HBO’s critically acclaimed drama Euphoria has returned for its highly anticipated third season, ushering in a significant time jump that propels its characters into adulthood and into the "real world," a theme echoed by makeup department head Donni Davy’s observation that "everyone’s kind of trying to find God." This latest installment, which wrapped filming last year, sees substantial shifts not only in the narrative but also behind the scenes. The musical score has transitioned from Labrinth’s haunting melodies to the epic soundscapes of Hans Zimmer, while costume designer Colleen Atwood’s role has expanded to co-producer, influencing wardrobe direction now overseen by Natasha Newman-Thomas following Heidi Bivens’ departure.
Despite the show’s consistently dark thematic underpinnings, season three presents a visually brighter aesthetic. The premiere episode features sun-drenched Californian landscapes and vibrantly decorated interiors, such as Lexi’s apartment and Nate and Cassie’s ornate home. These cinematic and sonic evolutions lend the series an epic Western feel, a departure from the dreamy, neon-drenched atmosphere that characterized its earlier seasons.
However, core dramatic elements persist. Rue, portrayed by Zendaya, remains entangled in the drug trade, a narrative thread that showrunner Sam Levinson has emphasized as a continuing exploration of the impact of narcotics in the United States. Levinson, speaking at a press screening of the first episode, reflected on the profound impact of actor Angus Cloud’s passing in 2023, a loss that has underscored the ongoing crisis of fentanyl-related deaths in America. Season three, according to Levinson, deliberately alludes to the third step of the 12-step recovery plan: "Surrender your will and life to the care of your higher power." This thematic focus is amplified by pre-premiere taglines such as "May God have mercy."
The Enduring Power of Euphoria’s Makeup
Crucially, the makeup artistry in Euphoria remains a central and vital element of the show’s visual language. Donni Davy, who has helmed the makeup design since the series’ inception in 2019, was tasked by Levinson with creating looks that would command viewers’ attention, prompting them to "pause the show and study." This directive was to be executed without detracting from the overarching narrative themes.
In its debut season, Davy drew inspiration from the pastel hues and winged liner styles of the late 1960s, alongside ’70s glam rock, ’80s elongated cat eyes, and ’90s grunge liner. Seven years later, "Euphoria makeup"—now synonymous with glittering gemstones, razor-sharp eyeliner, and crystalline tears—has captivated audiences and inspired countless fans to experiment with their own makeup artistry. The cultural impact is undeniable; Google Trends data indicates that searches for "euphoria makeup" peaked in 2022 following the season two premiere, and searches saw a notable surge in the week leading up to the third season’s release on April 12.
The author’s personal experience in 2021, during a tour of the show’s makeup trailer, provided firsthand insight into the fervent fan interest. This exclusive access, which included details about the products used on the cast and an early look at Davy’s makeup brand, Half Magic, resulted in a significant surge in social media followers. The reporting on specific on-screen details, such as Zendaya’s foundation choices and Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie’s perpetually dewy appearance, underscored the audience’s deep engagement with the show’s aesthetic.
Season Three: A Shift Towards "Capital G Glam"
Returning to the makeup trailer for season three during its final weeks of filming in November 2025, the set, code-named "LA Nights" and operating under strict confidentiality measures with signage like "10 Commandments," felt shrouded in secrecy. Despite the clandestine atmosphere, the anticipation was for whether the show would maintain its signature makeup extravagance or if the time jump would signal a maturation of the characters’ beauty routines.
The good news for fans is that season three delivers on the promise of "capital G glam," as Davy describes it. While season two featured more subdued makeup, the current season pivots to a more opulent aesthetic. However, this is not a mere rehashing of the bold colors and rhinestones of the past. Instead, Davy’s vision for season three is a contemporary interpretation of nostalgic Hollywood glamour, paying homage to iconic looks from both past and present eras.
"It’s not as experimental," Davy noted. "In high school, there was tons of glitter. There’s also tons of glitter in season three, but the girls are grown up, and the creative vision is different. Sam [Levinson] wanted me to do my version of traditional glam—Hollywood glam."
