After seasons of soft neutrals and barely-there beauty, colour is making a loud and joyful comeback. Say hello to dopamine makeup; the vibrant trend flooding our feeds and inspiring a new era of expressive beauty. Think electric liners, neon lids, high-shine textures, and unapologetic glitter. But this is more than just makeup; it’s a mood.
Glamour: Dopamine makeup is everywhere right now. Can you break down what it actually is, for those hearing the term for the first time?
MS: It’s playful, vibrant makeup that focuses on bright colours like neons, pastels and glitter to accessorise your face. The application techniques are bolder but not always structured. It’s like a modern, freer take on 80s-style colour blocking.
Glamour: Why do you think we're seeing such a bold return to colour this season? What's driving this shift?
MS: Fashion always inspires makeup, and both always come back around to inspire the next generation. We’ve gone through an era of muted cool and warm tones; the 2016 “Instagram face,” which was very product-heavy. Now, people want to wear less makeup but still make an impact through colour.
Glamour: How does dopamine makeup tie into how we feel? Is it really as much about mood as it is about aesthetics?
MS: Colour and glitter absolutely affect mood. Bright colours bring joy, ease and positive energy.
I think they boost confidence. It’s a playful look, and because it feels unserious, it gives people the freedom to be themselves.
Glamour: MAC has always been a brand known for pushing colour boundaries. How is the brand embracing dopamine makeup in 2025?
MS: With our new launches, MAC is focused on Glow, which celebrates healthy-looking skin, and Dazzle, which is all about colour and glitter that accessorise the face. At MAC, we see colour and glitter as effortless ways to elevate your look.
Glamour: Are there any standout MAC products or collections that you think perfectly capture the spirit of this trend?
MS: Absolutely. The Colour Excess Gel Liners in Blueberry Milk, Bananas, and Perpetual Shock are bold but smooth. The MACximal Satin Lipsticks like Tilted Denim, Lady Danger, and Centre of Attention are great statement colours. And for eyes, shadows like Joie De Glitz, New Crop, and Mint Condition really embody that dopamine feel.
Glamour: You’ve worked with so many different skin tones and textures. How do you tailor bold, vibrant looks for everyone, without overwhelming natural features?
MS: When we do makeup, we usually focus on one feature to make bold. The rest of the face stays natural to balance it out. But if someone wants a full-bright look, I use colour theory, like complementary or analogous colours, to keep it balanced and beautiful.
Glamour: What are your go-to tips for someone who wants to dip into dopamine makeup but feels intimidated by bright colours?
MS: Keep it minimal and apply it where you’re most comfortable. For example, a bright under-eye liner can add a pop without taking over. Or try a bright lipstick mixed with a deeper lip liner to make it more wearable.
Glamour: Is there a ‘gateway’ product or colour you recommend starting with—like a hot pink liner or an orange lip?
MS: I always suggest starting with an orange lip. It’s eye-catching, universally flattering, and easy to wear. Not everyone feels ready for a bright liner, but lipstick is approachable and the quickest way to transform your look.
Glamour: Any hacks for making colour wearable for daytime or for the office crowd who still want a pop without going full festival glam?
MS: Try adding a touch of green or blue liner to your waterline. It’s a subtle but striking way to wear colour without overwhelming your usual look, perfect for the office or daytime settings.
Glamour: Spring is all about renewal. What colour stories or techniques do you think will define Spring 2025 makeup?
MS: I think technical line work on the face is going to be big. Artists are loving graphic elements and creative shapes; it feels fresh, futuristic, and fun.
Glamour: Are there any colour combinations that feel especially fresh or unexpected for the season?
MS: Definitely! Expect the unexpected. People are going to use colours in unconventional ways, which brings back that colour-blocking energy but in a new, creative format.
Glamour: What’s one playful twist you’d love to see people try this spring when it comes to makeup?
MS: I’d love to see more people try triadic colour combos like purple, green, and orange together. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it really lets you express yourself.
Glamour: How do you think dopamine makeup is changing the way people express themselves through beauty?
MS: It allows people to show their personalities through colour. There’s a deep relationship between colour and feeling; you get to see what someone considers a “happy” colour, or even what they see as royal or powerful
Glamour: Have you seen any memorable transformations, personal or professional, where playing with colour truly boosted someone’s confidence or energy?
MS: Absolutely. I’ve heard stories of people wearing a red lip for the first time after thinking it wouldn’t suit their skin tone or trying bright eye colours they never thought they could wear. Makeup really can change your mood.
Glamour: What’s your personal go-to colour when you want to feel unstoppable?
MS: Green. I love that it can be worn on its own or paired with red as a complementary shade. It always makes me feel powerful and put together.
Glamour: For Glamour readers ready to embrace the dopamine makeup movement, what’s one mantra or piece of advice you'd leave them with?
MS: This is a fresh, futuristic take on makeup. Inspired by the 80s but rooted in modern self-expression, let colour and dazzle become your accessories this spring. Let your makeup bring bright smiles and let your eyes light up.
Glamour: Finally, please complete this sentence for us? “This Spring, your makeup should make you feel…”
MS: Like the best, happiest version of yourself. Like you are the light in everyone’s day.
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