Ariana Grande Is Making a Case for the Return of Victory Rolls

The r.e.m. beauty founder sported the '40s hairstyle for her latest campaign.

ariana grande
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ariana Grande is, without a doubt, the queen of the power ponytail. While in recent years she’s let her strands down more often, everything feels right in the world when the Wicked star’s hair is pulled back. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Grande’s newest look—showcased in an ad for R.E.M. Beauty’s sweetener foundation—is a take on the ponytail. 

In a video uploaded to TikTok on September 21, the singer rocks a curled updo with a singular roll pinned to the side of her head, a look that’s entirely reminiscent of the victory rolls of the 1940s. Victory rolls were named for the planes that would spin mid-flight as a sign of victory, but were often associated with a pin-up style.

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"I feel like there's a thousand different ways to do a ponytail. A million!…It brings me so much joy, honestly," she previously said. "Every time I put my hair up, it's like a surprise. It's like true love." To make this particular ponytail her own, Grande fastened a gingham-print ribbon in her hair to secure her blonde locks.

Makeup wise, Grande kept things simple, with a brown cat eye, highlighted nose, and a touch of lip gloss. It was her skin however that took center stage—and rightfully so. 

In the voiceover, Grande talks about her new foundation’s hydrating benefits. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and features a buildable, blendable formula. Shop the new launch (and support Ari!) below.

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.