I tried dopamine makeup and here are three things I didn’t expect

“When you’re sad, you don’t have to look bad,” is a favorite saying of a friend of mine who somehow always looks great. There’s clearly some truth to it, because one of this year’s most beloved makeup trends is all about lifting your mood. Known as dopamine makeup, it’s far more than just another makeup look.

This isn’t simply about bright eyeshadow shades or a dusting of glitter across the face. It’s about understanding the psychological impact of beauty and making a conscious choice to use it as a tool for personal joy and a better state of mind.

The idea behind dopamine makeup is that bold colors and playful textures can stimulate the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to feelings of pleasure and happiness. Dopamine makeup isn’t trying to be invisible, corrective, or “polite” — it’s unapologetically expressive and joyfully playful.

What is dopamine makeup, really?

Anna Sui Spring 2026., Acielle/ Style du Monde

Dopamine makeup emerged as a direct counterpoint to the clean girl aesthetic. I first came across the term through Sir John, Beyoncé’s longtime makeup artist, who describes the use of bold colors and defined lines, often layered with beads and glitter, as a way to spark joy. He calls it dopamine glam.

With dopamine makeup, it’s not just about color choices, creativity takes center stage. The makeup looks Sophia Sinot created for Zara Larsson are a perfect reminder of how effective this approach can be. The viral mix of pastel shades and colorful embellishments delighted many and set imaginations in motion. The more creative, the better. An orange heart on the nose? Why not. Purple eyeshadow with green liner? If it makes you happy, absolutely.

Photo: @sophiasinot

The dopamine makeup trend rejects boredom and embraces creativity in its most expressive form. In the end, the color combinations that genuinely make you happy are the best dopamine makeup look for you. Everything is allowed if it sparks a sense of joy. This trend invites you to mix the unexpected.

Dopamine makeup works instantly

When I finally tried this trend myself, I realized just how much I had been missing that moment of expressiveness when creating a makeup look.

1. The shift in mood was immediate and unmistakable. Even while applying my makeup, I felt my energy change for the better.

2. I stayed in a lighter, more positive mood throughout the day, especially every time I checked my reflection.

3. That good feeling seemed to carry over to others, too. Dopamine makeup, it turns out, doesn’t work only on the inside. It communicates mood and spreads a sense of positive energy to the people around you.

Photo: Sonny Vandevelde/Indigital

If you’re expecting a grey, uninspiring day, the dopamine makeup trend might just make it better, not only for you, but for everyone around you. After all, is there a more positive way to start the day than by adding a dose of brightness and good energy, especially through color? Try the look for yourself and see.

Photo: Sonny Vandevelde/Indigital