Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie Howard in HBO’s hit show Euphoria has made her a standout star, not only for her performance but also for her unforgettable makeup looks. As Cassie, Sweeney has worn a wide range of striking beauty styles, from glowy, innocent looks to edgy, experimental makeup that mirrors the show’s raw and emotional themes. Euphoria makeup is all about self-expression, bold choices, and breaking traditional beauty rules, and Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie is no exception.
This article will explore the evolution of Sydney Sweeney’s makeup as Cassie Howard in Euphoria, breaking down the key elements of her most iconic makeup moments. We’ll also dive into how you can recreate some of these iconic looks at home, whether you’re preparing for a themed party, a night out, or just want to channel your inner Cassie.
The Impact of Euphoria on Makeup Trends
Before we dive into Sydney Sweeney’s specific makeup looks as Cassie, it’s important to understand the cultural impact of Euphoria on the beauty industry. The show, which debuted in 2019, quickly gained a cult following thanks to its unflinching portrayal of teenage angst, relationships, and the trials of growing up. But beyond the storylines, the makeup was an essential character in itself, creating visual storytelling through bold, striking, and sometimes surreal looks.
The makeup artists behind Euphoria, especially Doniella Davy, revolutionized the way beauty was viewed on screen. Glitter, neon eyeliner, bold blush, and dramatic eyeshadows became signatures of the show, setting new beauty standards for a generation. Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie, embodies a more innocent, romantic, and sometimes vulnerable side of this trend, offering a softer yet equally striking contrast to the more avant-garde looks of other characters like Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer).
Cassie Howard’s Makeup: A Reflection of Her Character
Cassie’s makeup evolves throughout Euphoria, much like her character arc. In the early episodes, she is portrayed as a sweet, naive character, often using makeup to create an illusion of perfection, particularly when it comes to trying to gain the approval of others. As Cassie becomes more emotionally complicated, her makeup becomes bolder, more experimental, and even a reflection of her internal struggles.
Let’s break down some of Cassie Howard’s most iconic makeup looks and how Sydney Sweeney brought them to life.
1. The Sweet Innocence: Flushed, Soft Makeup Looks
One of Cassie’s defining traits, especially early on in Euphoria, is her almost angelic appearance. Her makeup in the first season often focuses on achieving a youthful, fresh-faced glow, featuring soft blush tones, natural-looking skin, and subtle eyeshadow.
Flushed Pink Cheeks and Dewy Skin
Cassie’s makeup artist often uses cream blushes or soft powders to create a healthy, flushed look. This style is perfect for creating the illusion of a soft, romantic character who seems constantly on the verge of innocence and vulnerability. To achieve this look, focus on creating dewy skin with a foundation or skin tint that has a luminous finish, like Glossier Skin Tint or Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. Then, apply a cream blush in a soft pink shade across the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards toward your temples.
- Key Products for This Look:
- Foundation: Glossier Skin Tint or Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop
- Blush: Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick in “Werk” or Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in “Happy”
- Highlighter: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter in “Trophy Wife”
Soft, Natural Eyes
Cassie’s eyes are often framed by soft, neutral eyeshadow tones, like peaches, soft pinks, and light browns. A light shimmer in the inner corner helps open up the eyes and adds a touch of magic to the look. To replicate this, use a neutral eyeshadow palette with soft, warm tones and apply a light shimmer to the lid.
- Key Products for This Look:
- Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked3 Palette
- Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
- Brow Gel: Glossier Boy Brow
2. The Bold Eye: Neon and Graphic Liner
As Cassie’s character becomes more emotionally complicated in season 2, her makeup begins to reflect her inner turmoil. One of the standout features of her season 2 look is bold, graphic eyeliner that sometimes veers into the neon or metallic territory. These looks signify Cassie’s increasing discomfort and desire for attention, as well as her attempts to assert herself in her own way.