A key directive for the season’s makeup was high contrast. This manifested in pairings like dark lip liner with nude lipstick or striking red lips juxtaposed with exaggerated black eyeliner. This emphasis was partly a technical necessity: the specific film stock utilized for season three amplified contrast on camera, potentially causing makeup elements to appear washed out or alter in color. Davy’s review of the raw footage, known as "dailies," revealed that certain looks needed to be intensified to achieve the desired visual impact. "We need cunt-ery here," she stated, emphasizing the need to "go hard."
Iconic Inspirations and Character Arcs
The makeup of season three draws heavily from various eras and icons. References to ’90s-era Pamela Anderson, Y2K makeup trends, and elements of ’60s mod aesthetics permeate Davy’s mood boards, which are extensively displayed throughout the trailer. These inspirations are tailored to each character and scene, with notes like "red nails, simple eyes, classic lips" for a Hustler or Playboy spread, or directives for "super glowy—NO POWDER" and "babydoll lashes." The visual references span from classic models like Kate Moss to contemporary celebrities such as Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gabriette. Davy’s overarching philosophy for the season is clear: "It’s sparkly, luscious, juicy, glam. It’s like a campaign against the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. That’s my inspiration. It’s big, unapologetic glam."
Davy’s creative process involves deeply understanding the characters’ journeys as outlined in the scripts. For Jules (Hunter Schafer), this season’s aesthetic—featuring bleached brows and a palette of red, silver, and black—stems from her character’s internal state. Davy envisioned a "deranged moment at home" for Jules, including a scene where she uses a Pat McGrath Labs peel-off mask over her makeup, intending to peel it off and stretch it on camera. These imagined character actions inform the makeup design, driving Davy’s inspiration and creative passion.
Specific trends emerging this season include sharpened inner-corner wings, a prevalent use of brown tightliner to create "super-fucking piercing" eyes, and a significant amount of body shimmer. Frosty lips are also making a comeback, while blue eyeshadow serves as a recurring motif for characters who are "kind of going off the rails" or are "really extra." The show also features an expanded focus on nail sets, with artist Caroline Cotten contributing several elaborate designs.
Character-Specific Transformations
Cassie’s "Vixen" Persona: In previous seasons, Cassie’s makeup often mimicked those around her, particularly Maddy and Jules. Season three sees her forge a distinct beauty identity as a "vixen," channeling classic pin-up and "video girl" aesthetics, with frequent nods to Brigitte Bardot. This transformation requires significantly more time, with Sweeney spending up to two hours in makeup, including extensive body makeup, a stark contrast to the under-an-hour application of earlier seasons. Davy describes Cassie’s look as "very performative" and "kind of desperate, unapologetic," designed to capture attention, though Davy’s intent is to create looks that female viewers will emulate and admire.
Maddy’s Hollywood Aspirations: Maddy’s new role as an assistant in Hollywood influences her makeup to reflect her aspirations. Davy notes that Maddy’s "inner light has gone out," leading to a more subdued, matte, and colorless aesthetic. This reflects her "hustler era" and her attempt to be taken more seriously in a professional environment. The theatrical and playful makeup of her high school years has been replaced by a more business-oriented approach. Alexa Demie, the actress portraying Maddy, was actively involved in developing these looks, leaning towards a more traditional glam with an "unapologetic, bold version."
Rue’s Subtle Evolution: While Rue’s character has previously been depicted with a more disheveled appearance, season three offers only a few instances of her looking rough. She continues to use MAC Face and Body foundation and benefits from the Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray for a healthy glow. Notably, she sports more legitimate makeup looks, including brown eyeliner in her waterlines for the wedding scene.
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Lexi’s Mature Glamour: Lexi, who previously favored a minimal makeup look with occasional red lipstick, embraces a version of Hollywood glamour this season. Davy describes her as having "a banging glam—not just a statement lip—but lashes, the whole shebang," featuring a brick-red lipstick and subtle wings. This mature take on her signature red lip is inspired by her ’70s wardrobe and reflects a polished, intentional beauty routine.
