Ariana Grande’s Enchanting Balletcore Transformation for the Wicked Press Tour

As the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation nears its cinematic debut, its lead stars have been serving a masterclass in “method dressing” on the global press tour.

And Ariana Grande, who takes on the role of the bubbly Glinda, has been the undisputed queen of this avant-garde approach to red carpet style.

Ariana Grande’s style is no stranger to reinvention, and for the Wicked press tour, she’s leaning into balletcore—a sweet, elegant twist that’s lending a modern Glinda vibe to her looks.

Let’s dive into how she’s using balletcore to create a dreamy, whimsical aesthetic that’s capturing the hearts of fans and turning heads at every press stop.

The History of Balletcore

Balletcore isn’t exactly new on the scene, but it’s certainly having a renaissance moment, thanks in part to icons like Ariana Grande.

The aesthetic first took shape in the world of ballet itself, with its soft hues, flowing silhouettes, and romantic touches capturing the imagination of fashion lovers.

Over the years, the style found its way into popular culture, with fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn making ballet flats, simple black turtlenecks, ballet buns and delicate jewellery signature elements of classic, effortless style.

Grande’s Balletcore Transformation: From Ponytail to Ballerina Bun

Gone is the trademark high ponytail Ariana has always worn so well. Grande’s new Glinda-inspired style is all about softness and elegance.

Her hairstylist, Alyx Liu, crafted a sleek ballet bun that balances both her playful and sophisticated sides. It’s also as timeless as it is on-trend.

And she has been pairing a classic french manicure with all her press looks.

Dreamy Dresses Fit for Glinda

And it’s not just her hair and makeup. Grande’s wardrobe has also been a veritable whirlwind of balletcore chic, with the pop superstar channeling the whimsical aesthetic of her on-screen character through an array of puff-sleeved confections and tulle-laden gowns.

Grande’s stylist, Mimi Cuttrell, has seamlessly woven the balletcore aesthetic into each ensemble, with soft pastels, delicate tulle, and flowing silhouettes.

From a custom Thom Browne pastel pink gingham dress that felt like a dreamy homage to Dorothy, to a Vivienne Westwood tulle number that channels Glinda’s glamour, these outfits channel her Wicked character.

Makeup that Shimmers and Glows

Grande’s Wicked-inspired makeup look is soft, ethereal, and all about that balletcore glow.

With a delicate pink eyeshadow from the r.e.m. beauty x Wicked line, fluttery lashes, and a hint of gloss, her makeup radiates a youthful, dreamy charm that perfectly captures the balletcore vibe.

And for a little extra sparkle? A shimmering champagne highlight on the tip of her nose, because why not add a dash of magic to the mix?

Her go-to artist, Michael Anthony, has crafted looks that are equal parts delicate and dazzling.

Accessories that Nod to Glinda’s World

It’s not just the makeup and dresses—Grande’s accessories are also in full-on Wicked mode.

At the Los Angeles premiere, she paired her outfit with a printed ribbon and a Toto-inspired basket purse (modelled after her dog, Toulouse).

The Wicked Hype

The hype surrounding the Wicked film is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the big-screen adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.

The show, which first premiered in 2003, has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide by reimagining the backstory of The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West.

The highly anticipated film, directed by Jon M. Chu, promises to bring this magical world to life in a whole new way, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo taking on the lead roles of Glinda and Elphaba.

Will Balletcore Take Over Fall?

With her carefully curated looks on the Wicked tour, Ariana Grande is proving balletcore isn’t just for the stage or spring—it’s chic, adaptable, and undoubtedly here to stay.

Whether she’s rocking a flawless pink manicure or a soft, shimmering eye look, Ariana Grande is making balletcore the standout style of the Wicked press tour.

With a touch of pastel, and a bit of sparkle, it appears that balletcore is more than a fleeting trend—it’s a timeless aesthetic that can feel elegant, youthful, and current all at once.

Ariana’s Beauty Line

In a savvy move, the singer has also unveiled a special Wicked-inspired collection for her popular beauty line, r.e.m. beauty which she launched in 2021.

