'Wicked' Fans Take To The Internet To Express Their Dismay With Ariana Grande's "Distracting" Lashes

'Wicked' has been dominating the box office and captivating fans since its release on November 22. However, there is one small detail that some fans have become fixated on.

Ariana Grande's eyelashes. Yes, the much-loved singer and actress who plays Glinda Upland in the film has become the topic of discussion on social media for what some fans are describing as a "makeup malfunction."

The issue in question was Ariana's untrimmed strip lashes, which many viewers found to be distracting and unsuited to the Oz era of the film. Hair and makeup artist Janita Helova agreed with the overall consensus, saying, "I think the lashes are too harsh and too long for this character and distract from her character's ethereal vibe."

"Otherwise, her makeup was super soft and cute, so I would have opted for more brown-colored lashes and eyeliner, as well as more natural-looking lashes. That would have been softer and warmer, making her look cuter and blending better with her skin, eyebrow, and hair color," she added.

"Ariana normally always wears cat-eye-shaped lashes with black liner, but for this character, in my opinion, it would have been better to have a round-shaped strip or individual lashes that would have given her eyes a round shape rather than a cat-eye," Janita said. The award-winning makeup artist believes the choice of lashes for Ariana's character was more of a mistake than a creative decision.

"I think it's a misstep rather than the makeup artist's creative decision, or maybe Ariana may have insisted on having her signature look," she said. "Every talented makeup artist understands the client's vision but would also find some kind of compromise for the makeup."

'Wicked' has been dominating the box office and captivating fans since its release on November 22.

Universal Pictures

However, there is one small detail that some fans have become fixated on.

YouTube/Wicked Movie

The issue in question? Ariana Grande's eyelashes!

YouTube/Wicked Movie

The Impact of Makeup on Performance

Makeup choices can significantly affect an actor's performance and audience reception. According to Dr. Jennifer K. Lee, a clinical psychologist specializing in performance anxiety, distractions like makeup can create a psychological barrier for both the performer and the audience.

Dr. Lee emphasizes that when actors feel self-conscious about their appearance, it can hinder their ability to fully engage in their roles. This is particularly relevant in high-stakes performances like 'Wicked,' where audience immersion is crucial.

To mitigate these issues, she suggests that performers should work closely with makeup artists to ensure that their look enhances rather than distracts from their performance.

Makeup artistry is both an art and a science, and professionals often stress the importance of choosing the right products. Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta suggests that the right lashes can enhance an actor's look without becoming a distraction.

He recommends natural-looking lashes that complement the character rather than overwhelm the viewer. Additionally, Ta advises actors to undergo makeup tests before performances to avoid any potential distractions.

By collaborating closely with skilled makeup artists, performers can ensure they achieve a balance between character portrayal and viewer engagement.

Many viewers have found Ari's lashes to be distracting and unsuited to the Oz era of the film.

YouTube/Wicked Movie

So, what could have been done differently? "I would have curled the lashes profusely to get a really strong lift of the lash, coated them with mascara, and added in wispy individual lashes in varying lengths of 8mm – 12mm," Sarah said.

Eilish Gilligan from the Shameless Podcast also shared her thoughts on Ariana's lashes, calling out the stark contrast between her ethereal look and those outrageous lashes. "Why is she wearing a strip lash that has not been cut to her eye shape?" she asked.

Some have speculated that perhaps it was Ariana who didn't want to deviate from her signature look.

Universal Pictures

"Glinda's makeup kinda made me transform my entire look and my entire relationship to makeup," Grande said.

YouTube/Wicked Movie

Social media has become a powerful platform for fans to express their opinions, sometimes leading to intense backlash. A relationship expert noted that such public criticism can create a toxic environment that affects the mental health of public figures.

Dr. Alexandra Solomon explains that the emotional toll on celebrity figures can be significant, leading to increased anxiety and self-doubt. She advocates for constructive dialogue, encouraging fans to express their opinions in a supportive manner rather than resorting to negativity.

Fostering a more positive fan culture can improve not only the well-being of celebrities but also the overall community experience.

Australian makeup artist Sarah Peart agreed that the lashes "were distracting as they were long, black, and in some shots appeared to be lifting in the inner corner of the eye." She added, "I feel this distracted from her character's ethereal aesthetic."

The hosts of the podcast agreed that perhaps it was Ariana herself who refused to deviate from her iconic personal style. The star previously spoke about Glinda's style, saying, "Glinda's makeup kinda made me transform my entire look and my entire relationship to makeup."

"There's no thick eyeliner. There's no heavy crease," Ariana explained. "It's just really warm and open and pretty, and, you know, the lashes are in a cat shape, which still gives you the cat-eye lift that I usually love, but it's also just a more honest representation of what you look like. It's just like, oh, this is an eye."

Here's what some netizens had to say.

Instagram/sarahpeartartistry

"I felt so strongly about this during the film."

Instagram/polly_maeve

"They were so bad!"

Instagram/rachthebridge

Audience Expectations and Artistic Choices

Artistic choices, such as makeup and costume design, are integral to a film's success. Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned author and speaker, highlights the importance of understanding audience expectations when creating art.

In his discussions on storytelling, Gladwell argues that audiences have preconceived notions influenced by previous experiences and cultural narratives. When these expectations aren't met, it can lead to dissatisfaction, as seen with the reactions to Grande's lashes.

To navigate these challenges, filmmakers and actors can engage with their audience through social media, providing insights into their creative processes to foster understanding and appreciation.

"I couldn't stop staring at them."

Instagram/Tahinisauce

Cindy Lou, is that you?

Instagram/Cheertator Torrance

Frances Hannon was the lead hair and makeup artist for the film, so what does she have to say about Ariana's look? "We wanted to find a timeless look so that in 20 years, when people are still watching this, it will look as beautiful as when the film comes out next week," she said.

"We kept Ari's look iridescent and opalescent, and it was in tone with her costumes most of the time," she explained. "For her body, face, and hair, we wanted that feathery, light, princess-like quality."

"It was never a heavy, dark lipstick or a dark eyeshadow," Frances said. "Once we did that with Ari, combined with the reflective base on Elphaba, it gave an amazing balance."

Practical Steps for Healing

As we've seen, the intersection of performance, audience expectations, and artistic choices can create complex dynamics in film. Experts like Dr. Alexandra Solomon and Malcolm Gladwell highlight the psychological and narrative importance of addressing these elements thoughtfully.

By fostering open communication and understanding between performers and their audiences, both can enjoy a more enriching experience. Future productions can benefit from incorporating feedback loops and makeup consultations to avoid distractions, resulting in a more cohesive and engaging performance.