By Maya Cruz '23
Members of Gen Z who can access TV have probably seen or heard of the teen drama Euphoria. Teenagers are drawn to Euphoria because it is relatable and candidly portrays the difficulties of adolescence. Euphoria, in all its allure and malaise, deals with coping mechanisms, emotions, and ideals that young people can agree with or empathize with. While the show captures a glimpse of teenage life, one of its most notable aspects is its appeal to the eye.
The Teenage Experience
Teenagers are living through disquieting times of advancement and complexity, completely disparate from previous generations of adolescent experiences. Access to everyone through technology, substances, and beyond are all somehow disturbingly tangible and has birthed a unique and true reflection of society through teenagers. Levinson’s primary goal was to create a raw expression of angst. “(I was) just trying to capture that kind of heightened sense of emotion,” said Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria. “(These) sort of mood swings...are inherent to being young.” Capturing the engrossing perturbation, nuances, and heartbreak of teenage years paints an image of purity and understanding, which draws viewers in.
What does it have to do with the makeup?
Makeup as an art is not an entirely new phenomenon; it has been a form of self-expression for decades. However, Euphoria’s use of makeup to mark character development and personality has inspired teens to draw intersections between identity and fashion, as well as pioneer a new generation of creative experimentation." Characters on the show are loved by fans for their complexities and backstories. Doniella Davy, the makeup artist of the series, said, “Our creator Sam [Levinson] really wanted to propel the character arcs forward by showcasing the makeup as a whole new freedom of self-expression. He brought me on to use makeup as a way of defying pre-existing beauty and makeup norms. Gen Z uses makeup not only to portray who they are, but who they want to be that day." Each episode focuses on a specific character and narrates their past conflicts and experiences that have influenced their behavior in the present. The visual expression of the intricate upbringing that formulates the conflicted character on screen is what makes the show so enticing and lucid to many teens. The emotion, flare, and drama that all add to create the character’s identity are expressed thoroughly through the makeup.
Why is the makeup unique?
Each character has an idiosyncratic look that was unseen before or composed in an extremely unique way. The use of colors, gems, and drawings puts the character’s stories on their skin. “I wanted every girl to be really, really different and have their own thing going on, said Davy. “There needed to be a level of nuance involved with each girl's look, and it had to be unexpected at times.” The well-thought-out intricacy of each character’s look created some dynamics and an elevation to their personalities. Maddy, one of the main characters, has a more put-together and glamorous look to speak for her past in pageants as well as upholding a glitzy facade.
Rue, on the other hand, struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction, sporting looks that are messier and often accentuating under the eye. The contrast between characters and the placement of materials creates a polarity between the personalities on camera.
How has Gen Z reacted?
Davy says that she’s “never gotten this kind of feedback before.” She created looks she thought fit the characters, expecting little attention from her artistry. Instead, teens everywhere have recreated Davy’s looks, and Euphoria has set afoot a new level of self-expression in the makeup industry. “I’m amazed and so touched by people saying, ‘I just went to the store and bought all these glitters and colorful makeup, I'm gonna put it on, I'm going to leave the house with it on’' said Davy. “To inspire that kind of bravery of self-expression is so special.” Since Euphoria’s premiere on television, colors and gems have become popular e makeup looks, making wearers look and feel like main characters. “To say that Davy's work on the epic teen drama has sparked a makeup movement would be an understatement,” writes Vogue contributor Lauren Valenti. On Instagram and Pinterest, dynamic eyeliners, glitter, and gems--accessories worn by Rue, Jules, and Maddy on Euphoria--have gained immense popularity.
Creative expression from Euphoria through Gen Z's visual/aesthetic penchant has set afoot a positive makeup elevation and expressive spark. This “makeup movement” stands for far more than the superficial side of makeup---it is a showcase of identity, confidence, and attitude. With more people being inspired, more are being outwardly creative and getting comfortable with individuality.
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