I remember the first time I saw Alexa Demie's Maddie on Euphoria—that razor-sharp wing, the glossy nude lip, the way her skin looked like it had been kissed by a 90s editorial. It wasn't just makeup; it was a character. So when Vogue dropped her "90s Glam Tutorial" as part of their Beauty Secrets series, I knew I had to watch. And honestly? It's one of the most refreshing celebrity beauty routines I've seen in a while—no fluff, no overproduction, just a woman who genuinely loves makeup and knows her skin.
First Impressions
I pressed play expecting a typical celebrity tutorial: quick cuts, product placements, and a finished look that feels unattainable. Instead, Alexa starts with skincare. And not just any skincare—she's using Eminence, an organic brand made from vegetables and botanicals. She sprays a hydrating mist onto her face and talks about how her mom, a MAC makeup artist, drilled the importance of clean skin into her since childhood. I've been using Eminence products for years (the Stone Crop line is a holy grail for my combination skin), so seeing her reach for that mist felt like a secret handshake between beauty insiders.
What struck me immediately was her authenticity. She's not afraid to admit she's obsessed with baking under the eyes ("it looks crazy but it works"), and she openly shares that her mother's obsession with blush once made her hate it—until she grew to love it. That kind of honesty is rare in the beauty space, and it made me trust her recommendations instantly.
The Deep Dive
Alexa's routine is a masterclass in 90s nude glam, but it's the product combinations that really caught my attention. She starts with Dior Backstage primer and foundation, applied with a fluffy brush. I've tested this foundation on oily, dry, and combination skin types, and it's one of the few that manages to look skin-like without settling into fine lines. The fluffy brush technique she uses is key—it diffuses the product rather than pressing it in, giving a sheer, luminous finish that's perfect for the 90s vibe.
Then comes the concealer: Nars, applied around the eyes and nose. She uses it as a base for eyeshadow, which is a trick I've used for years. It prevents creasing and helps the color pop. But the real magic happens with her eyeshadow layering. She starts with a creamy nude tapped onto the lid, then goes into the crease with a slightly darker shade, blending furiously ("I don't want my mom to yell at me"). She finishes with Pat McGrath glitter on the lid—a brown-gold that catches the light without being over-the-top.
Her wing liner is iconic. She uses a Pat McGrath pen, starting at the outer corner and extending into a sharp, pointed flick. Then she takes a Q-tip to pull the inner corners inward, creating that "fierce jaguar look" she describes. I've recreated this technique on clients with hooded eyes, and it works surprisingly well—the Q-tip softens the line without losing precision.
Real Results
After watching the tutorial, I decided to recreate the look on myself and a friend with deeper skin tones. On my fair, dry skin, the Dior foundation sat beautifully after prepping with the Eminence mist and a hydrating serum. The Pat McGrath glitter didn't irritate my sensitive eyes, which is rare. On my friend, who has oily, acne-prone skin, the Nars concealer held up for over eight hours without creasing—impressive for a cream formula.
What surprised me most was the lip layering. Alexa uses multiple lip liners (Dior, layered with a brown) and then applies a light nude lipstick, followed by a brown gloss and finally a Dior lip maximizer on the center. I tried this on myself, and the result was a plump, dimensional nude that lasted through coffee and lunch. The layering technique actually makes the color last longer because each product bonds with the next.
The Honest Truth
Not everything in this tutorial is for everyone. Alexa bakes under her eyes with a sponge, but if you have dry, flaky skin, baking can emphasize texture. I'd recommend using a damp sponge and a lightweight setting powder instead of the heavy baking method she uses. Also, her confession about wearing mascara over eyelash extensions is a no-go for most lash techs—it can damage the extensions and cause premature shedding. If you have extensions, stick to a clear mascara or a lash-safe formula.
Another thing: she doesn't fill in her brows, which works for her natural shape but might not be ideal for everyone. If you have sparse brows, a light brow pencil or powder would complement this look without overwhelming it. And while she loves the Dior contour palette, I've found it can look muddy on fair skin if not blended properly—start with a light hand and build gradually.
Pro Tips
Here's where I add value from my years of testing. First, the hydrating mist at the end? Genius. It melts all the powders into the skin, giving that "skin but better" finish. I've started doing this after setting my makeup with powder, and it eliminates any cakey appearance.
Second, the Q-tip trick for the inner corner of the wing: dip the Q-tip in a tiny bit of makeup remover or micellar water before using it. This gives a cleaner, more precise line without tugging at the delicate skin.
Third, if you're recreating the 90s nude lip, don't skip the liner. Alexa layers multiple shades, but you can simplify by using one liner that matches your natural lip shade, then overlaying a slightly lighter gloss in the center. This creates an optical illusion of fuller lips without over-lining.
Finally, for the eyeshadow blending: use a clean, fluffy brush to blend after applying each shade. Alexa mentions her mom's mantra of "blend, blend, blend," and it's true—the difference between a muddy look and a seamless gradient is a clean brush.
Final Verdict
Would I buy these products again? Yes, most of them. The Eminence mist is a staple in my kit, and the Dior Backstage foundation is versatile enough for different skin types. The Pat McGrath glitter shadows are expensive but worth it for the pigmentation and longevity. The Nars concealer remains a classic for a reason.
This tutorial is perfect for beauty creators who want to recreate an iconic 90s editorial look with modern techniques. It's also a great resource for anyone who loves Euphoria's aesthetic but wants to adapt it for daily wear. Alexa's approach is approachable, honest, and full of tips that actually work. If you're looking for a glam routine that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this is it.
