My heart has always belonged to the theatre, where costumes, makeup, and atmosphere transform a story into an immersive experience. With Wicked set to make its grand debut on the big screen, the excitement is palpable. Promotions are already in motion, and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are raising the bar, bringing the drama of Wicked to life through couture, colour, and beauty. Both stars have fully embraced their iconic characters, Galinda (Glinda for the uninitiated) and Elphaba, using every outfit, accessory, and makeup choice to showcase their transformations. Ariana has even taken it a step further by launching a Wicked-themed collection for r.e.m. Here’s a round up of all the looks we’ve seen until now, and they are a masterclass in ‘Method Makeup’ if we can call it that.
Pink and Pearl Perfection
Ariana Grande’s take on Glinda is unmistakably enchanting, blending pastel pinks, pearls, and glitter for a beautiful fairy-tale aesthetic. Her radiant makeup, featuring glowing highlighter and glossy lips, captures Glinda’s whimsical charm. Soft lashes and a dewy complexion add an ethereal touch, while the occasional shimmer embellishment around her eyes enhances the look with just the right amount of glam. It’s a delightful mix of classic fantasy and contemporary flair, giving beauty lovers a dreamy interpretation of Glinda’s style.
Dark Drama
In stark contrast, Cynthia Erivo embodies Elphaba’s commanding presence with dark, dramatic aesthetics. She gravitates toward emerald tones, bold black looks, and structured silhouettes that evoke the strength and mystery of the Wicked Witch of the West. Her makeup often features smoky eyes, striking eyeliner, and bold brows, amplifying her character’s intensity. One thing that has grabbed our attention are her manicures! If method dressing could be taking to another level, Erivo has done just that with her talons. Every appearance is a new story, and we love it.
Finding Inspiration in Their Makeup Choices
Both stars have gone beyond dressing for promotional events—they’ve fully inhabited their roles. Every eyeliner flick, highlighter glow, and outfit flourish feels like an extension of Glinda’s sparkle or Elphaba’s mystique. It’s fascinating to watch how makeup and fashion can bring these beloved characters to life in a way that feels fresh and relevant, even off-screen. What excites me most is how accessible these looks feel to fans. Ariana’s soft-glam approach inspires a whimsical, everyday feel, while Cynthia’s bold choices encourage experimentation with dramatic, edgy styles. Through a swipe of shimmering gloss, a flick of bold eyeliner, or a touch of emerald green, these stars are making it easier than ever to feel the magic of Wicked.
Their dedication serves as a reminder of the transformative power of beauty. Just as costumes amplify performances on stage, makeup and styling can become tools for storytelling in real life. Watching Ariana and Cynthia live their characters off-screen with the same passion shows us that pink and green really do go well together.
Photo Credits: Getty Images
