of drama. Attention to detail is critical, whether it’s her smooth ponytail or precise eyeliner. Ultimately, Ariana’s style radiates confidence and grace, making her look iconic beyond just makeup and hair. Embrace that confidence, and you’ll capture her essence effortlessly!
