Euphoria Makeup Artist Reveals Season Three Aesthetic

Donni Davy breaks down how the characters' makeup has evolved to reflect their real-world struggles.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:19pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass or glittering sequins in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the evolving, high-stakes makeup aesthetic of the HBO series 'Euphoria'.The intentionally 'male gaze' makeup of 'Euphoria' season three reflects the characters' changing lives and motivations in the real world.Los Angeles Today

In an exclusive interview, 'Euphoria' makeup artist Donni Davy discusses how the beauty looks for season three of the hit HBO series have shifted to reflect the characters' more mature and purposeful approaches to makeup. Davy explains how each character's makeup has evolved to match their evolving storylines and the 'male gaze' they are now navigating in the real world.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential and trend-setting shows on television, 'Euphoria' has sparked a cultural phenomenon around bold, experimental makeup. Davy's insights into the new season's aesthetic provide a glimpse into how the characters' makeup will continue to evolve alongside their personal journeys, reflecting the show's deeper exploration of identity, relationships, and the power dynamics at play.

The details

Davy says the makeup in season three will move beyond the 'dopamine-inducing' glitz and glamour of the first season, with the characters using cosmetics more deliberately to achieve specific outcomes. For Maddy, the look has matured from the fantastical rhinestone-encrusted wings to a moody, high-contrast '90s vibe. Jules is finding a middle ground between minimal and exaggerated, while Cassie continues her doll-like aesthetic in a more subtle, skin-first way. Rue, on the other hand, will appear with a completely bare face, as the character requires 'no makeup other than makeup to make her look less pretty'.

  • The third season of 'Euphoria' is set to premiere in 2023, four years after the conclusion of season two.
  • Davy's new 'Euphoria'-inspired makeup collection with Half Magic will launch on April 29, 2026.

The players

Donni Davy

The lead makeup artist for the HBO series 'Euphoria', responsible for creating the show's iconic beauty looks.

Sam Levinson

The creator, writer, and director of 'Euphoria', who has encouraged the makeup team to evolve the aesthetic with each season.

Zendaya

The lead actress who plays the character of Rue on 'Euphoria'.

Sydney Sweeney

The actress who plays the character of Cassie on 'Euphoria'.

Alexa Demie

The actress who plays the character of Maddy on 'Euphoria'.

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What they’re saying

“These girls are not experimenting with their makeup anymore. They are deliberately putting certain looks on to get outcomes. And everyone's desired outcome is not just their own self-expression. They're all using their makeup in this somewhat male gaze way, in this very purposeful way that's just completely connected to what's written in the script.”

— Donni Davy, Euphoria Makeup Artist

“Each season is really different aesthetically. So the makeup, just like the costumes, just like the production design, was never meant to be the same, and that's all on Sam. Because Sam has this fearless way of, like, yeah, it'd be easy to kind of give a repeat of season one was successful, but evolves as an artist, and then the rest of us evolve as artists.”

— Donni Davy, Euphoria Makeup Artist

What’s next

The third season of 'Euphoria' is highly anticipated by fans and is expected to premiere on HBO Max in 2023.

The takeaway

The evolution of the makeup in 'Euphoria' reflects the show's deeper exploration of its characters' personal journeys and the complex power dynamics they navigate in the real world. Donni Davy's insights showcase how the beauty aesthetic is intentionally used to mirror the characters' emotional and narrative arcs, cementing the series' status as a trendsetter in the world of television and beauty.