Have you ever thrown on a bright red lipstick and instantly felt powerful? Or dabbed on some sparkly eyeshadow and felt your mood lift? If so, you’re no stranger to the idea of dopamine dressing, a concept that has been around since the mid-2010s. The term arises from dressing in ways that stimulate the brain’s release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. While the practice of choosing clothes for mood enhancement has likely been instinctual and part of human behaviour, the deliberate connection between fashion choices and their impact on mood, particularly through the lens of neuroscience, is a recent development—especially evident during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Colours are friends who know how to cheer us up. They are the hues in our clothes and accessories that put a smile on our face, and add that spring to our step. Imagine applying that same feel-good philosophy to our makeup bag. Makeup is the perfect playground for this, and it’s amazing how a little colour and sparkle on our faces can turn our day around. And we can have all this fun without making big commitments. Today’s electric blue eyeliner doesn’t have to be tomorrow’s choice. You can switch it up as your mood changes.
Getting into dopamine makeup doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire makeup routine. It’s as simple as adding a pop of colour where you’d usually go neutral, or trying out a lipstick shade that’s been calling out to you from the shelf. These small tweaks can make a big difference in how you feel. It’s about finding those little moments of joy and confidence and wearing them right on your face.
Always wanted to try a bold new eyeliner style? Go for it. Wondering if you can pull off that hot pink nail polish? You absolutely can. It’s all about playing with your makeup, seeing what makes you feel the best, and rolling with it. It’s a fabulous way to elevate your mood, boost your confidence, and showcase your unique style—all with a simple brush stroke. And the best part? Once you’ve successfully lifted your spirits, you can simply wash it all away at the end of the day. It’s the ultimate no-strings-attached approach to experimenting with your look and finding happiness in the little things, one day at a time.
Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol.5, $105, Anastasia Beverly Hills
Palette De Beaute Quatour in 03 Wild Bouquet, $120, Gucci Beauty
Discovery Eyeshadow Palette - Give Yourself Grace, $50, Rare Beauty
Snap Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Neutrals, $43, Fenty Beauty
