At 23, I found myself captivated by the premiere of Euphoria's first season in 2019, a visual dream shot by the talented Marcell Rév with makeup artistry by Doniella Davy. The beauty in this series was a refreshing change, transforming what would normally be considered editorial makeup into casual beat. For a moment, we were inspired again. I was inspired.
As were the beauty content creators. YouTube was overflowing with recreations of looks from the show. Creators of all ages were taking this opportunity to showcase their artistry. The beauty trends allowed for many to expand their reach within the beauty community. I vividly remember being introduced to cutcreaser through one of her tutorials while looking for makeup inspo for Mardi Gras. I often wonder how much further Euphoria's influence could have blossomed offline if Covid hadn't intervened.
Television shows and movies have long been influential in shaping makeup trends. And they often become a mirror of society's evolving views on identity and beauty. Pose and Euphoria helped to spearhead a shift towards gender-fluid and experimental makeup, reflecting a growing acceptance of diverse gender identities and expressions.
I can’t help but notice the similarities in Euphoria and the 1995 film Showgirls where Nomi Malone, played by Elizabeth Berkley, wore dramatic eye makeup, heavy contouring, and bold lip colors. Despite criticisms of the film, it too has cultivated a cult audience, especially among the LGBTQ+ community. And for good reason—the glam in Showgirls will forever be iconic.
The second season of Euphoria, which premiered in 2022, had more subtle glam—a visual representation of maturity for the characters as well as the viewers.
Since then we’ve seen siren eyes, a Y2k revival, heavy blush looks, and bleached brows. I’m excited to see what will emerge or reemerge in 2025.