HBO hit TV show, Euphoria, has sparked a new bold makeup trend among young adults. Selfies studded with glitter accents, sharp eyeshadow, rhinestones and hues of purple and blue flooded social media channels following the show’s release this past June.
Story by Gabrielle Keene
Photos by Maya Dandashi
Model Gabrielle Keene wears a Euphoria inspired makeup look, embellished in a dark blue-green eyeshadow, hues of green eyeliner and white-green glitter.
The show follows several teenagers as they combat the hovering cloud of anxiety and drug abuse, explore sexual relationships, and learn how to best express their identities. While facing these challenges, the full cast is typically seen sporting avant-garde makeup. This suggests the importance of self-expression at a young age for all as an outlet.
The stars of Euphoria: Rue (Zendaya), Jules (Hunter Schafer), Maddy (Alexa Demie), Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Kat (Barbie Ferreira) each have adventurous makeup looks unique to their character. These looks match their differing personalities, and while all fun, their varying styles allow each to shine through in their own way. Jules’ looks are more playful and bright, like her cloud drawn with white eyeliner, while Kat’s are darker and daring with a punk-twist on the classic lip.
Let’s explore Jules’ style a little deeper. Her makeup can be described as creative, innocent and most definitely out-of-the box (or palette). Her eye looks compliment her sweet personality painted in shades of pinks and yellows. Jules plays with shapes and lines to frame her natural beauty, and draws inspiration from her surroundings. Deeply intuitive, Jules’ looks often reflect her mood.
Kat comes across as that super innocent friend often cast aside and taken for granted. Her makeup looks are very natural in the beginning. After having sex for the first time, she finds out that a video of this personal experience was put online. Despite at first feeling shame and justifiably wanting it to be taken down, she develops a confidence in herself and her body after the video gained popularity. Through seductive web-cam videos and lots of leather, she reclaims her feminine power. Though unexpected, Kat’s transition into a darker, more adventurous version of herself is everything viewers want. The newfound dauntlessness are reflected in her face: a bold red lip, intimidating eye shadows and the addition of chokers in her everyday lookbook.
While these characters navigate the throes of high school hierarchies, they find comfort in the eccentric makeup that allows them to express their personalities. Euphoria offers insight on how important self-expression is to young adults and how it can be used as a tool for confidence.
“I noticed so many more colorful looks on my feed,” said freshman business student, Mattie Brau. Lots of beauty gurus began posting looks inspired by the TV show and the hashtag, #euphoriamakeup is still very active today following the shows rise in popularity. The Euphoria makeup looks seem to be hitting the University of Texas campus this fall, with students spotted wearing rhinestones and vivid eyeshadow on game days and nights out. There have even been a few Euphoria themed parties amongst students. I expect the streets of West Campus to be covered in shimmering glitter as students dress up as their favorite Euphoria character for Halloween, or make the look their own.
Here are a few of our favorite looks for inspiration:
We LOVED Maddy’s makeup look during her cheer routine. The rhinestones show off her super fierce and feminine personality.
Photo Courtesy of Elle
Rue is literally crying glitter. Her look at the carnival iconic, and she creates this look several times throughout the show. This look says, I may be sad but I can still shine like glitter.
Photo Courtesy of Interview Magazine
Talk about head in the clouds. Jules’ white eyeliner was a big hit. It compliments Jules’ playful attitude and is super light.
Photo Courtesy of Buzzfeed
