The make-up rules Euphoria taught us to break
After years of the “natural” aesthetic dominating the mainstream, makeup is no longer an afterthought. Thanks to the widespread influence of Euphoria, more of us are using our faces as a stage for self-expression and creative adornment.
I’m definitely not the first to discuss Euphoria’s captivating beauty looks. Spearheaded by the show’s makeup department head Doniella Davy, her playful use of colour, decals, and unexpected shapes serve as more than just eye candy. Scrolling through Davy’s Instagram gives you a fascinating glimpse into the ways she uses makeup to sneak in narrative and foreshadow each character’s development.
One of the reasons the makeup on Euphoria struck a chord with so many of us is the escapism it provided through lockdown(s). Stuck at home and desperate to party, we could experiment with looks we may have normally shied away from, channeling the girls of Euphoria High without fear of judgment from our peers.
Despite her bold makeup choices, Doniella Davy is a self-confessed introvert. In an interview she explains how the pandemic helped her stop self-censoring and playing it small, to let go of the ‘safe’ version of herself that others expected her to be.
“For me the first levels of my not giving a f*ck are being more expressive with my clothing and my makeup… it’s weird how much easier everything else becomes when you start playing it bigger”
If you’re still reeling from last season’s cinematic looks, that’s down to another bold choice - from director Sam Levinson who decided to shoot the entire series on 35mm film. The risk paid off, with Ektachrome film beautifully capturing all the emotive close-ups (and makeup details) in season two, and it actually led to Kodak reopening factories for the first time to make it happen.
Feeling inspired by the intimate visuals and fearless looks on the show, makeup artist Lara Daly carved out some playtime with hair stylist Henare Davidson and photographer Nicole Brannen to capture Grace, Kirana and Meg on analogue film.
If this post-euphoria landscape has taught us anything, it’s to take risks and think outside the box. Put down the black eyeliner and reach for burgundy or blue instead. Don’t stop at one wing. Rhinestones aren’t just for Dancing With the Stars. Hooded eyes don’t have to follow rules - just look to Jules for endless inspiration
Models:
Megan Alexander @meganpatriciamary
Kirana Gaeta @kirana_gaeta
Grace Makene @grace_makene
Photographer: Nicole Brannen @babybrannen
Hair: Henare Davidson @henare.davidson
Makeup & words: Lara Daly @lara.daly
Beauty notes:
Meg - Apply an iridescent lilac shadow, such as Stila Liquid Eyeshadow in Cloud, $39 to the inner corners only. For some depth, add dark metallic purple shadow to the outer corners - MAC Dazzleshadow in Panthertized Black, $48. The more smudgy the better.
Grace - Line eyes with a playful orange or pink (Fenty has some fun colours), then finish with several layers of coloured mascara, I used Sephora Full Loading mascara in Full Blue, $23.
Kirana - Use a burgundy liquid eyeliner pen, like Diorshow felt tip eyeliner in Matte Rusty, $68 to draw a sharp double-wing. Contrast your eyeshadow to your liner - try Nars eyeshadow in Matcha, $31.
Makeup tip: Keeping the rest of your makeup fresh is key to this youthful look - the skin should be almost bare, with a light tinted moisturiser and concealer used sparingly. My current obsession is Westman Atelier tinted cream highlighter in Peau de Peach, $129 - I used this on all the models skin to add subtle warmth and radiance.
