Living Canvas: Makeup So Beautiful It Emulates Art

This article is part of our Spring/Summer 2020 print issue. See the full, digital version of the issue here.

Photography by Mel Jones, featuring model Divya Dewan.

Even if you haven't seen HBO’s teen drama Euphoria, you may be familiar with its over-the-top, mesmerizing, rhinestone-covered makeup looks and dreamy aesthetic. Euphoria follows the promiscuous sex-, drug- and alcohol-fueled lives of a group of suburban California teenagers.

While the show often over-dramatizes the lives of these Gen Z teens, there’s a chance many young viewers can relate to the topics addressed in the show. When Euphoria aired last June, it received a lot of media attention not only for its shocking content but for the out-of-this-world makeup looks that accentuate each of the wildly unique characters.

There’s Rue, who pairs her tomb-boy-chic looks with glitter tears and perfectly smudged eyeshadow; Jules, who rocks neon eyeshadow and animated, abstract liners; Kat with her classic smokey eye and bold red lip; and possibly most notable, Maddy, with her dramatic Swarovski-rhinestone-encrusted eye looks.

Doniella Davy, the makeup artist behind these looks, wanted the characters’ makeup to add layers to their on-screen personas. In doing so, she not only creates artwork to complement the artistic production of the series, but she sheds light on the bold self-expression of the teenage years.

Photography by Mel Jones, featuring models Abby Koenig and Divya Dewan.

Euphoria-inspired makeup looks have since been featured on every platform from high-fashion runways in New York Fashion Week to your very own Instagram feed showcasing modern streetwear. There’s no doubt that Euphoria has successfully sparked a revolution in the fashion and beauty world. It has inspired wildly intriguing makeup looks while also empowering teens to authentically express themselves with their faces as canvases.

When it comes to taking inspiration from Davy’s flashy artistry, transforming these looks into an everyday eye can be intimidating. Luckily, there are some approachable ways to step out of your comfort zone and incorporate this style into your makeup routine.

Photography by Mel Jones, featuring model Abby Koenig.

Achieving the Euphoria look is really all about the eyes. Keep your face makeup neutral, and let your eyes be the star of the show with pops of color and touches of glitter.

The first look includes a natural, dewy base with neon coral eyeliner. The curved line following the crease of the lid adds a dynamic color feature to the look. Add rhinestones to the lower lash line and iridescent glitter in the inner corner of the eyes to level-up this look. Keep the focus on the eyes by finishing the look off with a clear lip gloss.

Another option with a neutral canvas is to apply iridescent eyeshadow all over the lid. The rhinestones placed in a line along the crease of the eyelid mimic the style heavily featured on Maddy’s character on the show. Finish off this glittery look with winged liner and sequin stars on either sides of the eyes to add a metallic pop.