Euphoria makeup artist reveals how to achieve perfect glittery eye look

Although most of the year I opt for neutral makeup, and sometimes a few days go by when I do not put makeup on at all, every year during the holidays I find myself flipping through the most radiant makeup looks that I really want to try and recreate. There is something irresistibly tempting in the idea that when everything around us shines at night, we can shine too. Thus I’ve recently found myself in the whirlwind of makeup tutorials from Euphoria, a series that served so many iconic looks that I’m mostly looking forward to the next season because of the makeup and outfits. Obsessed with Maddy’s New Year’s look – from makeup to her dress – I found a tutorial by Alexandra French, the makeup artist who created it.

In the second season, Alexandra worked as an assistant to head makeup artist Donni Davy, who is great at storytelling and depicting character development through makeup. Of course, Alexandra shares our fascination with glitter, and since she worked on a series that offered us the most dazzling makeup looks in recent pop culture and always manages to make glitter look incredibly sparkly, I decided to ask her for tips on how to achieve a radiant look at home this season. “The best tip I have is to put down a darker base on the eyes. That could be a darker eyeshadow stick, black or brown powder eyeshadow or even just your everyday bronzer. This will help any glitter truly POP!,” she stated as her first and most important advice.

Photo: Alexandra French

What tool should we use for applying glitter?

Alexandra says the best way to apply loose glitter is to use a silicone glitter applicator, which she gets on Amazon. She first applies eyelash glue to the part of the skin where she wants glitter, and then pats glitter on it. “I also just use my finger,” she chuckled. Alexandra mostly uses glitter in a liquid formula, such as Half Magic Glitter Pill or Urban Decay Moondust glitter.

How do you make glitter look so dazzling in the dark?

“The best way to make shadows look reflective and sparkly is to use an eyeshadow/liquid eyeshadow that has a little sheen to it. My favorites are the eyeshadows from MAKE Beauty and the eye paints from VIOLETTE FR.” To achieve the ultimate sparkle, Alexandra applies pure pearl pigment on top. “You can find this in the FENTY Diamond balm, MAC Pearl pigment, Lottie London highlighter and URBAN DECAY Space Cowboy,” she explained.

How to make sure that the glitter doesn’t look dull?

Alexandra advises not to use chunky glitter – the smaller it is, the shinier and better it will look. “And make sure you use cosmetic glitter, not craft glitter!,” the makeup artist added.

How to deal with fallout and stop the glitter from getting everywhere?

“The easiest way and the oldest makeup artist trick in the book is to use tape! I use a very gentle tape to remove any unwanted glitter.” What about the body and clothes? Alexandra suggests using a lint roller for body glitter removal.

What glitter eye shadows look the best?

“My favorite eyeshadow palette for pressed shimmer/glitter shadows are hands down the Pat McGrath ones. No one does it like Pat! That pure shimmer pigment is expensive to produce but the price is well worth it! Other products I’ve been loving recently are the Patrick Ta new duo shimmer shadows, Half Magic Chromaddiction shimmers, Half Magic Glitter Puck and Danessa Myricks Lightwork VI palette.

What glitter did the makeup artists use on Euphoria?

Courtesy of HBO

Impressive glittery makeup looks from the series were created with products from the brand Half Magic. It is Donni Davy’s brand – she is the head of makeup department and makeup designer for the show. “We used the Glitter Puck and the Glitter Pill. All shades,” added Alexandra.

The makeup looks from Euphoria that Alexandra suggests for this holiday season are the New Year’s looks from the first episode of the second season. “All Iconic and [offer] enough of a variety for anyone,” she said. From Jules’ graphic eyeliner, Maddy’s silver eyes and sharp eyeliner, to Cassie’s subtle sequins, we have to admit that Euphoria is certainly one of the best inspirations for holiday makeup.

How to make the glitter on the eyes last all night?

When we achieve that the glitter on our eyes look incredible, the only question is how to make it stand in place all night and withstand all the conditions that holiday parties bring. “I use the House of Lashes eyelash glue. It will NOT move!,” Alexandra said. If you still decide not to use eyelash glue, the makeup artist confirms that any strong setting spray will have a similar effect.