Euphoria has given us many a beauty look to emulate since it first hit our screens, but while the makeup looks have been marginally pared back this season, we’ve noticed another aspect has been stepped up a notch – the nails.
As the show’s makeup lead Donni Davy recently revealed on Instagram, Natalie Minerva was brought in to “level up” the characters’ nail game in season 2.
“Natalie worked closely with us and the cast to design/produce all of our press-on nails,” explained Davy, alongside pictures of marbled neon pink and green designs that Kat wore in episode one. “My team would apply them with nail stickers, often switching out multiple sets per day as we filmed different parts of different episodes.”
@natalieminervanails Reply to @2222pretty Maddy’s nails close up ❤️ #euphoria #nails #nailart
♬ All For Us – from the HBO Original Series Euphoria – Labrinth & Zendaya
This tactic allowed for ample creativity without damage to the cast’s nails, meaning Minerva could switch up the nail art between scenes. An in-demand manicurist who also works with the likes of Halsey and Demi Lovato, Minerva relished the opportunity to collaborate with the cast.
We’re only four episodes in and we’ve already seen a number of astonishing nail moments, from Maddy’s lime green gingham nails adorned with butterflies, to Cassie’s diamond-studded soft pink set. While other characters – Rue, Lexi – keep their nails subdued, Minerva was able to go all-out for the show’s resident glamazons.
“The nails feel very current and fresh, yet individualised for each character,” Minerva said of her inspiration in a recent interview. “I was trying to incorporate designs that felt on par with trends but weren’t exact copycats of trendy nails, if that makes sense. I’m always aiming for new takes on art when I’m designing while keeping in mind what’s popular in nails at the time.”
This translated to round and square sets featuring varied OTT designs, including cabernet sweetheart cut-outs on Cassie, chrome nails for flashback scenes with Fez’s grandma, and pink and copper colours for Maddy. And that could all just be in one single episode.
“It’s a lot of creative minds coming together,” Minerva told The Face of the nail design process. “We usually have a group chat with the actors. They have a lot of input because they know their character best. Alexa [Demie] and Barbie [Ferreira] might send me a certain pattern or dress, and from there I’ll make some samples. It’s really collaborative. They trust my vision, I trust their gut and it’s very symbiotic.”
@natalieminervanails Euphoria Episode 3 Nail Update and BTS! #nails #nailart #euphoria
While we’ve already screenshotted multiple iconic nail looks for our next trip to the salon, Minerva hinted to the publication that the best may yet be to come. “It’ll be Maddy’s and she’s going to bring it. It’s graphic and structural, you’ll notice it right away,” she says of her favourite design from the season.
“I love painting patterns and doing line work. Trust me – you’ll know when you see it.”
We’ll be making note.
