Ever since launching into the beauty sphere with her skincare and makeup brand, r.e.m. beauty, we've learnt (through many video tutorials and product demonstrations) that Ariana Grande is atually a makeup guru, wizard and all-round genius. I mean, I guess with over a decade worth of experience in the makeup chair, picking up a few helpful tips and tricks is to be expected. Especially seeing as she does work with the best of the best – Ash K Holm, I'm looking at you.
Now, not too long ago (back in February of this year, to be precise) Ariana shared a video tutorial on her Instagram page, showing how she swiftly creates her signature cat wing eyeliner. And to say we were surprised would be an understatement. Then, in early June the star took to IG once again to show how effortlessly she creates her single swooped look. Is it the technique? Is it the eyeliner? Or is Ariana just a part of Hollywood's underground vampire ring? Just a theory...
Well, in her most recent tutorial, via the Selfridges Beauty TikTok account, Ariana revealed all. "So, I was asked to demonstrate my eyeliner technique," she says. "I don't know if it's a good technique, I didn't promise that [...] I didn't say it was good or right, it's just how it happens for me.
"To be real, this is how I do my eyeliner. I'm just going to wing it and go. I'm scared."
Uhhhh, so it turns out that, just like us, Ariana fears the dreaded moment she has to create that wing – I guess celebs really are just like us regular folk, ey? Pulling her eye taunt, she continues: "I know I'm not supposed to yank [my eye] just for now".
Then comes the magic. Although she may wing it (soz, eyeliner pun), she does a pretty good job. And that may very well be because of her technique. She starts with the wing and draws inwards towards the centre of her lid. Finally, Ari then cleans up the edges with her finger.
In a British accent, she says: "bloody 'el, I've done it". Lol, it's me after several attempts.
"Woah, different vibe on this side", she then says as she turns to her other eye. "It went well once and that's what the fun part is about [...] this one is going to a different place". I mean, remember: just like our brows, our winged eyeliners are sisters, not twins!
To my surprise, after nailing the look in one, she adds: "Please teach me what your technique is for getting them to go the right direction".
Unfortunately, Ari, we were counting on you for that one! Perhaps it's all just down to fate?
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
