How the Makeup in Euphoria Tells a Story in Itself
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
My favorite makeup look to do is the "I don’t know how to do makeup, so the cheap basic stuff should do the trick". It's always gotten the job done, but recently I have been craving something more. I owe almost all of my eagerness to step out of my makeup-comfort zone to HBO’s hit series Euphoria. When I walk up and down the aisles of any beauty section, I find myself looking for more than just my usual blackest black voluminous mascara and my light sand powder. I’m thinking of all the colorful galore that will be painted on the canvas that is my face. I’m buying purple mascara to make my eyes pop. I’m buying liquid glitter to drip down my cheeks. I’m buying gems to outline on top of my hooded eyes. I’m buying electrifying eyeliner to draw only the most whimsical shapes. I’m buying bold eyeshadow palettes to tie-dye my face so that everyone will question what I’m going through. And you know what? Euphoria has utilized its platform to enhance the value of makeup as high as being able to express your authentic self with no regrets. Each stroke, each brush, and each shade holds hold an emotional essence that goes beyond what the eye can see.
Image Courtesy: YAHOO
Euphoria’s head makeup artist, Doniella Davy, exposes the raw and deep-seated emotions that can only be spoken through the character’s specific and strategized makeup looks. Hunter Schafer, known as Jules, had many looks that Davy experimented with. She ultimately chose to stick with looks that were meant to be unfinished- similar to her unique interactions on the show. Her makeup is constantly striking and high-spirited despite the violent situations she gets herself in because that is her personality. Bright colors in her inner corners and pale foundation represent stress, sharp liner displays her feelings of confinement or anxiety, and a lid full of bold colors highlight her happiest state. Barbie Ferreira, known as Kat, explores how she wants to be seen but others in this life and has no problem with putting on different faces to mask her insecurities. Ferreira’s character is dorky, but she still maintains this level of attractive chicness- that’s not too confident or bold- with her smokey eyes and a pop of color.
Image Courtesy: ALLURE
The makeup that was concocted for Alexa Demie, known as Maddy, tells us that she was undeniably born a goddess full of confidence, power, defiance, and sensitivity. Demie’s eyelids are complimented with thick, sheathing eyeliner and daring, colorful rhinestones that intricately come together to be her shield. The only time she is seen without makeup is during her vulnerable, weak moments. Her makeup makes her intimidating and almost unapproachable because of how strong her makeup is. Of course, who could forget about her bombshell counterpart Sydney Sweeney, known as Cassie. Her makeup tells a more complex story that aligns with her character’s personality. She has flushed, red cheeks that symbolize her innocence and damsel in distress vibes. Sweeney was given the tradition traditional smokey eye looks that appeal to the male gaze because all she has ever wanted was to feel truly loved. Her character is not looking to stand out, she’s looking to feel accepted.
Image Courtesy: Twitter
Being in Zendaya’s, or Rue’s, situation as a troubled teen that’s battling addiction and guilt, her character was given the expected baggy clothing and messy hair. Even though they wanted her to wear no makeup, there’s always an exception for glitter. Her makeup speaks volumes; glitter was smudged down her cheeks, trickling down her bare face, making it feel like bedazzled sadness that is truly something so dark, yet hopeful at the same time.
These are just some of the makeup looks in the series that spoke to their story. Doniella Davy made sure that what went on the face was meant to be just as important, if not more, than the outfits themselves. Euphoria’s makeup looks are so powerful and expressive that it has influenced the beauty scene across the world and shows how special makeup can really be. Euphoria’s makeup. That’s it. That’s the tweet. Cue Labrinth’s Formula.
Strike Out,
Writer: Racquel Gluckstern
Editor: Breanna Tang
Graphic Designer: Leah Solomon
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