Isaac Dunbar Wants You to Love Yourself, With or Without Makeup

Photo:  Jasper Soloff

Isaac Dunbar is making a colorful statement about self-worth and healthy relationships with his latest track "makeup drawer." Barely old enough to drive, Dunbar is already making waves in the music community with his androgynous, self-described "flamboyant" style and bouncy synth-pop beats.  

In his new track, the eccentric young artist touches on themes of gender roles, standards of beauty, and self-expression. The video features some incredibly fun styling, from a donut hat to an outfit made entirely of sparkles.

The song begins with Dunbar complimenting a friend (possibly a love interest?) on their makeup and wondering how they can be so flawless. We all have experienced this feeling, having so much confidence and love for our friends when we cannot seem to find an ounce for ourselves.

The chorus witnesses the aforementioned relationship take a turn for the worse with Dunbar singing, "I know where you've been / You locked the door to my makeup drawer." His words are a very real commentary on how we as a society use makeup to mask our insecurities and make ourselves look a way that is more representative of who we want to be. His makeup drawer contains the tools he uses to have a more positive self-image and this person has taken those tools away from him.

The end of the video shows Dunbar shaking off his insecurities and finding confidence from within, trashing displays of makeup and nail polish. Dunbar confessed to PAPER that he actually wrote the song two years ago when he first became more aware of his sexuality, but he wasn't ready to release the song until now. He explained, "I was fighting an inner battle, trying to learn how to love and accept myself despite a lack of support by some members of my family. I made a deal with myself: I would wait until I loved myself fully to release the song."

Dunbar will continue spreading his positive message this spring with the release of his upcoming EP, issac’s insects, and his first headlining tour, which has already sold out in three cities.

Listen to  "makeup drawer" below:

For more from Isaac Dunbar, revisit his captivating rooftop performance of  "pharmacy" below.

Related Articles

Fall in Love With Ama Again on Her Self-Titled Re-Introduction [Q&A]

Fall in Love With Ama Again on Her Self-Titled Re-Introduction [Q&A]

July 3, 2026 The album is a vexing combination of honesty, R&B sultriness and perspective unfolds over thirteen tracks highlighted by the smash single, "Need It Bad."
Author: DJ Connor
pop
R&B
Ama
“Don’t be a fig girl, be the tree": Julip on Being a Multi-Hyphenate, Serendipity and Her Literally Hands-on Approach to Making Music [Q&A]

“Don’t be a fig girl, be the tree": Julip on Being a Multi-Hyphenate, Serendipity and Her Literally Hands-on Approach to Making Music [Q&A]

July 3, 2026 ”The concept of only being able to pick one fig, I think that’s very limiting and it doesn’t always have to be the case”, says New York based, multi-hyphenate artist julip.
Author: Daniela Waizel Rule
pop
People I’ve Met Open Up Like Never Before

People I’ve Met Open Up Like Never Before

July 2, 2026 NYC-based band People I’ve Met have spent the better part of the last year reorganizing their ambitions and identity.
Author: Noah Wade
pop