When you think of Ariana Grande, a ’60s mod aesthetic, retro glamour, voluminous updos, and rather monochromatic makeup looks definitely come to mind. What we don’t really associate with the singer is red lipstick. She’s worn lavender, pink, brown, and more; usually favoring a nude shade to keep the drama on her signature eyeliner. But though hundreds of red carpets and dozens of r.e.m. beauty shoots, a red lip is far and few between.
That was until her most recent outing to see her boyfriend, Ethan Slater, at the opening night of his Broadway musical Spamalot, where she wore red lipstick for the first time in years. Balme it on Broadway, her beau’s big night, or the holiday cheer in the air—whatever the reason, we love the look.
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With perfect dewy skin, sculpted cheeks, and highlighter on her nose and the high points of her cheeks, Grande had the best base for her bold lip. Done by Ash K Holm, one of her go-to makeup artists, her lips were coated in a gorgeous and slightly glossy cherry red lipstick that was the only source of color in her whole ensemble. A subtle black winged eyeliner look underneath long, fluttering dark lashes finished off her glam.
Red, especially when it comes to makeup, has been this season’s hottest trend, finding its way onto high-fashion runways and numerous red carpets.
And it makes sense why: “Cherry is a main character color,” Patrick Ta, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Patrick Ta Beauty, previously told us. “It’s confident and empowered; it just makes you feel bold and chic.”
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The shade also aligns with the grunge revival and the resurgence of all things ’90s, when red was having another major moment. Plus, it makes perfect sense for the fall and winter months when we need a bit more warmth in our lives.
When paired with the undeniable elegance of Grande’s tight-fitting black dress—which was off the shoulder, with a sculpted neckline and a knee-length hem—a red lip just ups the drama even more. She finished off the look with black mesh opera gloves, matching sheer tights, and pointy-toed black heels.