"Euphoria" Makeup Artist Donni Davy Shares 10 Favorites From Her Kit

Courtesy of Donni Davy and the brand
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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to Emmy-winning celebrity makeup artist Donni Davy, the visionary behind "Euphoria"'s trendsetting beauty looks. From her must-have complexion products to the eye-catching pigments she reaches for on set and in everyday life, Davy shares the beauty staples she can't live without.

The bold, shimmering makeup of "Euphoria" is just as iconic as the show itself. But for Donni Davy, the makeup artist behind HBO's hit series, creating viral-worthy makeup moments wasn't always part of her plan. "I never thought I would be a makeup artist," she says. "I was never really a makeup girly growing up. I was more of a shy art kid."

Davy's artistic roots run deep — she studied photography at Pratt Institute, initially envisioning a career behind the camera. But after a conversation with a family friend, she realized makeup artistry could merge her love for painting, drawing, and storytelling. That revelation set her on a path that would change her life.

Her breakthrough came when HBO tapped her for "Euphoria", drawn to the dreamy, avant-garde aesthetic she crafted for the 2018 film "Under the Silver Lake." On set, Davy particularly loves working with Hunter Schafer, whose looks are often the most unpredictable. "Sometimes, when you have that much freedom, you almost have no idea what to do," she says. But that creative challenge is what keeps her inspired.

Davy's work has become legendary, earning her a second Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup. As production for season three is officially underway, she continues to treat each character's look as an emotional extension of their journey, meticulously considering lighting, wardrobe, and script cues. "Makeup communicates so much to the audience," she says. "It's extra info; a storytelling tool."

Beyond her work in television, Davy is making her mark in the beauty industry. In 2022, she co-founded Half Magic Beauty with A24, bringing a bold, boundary-pushing aesthetic to everyday beauty lovers. With her signature blend of art, emotion, and self-expression, Davy continues to redefine what makeup can be — one shimmering, rhinestone-studded look at a time.

Here, Davy shares her must-have beauty picks, the essentials in her makeup bag, and the go-to products that help her power through the day.

Best Glitter Eyeshadow
halfmagicbeauty.com

Best Glitter Eyeshadow

Half Magic Beauty Glitterpuck ($28)

Half Magic Beauty Glitterpuck is proof that sparkle has no age limit, and Davy is making sure everyone knows it. "I wanted to show people that there's a beautiful way to make your eyelid sparkle at any age, including over 40, over 50, over 60, whatever," she says. "The most useful thing a person can do is wear a makeup look they're excited by and makes them feel great. [Life is about] having that dopamine hit from putting on something that makes you happy, beautiful, and so alive." Glitterpuck offers a shimmer that feels playful, never over-the-top; perfect for adding a pop of magic to your lids, no matter your agenda.

Best Glow Serum
sephora.com

Best Glow Serum

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Glow Serum ($34)

Ever wish your foundation came with a dimmer switch? Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Glow Serum might just be the answer. "It's a glowy serum, so you can use it to thin out the foundation," says Davy. "Danessa is a makeup artist too, and I totally know why she made [a serum] — so you can tailor the consistency and the coverage level of the foundations." Use it to dial down a full-coverage moment or to give your skin that lit-from-within glow with zero heaviness.

Best Daily Moisturizer
sephora.com

Best Daily Moisturizer

Dieux Skin Air Angel Daily Moisturizer ($44)

Primers? Complicated routines? Not in Davy's world. "I wasn't formally trained as a makeup artist, so I don't even know about all those steps," she says. Instead, she keeps things simple with Dieux Skin Air Angel Daily Moisturizer. "I like that it's non-oily. Makeup lays on beautifully without it moving around; it sinks in." It's the kind of product that makes you feel like you've got your life together. Even if you're just winging it.

Best Hydrating Toner
amazon.com

Best Hydrating Toner

Stratia Aqua Factory Hydrating Toner ($16)

This lightweight, moisture-boosting formula is packed with humectants like glycerin and beta-glucan to help draw in hydration and keep skin feeling refreshed. It absorbs quickly without any stickiness, making it a great first step before layering on serums and moisturizers. "I enjoy using this to tone and prep skin before Dieux Air Angel," says Davy.

Best Face Palette
makeupforever.com

Best Face Palette

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials Palette ($88)

Blush and contour are nonnegotiables for Davy, and the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials Palette is one of her ride-or-die staples. "I love blush and contour palettes — they're a must-have for me," she says. The versatile palette features 12 creamy shades for sculpting, concealing, highlighting, and adding color to the cheeks, making it a go-to for both pro artists and anyone who loves a customizable complexion routine. Plus, the blendable formula melts seamlessly into skin for a natural, second-skin finish that's perfect for everyday wear or full-glam moments.

Best Lashes
amazon.com

Best Lashes

Manga Lashes ($10)

Fluffy lashes? Davy is officially over them. These days, she's all about the spiky, doll-like effect of "manga" lashes — a trend that's been taking over TikTok and runways alike. "I feel like I can't even use a fluffy lash anymore," Davy says. "I'm just so into the more spiky aesthetic at the moment." To get the look, Davy reaches for lashes that have defined clusters or wispy, separated spikes. The result? A wide-eyed, playful finish that adds just enough drama.

Best At-Home Hair Color
ulta.com

Best At-Home Hair Color

Keracolor Color + Conditioner ($22)

Davy isn't just a pro when it comes to makeup; she's hands-on with her hair color, too. "I mix my own hair colors, and I put them on my hair," she says. "I just went more brown and now it has faded a bit. Now it's like this random caramel color. But I love mixing my own hair colors." Her favorite for easy at-home color touch-ups is the Keracolor Color + Conditioner, a pigment-depositing conditioning treatment that refreshes color while keeping hair soft and shiny. Available in a wide range of shades, it's perfect for DIY color lovers looking to experiment or maintain their hue between salon visits.

Best Lip Oil
ulta.com

Best Lip Oil

Half Magic Beauty Lip Snuggle ($20)

Half Magic Beauty Lip Snuggle might just be the most underrated gem in Davy's makeup bag. "The high-pigment lip oils are really slept on," she says. "It's a super-high-pigment lip balm oil. Usually, lip oils are really sheer. So this is for the makeup lovers, lip color lovers. It's a really great one." The cushiony formula delivers the shine and comfort of a lip oil with the bold payoff of a lipstick in one juicy swipe. Bonus: It comes in shades that flatter every skin tone and actually stays put.

Best Brushes
bkbeauty.com

Best Brushes

BK Beauty Essentials Face Brush Set ($145)

TikTok has spoken and Davy agrees: the BK Beauty Essentials Face Brush Set has earned a spot in the makeup artist's kit, thanks to the soft brushes that blend with precision. "I'm really into these beauty brushes," Davy says. "They work really beautiful for foundation." The set includes five core face brushes designed for seamless application of not only foundation but blush, bronzer, contour, and powder. They're easy to use, beginner-friendly, and make even the quickest makeup routine feel a hint more luxe.

Best Fragrance
bloomingdales.com

Best Fragrance

DS & Durga Jazmín Yucatan Eau de Parfum ($300)

Lush, tropical jasmine meets earthy, aquatic notes in a scent that instantly transports you to the heart of the Yucatán jungle. It's floral but not too sweet — fresh, green, and just a little bit wild. "This one is my favorite fragrance — it's fancy," says Davy.

Courtesy of Donni Davy and the brand


Deena Campbell is the former beauty director of Marie Claire and a passionate advocate for driving meaningful conversations about beauty, particularly around ensuring BIPOC individuals feel seen and their stories are told.