Red Lips, Black Eyeliner, and Bold Statements: How 'Euphoria's Makeup Evolution Mirrors Characters' Growth in Season 3

The glitter and sparkle that defined the first two seasons of "Euphoria" have given way to a more mature, darker aesthetic as the series enters its third and final chapter. With a five-year time jump, our characters are now young adults grappling with power, fame, and sexuality. Makeup artist Donni Davy had the challenging task of reflecting this evolution through her transformative work. "It's not just about self-discovery; it's about gaining control," Davy explains. "The stakes are higher, and there's a wildness to it all." Jules (Hunter Schafer) no longer dreams of art school—she wants to paint, but needs to find a way to make money. In one scene, Davy adorned Jules with bold red lips for a dinner with an older man, signifying her exploration of the world of sugar babies and catering to the male gaze. "Some of her looks are meant to feel slightly uncomfortable," Davy says. "Jules is trying to adapt her natural self to this new world that lacks color." The use of black eyeliner under Jules' eyes, a touch reminiscent of a baby doll, amplifies the darker sexuality inherent in her relationships with older men. According to Davy, "It feels more about seduction and surrender—giving herself over to them for money and comfort." Rue (Zendaya) has stripped her look down to the bare minimum. Creator/showrunner Sam Levinson wanted nothing on her face to reflect Rue's struggles with addiction and survival. Davy notes, "She's living in her car a lot, so makeup isn't a priority for her." Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), however, has embraced glamour as a means of attracting male attention. Davy explains, "Her glam has evolved this season with heavy eyeshadow, sparkle, contour, and long claw-like nails—it's all part of her transformation." In the season premiere, Cassie even donned a puppy dog outfit for clicks, while Davy accentuated her lips using big lip liner and added fake freckles as homage to TikTok and Instagram trends. Cassie's exploration of OnlyFans and the adult entertainment industry is marked by a shift in her appearance. "Her look becomes more seductive and fierce," Davy notes, adding that Cassie's hair becomes blonder, she tans, and "she pulls out all the stops to get as much attention as possible in Los Angeles." Channeling iconic figures like Pam Anderson and Marilyn Monroe, Cassie adopts a variety of looks in an attempt to maximize her sex appeal. And attention remains her ultimate goal. Davy describes one scene, "She's in a red-and-white gingham outfit for a pool photo shoot—it's all part of her continuous quest to see how sexy she can possibly make herself." The makeup evolution in "Euphoria" Season 3 serves as a poignant reflection of the characters' personal growth and exploration of power, sexuality, and identity.