Jodie Turner-Smith's Face Gems Prove the 'Euphoria' Effect Is Still Going Strong
It's been three years since Euphoria's debut irrevocably shifted the beauty landscape, ushering in a new age of magpie makeup: shiny, holographic, and maximalist looks inspired by Rue's glitter tears and Maddy's rhinestone-dotted lids.
Since director Sam Levinson introduced audiences to the angsty teens of East Highland High School, beauty has become increasingly experimental and expressive, a mode of no-holds-barred adornment rather than a means to conceal perceived flaws. Despite the lightening speed of trend turnover, Euphoria-inspired makeup has managed to maintain its hold, a phenomenon most recently exemplified by Jodie Turner-Smith's red carpet look at the BAFTAs.
The White Noise actor attended the awards ceremony wearing tiny rhinestones dotted across her face, a sparkly stand-in for freckles. Paired with a dramatic cat-eye and metallic eye shadow, the look harkened to the world of Euphoria, where makeup once reserved for music festivals is perfectly appropriate for third period algebra.
Turner-Smith isn't the only embracing face embellishment. Brands such as Half Magic (helmed by Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy) and Simihaze Beauty offer sheets of face gem stickers for easy application. Euphoria's influence can also be seen on the Fall/Winter 2023 runway: At Collina Strada, models walked the runway in rhinestone-embellished animal prosthetics; Simone Rocha applied bows to the under-eye area; Mowalola added LED lights to the face. Oh, and remember that time Doja Cat attended the Schiaparelli couture show wearing a face full of blood red rhinestones?
Last but not least, we can't forget about TikTok, where the hashtag #EuphoriaMakeup boasts over 2 billion views. Clearly, the Euphoria effect is still going strong — an impressive feat of endurance given the fact that there have only been two seasons of the show.
So gather your gems, glitter, and eyelash glue: As the saying goes, throw everything at the face and see what sticks.