Jules’ Minimalist Shift: Though absent from the premiere, Jules’s look in season three is described as more minimal and less colorful than other characters, reflecting a more serious phase of her life. Davy notes it’s "not happy," indicating a shift in her emotional state.
Technical Innovations and Challenges
Season three has been characterized as the "most prosthetic-heavy and glam-heavy" to date. Davy highlights the increased use of prosthetics, noting that while season one focused heavily on eyes, season three encompasses "full, head-to-toe glam."
The use of a new film stock for season three presented unique challenges. As mentioned, the heightened contrast required makeup artists to "go hard" to ensure looks registered effectively on camera. This led to a focus on high-contrast elements, such as Maddy’s iconic double-winged eyeliner, designed to be sharp and impactful.
Episode-Specific Breakdowns
Episode 1: "New Beginnings"
This episode establishes the new aesthetic, with Cassie’s tan and "dreamy trashy" makeup, inspired by Brigitte Bardot and ’90s Pamela Anderson. Her pink eyeshadow and frosted lips are a deliberate throwback to season two’s New Year’s Eve look, but amplified. Maddy, in contrast, sports a shimmering blue eyeshadow, symbolizing her return to a more assertive role.
Episode 2: "American My Dream"
Maddy’s makeup for her meeting with Cassie is described as "mob wife meets old Hollywood," featuring visible lip liner and double-winged liner inspired by Italian actresses. For Jules, her signature experimental style continues, with black liner on her lower waterline and light blue shadow.
Episode 3: "The Ballad of Palidin"
The episode centers around Nate and Cassie’s wedding, showcasing Cassie’s "Cassie Wedding Barbie" bridal look, emphasizing piercing eyes with brown tones on the waterline. Her reception look features a sparkling blue eyeshadow, a callback to season two. Maddy’s wedding makeup is a dramatic burgundy smoky eye with a plum waterline and gold shimmer.
Episode 4: "Kitty Likes to Dance"
Cassie undergoes a significant makeover, transitioning to blonde hair and a "dreamy trashy" makeup look featuring blush-pink eyeshadow and frosted lips. Kitty, a new character, sports a tender pink shimmer eye, conveying sincerity. Maddy’s blue eyeshadow at a TikTok party signifies a contrast to Cassie’s more feminine aesthetic.
Episode 5: "This Little Piggy"
Cassie embraces her role as an OnlyFans creator with a "blonde bombshell" look inspired by Farah Fawcett and ’70s aesthetics. Maddy’s hair is described as "film noir" with a retro yet modern twist. The episode also features detailed insights into the prosthetic "hands" used for Jacob Elordi’s character, Nate.
Episode 6: "Stand Still and See"
This episode delves into Alamo Brown’s backstory, with "Mama Brown" (Danielle Deadwyler) sporting hairstyles that reflect the family’s changing financial status. Her makeup includes a classic red lip and nails, projecting powerful woman vibes. Maddy’s scenes with Alamo incorporate red lips, subtly referencing her resemblance to his mother.
Episode 7: "Rain or Shine"
The season finale is marked by significant character deaths and plot developments. Nate succumbs to a rattlesnake bite, with the scene requiring extensive prosthetic work. Rosalía’s character, Magick, sports a signature look featuring a black pencil used on eyebrows, as eyeliner, and lip liner, embodying an unapologetic "zero fucks given vibe." Davy describes this as a favorite look of the season, a pseudo-homage to chola makeup and a powerful statement of female agency.
The Broader Impact of Euphoria’s Aesthetic
Euphoria‘s continued success lies not only in its compelling narratives but also in its groundbreaking visual identity. The show’s makeup has transcended the screen, influencing fashion trends and inspiring a generation of beauty enthusiasts. Donni Davy’s artistry has become a cornerstone of the series, shaping its iconic status and demonstrating the profound power of makeup to convey character, emotion, and thematic depth. The evolution of these looks across seasons reflects the characters’ growth, struggles, and the ever-changing landscape of their fictional world. The meticulous attention to detail, from the most subtle blush to the most elaborate prosthetic, underscores Euphoria‘s commitment to a fully realized and visually immersive storytelling experience.