Neon and Bold Graphic Liner
One of Cassie’s most talked-about makeup moments involves her neon pink eyeliner. This bold eyeliner creates a striking contrast with her soft skin and blush, adding an edge to her otherwise innocent look. To achieve this, use a liquid eyeliner in a vibrant color like neon pink, electric blue, or even yellow, and apply it in a clean, graphic line along your upper lash line. You can also extend the line outward for a more dramatic look, as Cassie does in some of her most memorable scenes.
- Key Products for This Look:
- Neon Eyeliner: NYX Vivid Brights Liner in “Vivid Blossom” (neon pink) or “Vivid Fire” (neon red)
- Liquid Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in “Intense Black”
- Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Metallic Eyeshadow
In the later parts of Euphoria, Cassie’s eyeshadow becomes more dramatic and sometimes metallic, featuring rich golds or shimmery pinks. This helps to highlight her emotional shift, symbolizing her growing confidence or, in some cases, desperation. To recreate this look, choose a metallic eyeshadow that complements your neon eyeliner. Apply a sparkling eyeshadow to the center of your lid for a bright, dimensional effect.
- Key Products for This Look:
- Metallic Eyeshadow: Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eye Shadow Palette in “Cadet” (green and gold tones)
- Loose Glitter: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Gel in “Starfire”
3. The Dramatic Night Out: Full Glam and Red Lips
Cassie also goes for full-on glam for some of her more intense, party-ready looks. These looks combine bold eyeliner, smoky eyes, and striking lips, all while still keeping the overall vibe youthful and fun.
Smoky Eyes and Bold Lips
A signature look in Euphoria is smoky eyes paired with a vivid lip color. Cassie has been seen wearing classic red lips in certain episodes, creating a dramatic contrast with her typically sweet appearance. For this look, blend a smoky brown or black eyeshadow on the lid, and keep the eyeliner sharp and defined. Add a matte red lipstick or a glossy red for an added pop of glamour.
- Key Products for This Look:
- Eyeshadow: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
- Red Lipstick: NARS Audacious Lipstick in “Audrey” or Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in “Uncensored”
- Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in “Trooper Black”
4. The Evolution of Cassie’s Makeup: From Innocence to Intensity
As the show progresses, so does Cassie’s makeup—mirroring her evolving emotional state. Early on, her makeup was soft, innocent, and understated, but as her character delves deeper into her own insecurities, her makeup becomes increasingly bold and dramatic. The neon liners, glitters, and graphic eyes all serve as metaphors for Cassie’s emotional journey, her desire to be seen, and her struggle for self-acceptance.
Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie Howard is a perfect reflection of the youthful desperation and yearning for validation that many young people experience. Through her makeup, viewers get a glimpse of her inner world, and this makeup art becomes a key element in her character’s transformation.
How to Recreate Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie Howard Makeup at Home
If you’re inspired by Sydney Sweeney’s makeup looks as Cassie in Euphoria, you can easily recreate some of these iconic styles at home. Here are a few tips for achieving these looks:
- Keep Your Skin Glowy: Start with a dewy base using a hydrating primer and a glowy foundation or skin tint. Apply a soft cream blush to the apples of your cheeks to replicate Cassie’s innocent, youthful glow.
- Experiment with Bold Eyeliner: Try playing with graphic eyeliner in colors like neon pink or electric blue. Experiment with different shapes—extend the liner outward or add a little flick at the corner for extra drama.
- Play with Glitter: Glitter is a huge part of Euphoria’s aesthetic. Add a touch of loose glitter or metallic eyeshadow to the center of your eyelids for an ethereal, party-ready look.
- Bold Lips: For nights out, don’t shy away from a bold red lipstick or even a deep berry shade. This will give your look the same intensity and drama that Cassie brings to her most glamorous moments.
Conclusion
Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie Howard in Euphoria has made her one of the most recognized beauty icons in modern television. Her makeup looks, ranging from soft and romantic to bold and experimental, reflect her emotional journey and the themes of the show. Whether you want to emulate her innocent glow or try a more dramatic, edgy look with neon eyeliner and glitter, there’s something for everyone in Cassie’s evolving makeup style. By embracing these bold beauty choices, you can channel your inner Cassie and experiment with your own makeup artistry in a way that feels true to your personality and mood.