Ariana Grande's Graphic Eyeliner Is Straight Out of Oz—Or Her New Album Era

What could this look be hinting at?

Ariana Grande Graphic Eyeliner
(Image credit: Diggzy/ Shutterstock)

With a major movie and potential new album on the way in 2024, Ariana Grande is sharper than ever these days. In true beauty mogul fashion, she even has the eyeliner to prove it.

On Thursday, November 4, the Wicked actress was spotted out and about in New York City rocking a major graphic eye look. With the rest of her face basically void of makeup, her brownish-red top eyeliner winged out and extended all the way to her brow bone. A separate line of makeup made its way under each eyebrow (perfectly parallel!), connecting with the actual eyeliner line in a sharp point.

The 30-year-old paired the major choice with the softest pink lip and just a hint of face makeup (it's possible her face is just that flawless, but is anyone's, really?). Outfitted in a sweatshirt and jeans with her blonde hair slicked back in a ponytail, she looked like any makeup-loving cutie out running errands. But! The "Thank U, Next" singer's fans can't be fooled that easily.

In a New Year-themed Instagram carousel posted December 27, Grande rocks an eerily similar makeup look (though it's hard to see, captured in tiny polaroids she snapped a second photo of). The looks are uncanny, meaning there might be something more to her appearance than just a fun, out-and-about photoshoot. Especially because fans took that particular Instagram post to mean a new album was ready.

A post shared by Ariana Grande

A photo posted by arianagrande on

Naturally, fans looked for similar clues in the new photo. What does her sweatshirt, which reads "yes, and?" mean? (It looks like her merch.) How about the cherry red manicure? Or perhaps the most enticing detail of all: that famous ponytail.

"See you next year," wrote the Grammy winner alongside her auspicious post. Well, we're certainly seeing her—and liking what we see. (Especially that liner.)

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.