Ariana Grande Opens Up About Past Use of Lip Fillers and Botox
In an era of highly curated social media images and “filter culture,” few celebrities are as candid about their aesthetic journeys as Ariana Grande. The singer and actor recently shared a vulnerable look into her relationship with beauty, revealing that she previously relied on cosmetic injectables to navigate the pressures of global stardom.
During a “Beauty Secrets” video for Vogue, Grande admitted to using a significant amount of lip filler and Botox over the years. However, she also revealed a pivotal shift in her mindset, explaining why she eventually walked away from these treatments in favor of a more natural approach to aging.
The Decision to Stop Injectables
Grande disclosed that she stopped receiving Botox and lip fillers in 2018. While many in the entertainment industry maintain a level of secrecy regarding cosmetic enhancements, Grande was transparent about the volume of work she had done, stating she had “a ton of lip filler over the years and Botox.”
The decision to stop was driven by a feeling that the results had become “too much.” This realization marked the beginning of a transition from using beauty as a shield to using it as a tool for self-expression.
Beauty as a “Disguise” vs. Self-Expression
For Grande, the use of cosmetic procedures and heavy makeup wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a psychological defense mechanism. Having entered the spotlight at age 17 while starring in Victorious, she dealt with intense public scrutiny from a young age.
“For a long time, beauty was about hiding for me,” Grande explained, noting that she often used thicker eyeliner or bigger hair as a “disguise or something to hide behind.”
As she has matured, Grande’s philosophy has evolved. She now views beauty as a way of “accentuating what is there” rather than attempting to mask her natural features. She described this shift as moving toward “self-expression,” allowing her to feel more comfortable in her own skin without the need for a cosmetic facade.
Embracing the Aging Process
One of the most poignant moments of the discussion centered on Grande’s acceptance of aging. In a departure from the industry’s obsession with eternal youth, the 30-year-old star expressed a desire to embrace the natural markers of a life lived fully.
Grande shared that she now wants to see her “well-earned cry lines and smile lines,” adding that she hopes her smile lines acquire deeper as she laughs more. By framing aging as “such a elegant thing,” Grande challenges the narrative that aging is something to be feared or erased.
While she is currently embracing a natural look, Grande maintained a sense of humor about the future, jokingly wondering if she might opt for a facelift in ten years.
Key Takeaways from Ariana Grande’s Beauty Journey
- Timeline: Grande stopped using Botox and lip fillers in 2018.
- Motivation: She previously used cosmetic enhancements as a “disguise” to cope with early fame and public scrutiny.
- Current Philosophy: She now views beauty as a means of self-expression and accentuation rather than hiding.
- Perspective on Aging: She advocates for embracing natural aging, specifically valuing the appearance of smile and cry lines.
The Impact of Early Fame on Body Image
Grande’s experience highlights the unique pressures faced by child and teen stars. She noted that being exposed to a multitude of critical voices at a young age makes it “really hard to recognize what’s worth hearing and not.” This environment often fosters a reliance on external validation and cosmetic “fixes” to meet perceived standards of perfection.
By sharing her story, Grande joins a growing number of public figures calling for an complete to body shaming and a move toward authenticity. Her transparency serves as a reminder that the “perfect” images seen on screen are often the result of a complex and sometimes taxing relationship with beauty standards.