The r.e.m. beauty x Wicked limited-edition range features a lineup of glittering eye shadows, luminous highlighters, and dreamy lip glosses, all packaged in packaging that pays homage to the musical’s fantastical world.

The soft, romantic hues of the r.e.m. beauty x Wicked collection, with their shimmering finishes and dewy textures, capture the ethereal essence of Glinda.

Here’s how to bring Ariana Grande’s balletcore magic into your own routine, channeling that dreamy elegance without needing a red carpet!

Start with a Soft, Dewy Base

Grande’s balletcore look is all about fresh, glowy skin. Start by prepping your face with a hydrating primer to get that soft, dewy base.

Opt for a light-to-medium coverage foundation, letting any natural freckles or blush peek through to keep things looking natural.

Top it off with a creamy concealer for any areas that might need a little extra attention, blending gently with your fingers or a sponge.

Blush for that Ballet Glow

For that just-pinched, ballerina glow, apply a creamy pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards.

Look for soft shades in rosy pink or peach, using a cream or liquid formula for that natural flush.

Grande’s balletcore makeup keeps it soft and diffused, so avoid heavy contours and let the blush do the work of defining your cheeks.

Shimmering Eyes for Glinda-Coded Sparkle

Grande’s eyes look straight out of a fairytale. For a similar effect, start with a neutral, matte base on your eyelids.

Then, tap a shimmery, pastel pink or champagne shadow onto the centre and inner corners for a light-catching look.

Ariana’s makeup line r.e.m. beauty has a palette made in collaboration with Wicked, which includes the soft pinks and sparkly shades she uses, so you can recreate that soft, elegant vibe.

Fluttery, Wispy Lashes

To complete the eyes, go for fluttery, doll-like lashes. Start with a curling mascara or a set of natural-looking false lashes that fan out gently, rather than anything too dramatic.

The goal here is to keep the lashes light and whimsical—a bit of lift without overpowering the delicate eye makeup.

A Pink-Stained Lip

For the lips, think pink but subtle. Ariana’s look often features a soft pink stain with a hint of gloss, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

You can use a tinted lip balm or a sheer pink lipstick for a natural finish, topped with a touch of gloss for that youthful glow.

A Touch of Highlight

Lastly, add a hint of highlighter to complete the look. Opt for a champagne or light pink highlighter, applying just a dab on the high points of your cheeks and the tip of your nose.

Grande’s highlighter is delicate yet glowy, so a light touch will bring just the right amount of radiance.

Extra Touches: Manicure and Bun

If you really want to throw yourself into balletcore, complete the look with a French manicure (Grande’s is in a pink tone with white tips) and a sleek ballerina bun.

The bun, paired with this soft makeup, pulls the whole balletcore aesthetic together, making it effortless yet put-together.

Quick Tips for Everyday Balletcore

You don’t need to be hitting the red carpet to work a touch of balletcore magic into your day-to-day look.

Here are a few easy tweaks to channel that graceful, dreamy style without going full Glinda:

Casual and Quick: For an everyday touch, try a tinted lip balm in soft pink and a dab of highlighter on the cheekbones for that signature glow.

Tie your hair in a quick messy bun or low ponytail to capture the spirit of the ballerina bun without all the effort.

This look is effortlessly sweet, like you woke up with that balletcore glow.

Office-Ready Elegance: To add a little polish for work, stick with a creamy blush and a hint of shimmery eyeshadow in soft pink or champagne.

A half-up bun with face-framing pieces keeps it feminine but professional. Just add a few delicate jewellery pieces, and you’re set to channel Ariana’s elegance in a more subtle way.

Evening Sparkle: For a night out, lean into the shimmer! Apply a light dusting of highlighter, a soft pink gloss, and maybe even a hint of sparkle to your eyeshadow for a bit of drama.

If you’re feeling bold, try a slicked-back bun for that classic ballet look Ariana wears so well.

Pair it with a light application of false lashes or a few individual lash extensions to bring the full balletcore vibe.

And there you go – your everyday balletcore look, capturing a bit of Ariana Grande’s Wicked press tour magic!