Ariel, the fiercely curious and independent mermaid princess from The Little Mermaid, has captivated hearts across generations. Whether she’s swimming beneath the waves or discovering life on land, Ariel is a symbol of freedom, transformation, and a longing to understand the world beyond her own. Cosplaying as Ariel is more than just donning a fin or a seashell top—it’s about channeling that same sense of wonder, determination, and enchantment.

From her flowing red hair to her iconic mermaid silhouette, recreating Ariel’s look offers tons of possibilities. Whether you’re heading to a con, planning a themed photoshoot, or simply bringing Disney magic to life, this guide will help you transform into Ariel with ease—featuring EyeCandys colored contact lenses and nail accessories to make your cosplay truly sparkle.

Choose Your Ariel Look

Before diving into materials and accessories, decide which version of Ariel you want to portray. Her looks vary from under-the-sea to ballroom-ready, giving cosplayers options based on comfort, setting, and personal flair.

Classic Mermaid Ariel

This is Ariel’s most iconic look:

• Purple seashell bra

• Green iridescent mermaid tail or fitted skirt

• Barefoot or adorned with seashell anklets

• Flowing red hair, styled in voluminous waves

“Kiss the Girl” Blue Dress

For a more subtle and elegant take:

• Blue corset-style top

• Navy blue full-length skirt

• Giant light blue bow at the back of the head

• Black flats or barefoot for that boat scene vibe

Human Ariel (Pink or Wedding Dress)

Great for events or princess parties:

• Pink off-shoulder ball gown with white trim

• White wedding dress with puffy sleeves and a veil

• Add a royal touch with pearls and glam makeup

Each look brings Ariel’s charm to life in a different way. The key is in the details—especially when it comes to makeup, eyes, and nails.

Hair: Fire-Engine Red Waves

Ariel’s hair is her second most iconic feature (after her voice, of course). Bright, voluminous, and full of movement, it’s a showstopper.

• Use a vibrant red or cherry red wig with length past the shoulders.

• Soft curls or waves create that “just rose from the ocean” effect.

• A side part with gentle swoop bangs mimics her animated design.

• Add a little glitter spray for a magical, under-the-sea glow.

For bonus accuracy, incorporate hair clips shaped like seashells or starfish to elevate your styling.

Eyes: Sea-Green Wonder with Colored Contacts

Ariel’s bright, expressive eyes reflect her curiosity and innocence. In the animated version, she has striking aqua green eyes—the kind that make her look like she belongs to the ocean.

EyeCandys offers a wide range of green and turquoise contact lenses that are perfect for achieving this look. Choose lenses that:

• Have soft enlargement or limbal rings to enhance the eye shape

• Offer high-opacity coloring for vibrant hues

• Include daily or monthly wear options depending on your event

For a bolder or live-action inspired look, ocean blue contacts can also work beautifully.

Tip for Glasses Wearers: Ariel doesn’t wear glasses—but if you need vision correction, switch to EyeCandys’ clear or prescription colored contacts for a seamless and immersive cosplay.

Makeup: Soft Glam with Mermaid Glow

Ariel’s makeup is subtle, but there’s room to personalize it based on the scene or setting.

Base:

• Dewy or luminous foundation

• Rosy pink blush across the cheeks and nose

• Highlighter on the cheekbones, collarbones, and shoulders

Eyes:

• Pastel or shimmery eyeshadows in lilac, green, or silver

• Thin winged eyeliner to lift the eyes

• Long, soft lashes or natural falsies

• White liner on the waterline to create larger-looking eyes

Lips:

• Coral or pink lip gloss

• Add a touch of highlighter to the cupid’s bow for extra glow

This soft glam look pairs beautifully with EyeCandys contact lenses to bring out your sea princess energy.

Nails: Mermaidcore Manicure

Ariel’s underwater vibe translates beautifully into nail art, and EyeCandys’ semi-cured gel nail stickers make it easy to achieve a polished look—no salon appointment needed.

Mermaid-Inspired Nail Ideas:

• Holographic teal, seafoam green, or lilac shades

• Scales or mermaid-tail gradients

• Accents with pearls, seashells, or starfish designs

• Glitter tips or ombré effects that mimic the shimmer of ocean water

These semi-cured gel nail stickers are long-lasting and easy to apply—perfect for cosplay weekends, conventions, or day-long events.

Costume Details & Accessories

For Mermaid Ariel:

• Seashell Bra: Can be made from molded EVA foam, fabric, or purchased online. Look for options with glitter or scale texture.

• Tail/Skirt: Opt for a tight-fitting green or teal mermaid skirt with scale patterns and a dramatic flared bottom for the tail.

• Accessories: Add a pearl necklace, shell earrings, or even a starfish hairpin for extra detail.

For Human Ariel:

• Dress: Recreate her pink gown or wedding dress with thrifted or custom-made pieces. Puffy sleeves are essential!

• Shoes: Flats or barefoot, depending on the setting.

• Bag: A seashell-shaped purse or themed clutch adds practicality and charm.

Props That Tell a Story

To make your cosplay truly interactive, include some of Ariel’s favorite “gadgets and gizmos.”

• Dinglehopper (fork): Use it as a hairbrush or hold it like a royal scepter

• Flounder or Sebastian plush: A must for photos or themed shoots

• Treasure trinkets: Small mirror, snarfblatt (pipe), music box, or necklace

Props are a fun way to connect with fans and bring Ariel’s world to life beyond just visuals.

Channeling Ariel: Movement & Personality

Ariel is expressive, curious, and always reaching for something more. She’s not just a pretty mermaid—she’s passionate, brave, and constantly evolving.

• Practice wide-eyed expressions and dreamy stares toward the surface

• Move gracefully, like you're gliding through water

• Pose with props or sit perched on a “rock” for classic mermaid vibes

• Let your voice shine—whether through song or spirited conversation

Final Touches: Cosplay That’s Part of Your World

With EyeCandys colored contacts, mermaid-inspired nails, and a dash of Disney magic, becoming Ariel is completely within reach. Her story is timeless, and her look is instantly recognizable—whether you stick to the classic mermaid version or reinterpret her style with modern glam.

So go ahead: brush your hair with a dinglehopper, slip into that shimmering tail, and make your cosplay part of your world.