Euphoria and Its Influence on Beauty and Fashion
If you’re like me, these past few months you sat down every Sunday night at 9pm, turned on HBO Max and watched the phenomenon that is Euphoria. In case you have not been on the internet, Euphoria is a show on HBO Max dealing with the life of “on and off” drug addict Rue Bennett, played by Zendaya, and the people around her. To say this show has had an influence is an understatement; Euphoria is not only known for its intense and dramatic plot line, but also for its fashion and beauty statements.
Beauty
I’m sure almost everyone has been invited to a Euphoria themed party (I had one for my 21st) and wondered “what am I supposed to do for that?” and heard the answer “glitter.” Euphoria is known for their glitter-fest of makeup, especially in its first season. Makeup company Lemonhead.LA provided their signature glitter concentrates for many of the looks in the show.
Photo Credit: Lemonhead.LA
Lemonhead.LA’s glitter spacepaste in the shade Houdini, is just one of the beautiful shades used in Euphoria, and happens to be my personal favorite as well because of its iridescent quality.
Graphic eyeliner has also become a trend, possibly in effect from the recent pandemic. After all, we were required to wear masks that covered half of our faces, and all everyone could see were our eyes, so why not make them really stand out? Colors such as white, blue, red and pink have been used to create works of art on eyelids everywhere. In Euphoria, this makeup look can best be seen on character Maddy Perez played by Alexa Demie.
Photo Credit: Beauty By Us Photo Credit: Popsugar
Maddy pulls off these bold looks flawlessly, and along with her confidence, there’s no question why people would want to embody Queen B Maddy and try out similarly colorful lids. Alexa Demie also produced a video with Vogue covering her beauty secrets and glam look, explaining how to always achieve the perfect winged liner. She, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow and other cast members have also made videos sharing their beauty secrets and go-to looks. I love watching these videos to see how different each actress's makeup is and even get some tips to try these styles myself and channel my own inner Maddy, Cassie or Lexi. These glam queens have influenced over 25 million viewers with their beauty tips, so don’t be surprised if you see these looks around campus and in town, and don’t be afraid to try them yourself!
Fashion
Euphoria is not only known for its intense plot and makeup, but also the outfits of its cast. If you’re on TikTok, you know about the trend of remembering you’re in Euphoria before you leave and changing into an outfit more fitting for a wild party than wherever you are meant to be going. Though Euphoria’s cast is in high school, their outfits are anything but school appropriate. Many of you went to a high school that enforced a dress code (that had issues in itself), so you would never dream of wearing what Maddy, Cassie or Kat wear to their classes.
Photo Credit: The Cut
Photo Credit: Popsugar
But aren’t their outfits amazing? People often draw inspiration for their own outfits from pop culture, and Euphoria is definitely on top. Outfits such as matching sets, leather corsets, and uniquely cut dresses; it's all there in Euphoria. If you want to recreate outfits from the show but aren’t sure where to start, there are many websites and articles that can help you mimic the characters’ iconic outfits. You can also find pieces that are very close to their outfits through your own research! I did this over spring break with Maddy’s neon green bathing suit from season 2 episode 2. Target’s current line of bathing suits includes a neon green set which closely resembled hers. I got it and I love it! It may not be the exact same, but it’s a solid dupe in my opinion.
Photo Credit: Worn on Tv
Whether with regard to beauty or fashion, it can be safely said that Euphoria has had a great impact on internet culture. These inspirational looks continue to reach outside of the box, which is on brand for the whirlwind of a show that is Euphoria.
Copyedited by Isabelle Philip
Graphics by Sophie DiFusco