Dakota Johnson’s 2025: From ‘Materialists’ Lead to Hollywood’s Beauty Secrets

Dakota Johnson, a name synonymous with both indie credibility and Hollywood glamour, had a distinctly multifaceted year in 2025. As the lead in Celine Song’s new film Materialists, Johnson found herself at the heart of a story that challenged romantic conventions, while her off-screen reputation as a beauty influencer continued to grow through her associations with sought-after products.

‘Materialists’: A Cynical Take on Modern Love

Released in late 2025, Materialists offered Johnson a role unlike many she’d tackled before. Playing Lucy, a pragmatic matchmaker for the ultra-wealthy, Johnson was tasked with embodying a character whose view of romance was shaped less by sentiment and more by financial security. The film, penned and directed by Celine Song (Past Lives), opens not with whimsy but with the assertion that true love might just be a business transaction.

Lucy’s job is to pair clients based on criteria that make sense—dollars and compatibility, not chemistry. Her clientele come with high standards, and while their expectations are often unrealistic, the film’s humor remains grounded, eschewing broad comic strokes for a more muted, reality-rooted approach.

Johnson’s Lucy is closing in on her tenth successful match when she encounters Harry (Pedro Pascal), a finance whiz who appears to be the ideal catch. Unlike most, Harry isn’t interested in Lucy’s matchmaking services—he’s interested in Lucy herself. Their relationship, however, never quite achieves the classic ‘meet cute’ energy; instead, it’s marked by guarded conversations and introspective questioning.

Johnson’s portrayal drew mixed reactions from critics. According to Lyles Movie Files, her performance was described as aloof, lacking the warmth and effortless charm found in genre staples like Kate Hudson or Reese Witherspoon. The review suggests that Johnson’s Lucy feels like an actress consciously playing a role, rather than fully inhabiting the character’s world.

The film further complicates Lucy’s journey with the reintroduction of her ex, John (Chris Evans), at a wedding. Their five-year relationship was colored by financial instability, a theme that resonates with Lucy’s upbringing and her aversion to economic uncertainty. The love triangle, however, is presented with nuance: Evans brings vulnerability to John, making him more than a mere foil, while Pascal’s Harry is never cast as a villain, avoiding tired tropes of romantic rivalry.

Despite promising elements, Materialists ultimately struggled to provide a compelling emotional payoff. Subplots, including one involving a client’s troubling experience, are given ample screen time but resolve unsatisfactorily. The film’s ending, according to critics, fails to fully earn its conclusion, leaving viewers with more questions than closure.

Hollywood Beauty Staples: Dakota’s Enduring Influence

While Materialists dominated headlines for its unconventional take on relationships, Johnson’s influence in the beauty world remained undiminished. In the midst of the annual Cyber Monday sales, Page Six spotlighted celebrity-favored products, revealing the routines that keep Hollywood stars red carpet-ready.

Among the featured items was Olaplex’s No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, a product championed by celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham. Cunningham noted that she introduced Jennifer Lopez to Olaplex and also keeps it stocked for Dakota Johnson, alongside other A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Billie Eilish. The endorsement speaks to Johnson’s status as a trusted beauty muse; she’s not just an actress but a figure whose self-care routines are emulated by fans and professionals alike.

Other products making the rounds in celebrity circles included It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes serum, and Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. Though Johnson’s direct endorsements weren’t cited for these, her inclusion in the Olaplex narrative underscores her place among the industry’s most influential personalities.

Cyber Monday: Where Celebrity Meets Accessibility

In 2025, Cyber Monday remained a pivotal moment for beauty enthusiasts and everyday shoppers alike. Retailers like Ulta Beauty offered deep discounts on products with star power, making the routines of Hollywood icons suddenly accessible to millions. The event’s coverage in Page Six emphasized the allure of celebrity-approved items and the thrill of scoring deals on top-tier brands.

For Johnson, this convergence of film and beauty highlights the duality of her public persona. On screen, she’s navigating the complexities of love and ambition; off screen, she’s quietly shaping consumer trends in the beauty space. The products she uses, the roles she chooses—they all become part of the broader narrative of what it means to be a modern Hollywood star.

Dakota Johnson: Navigating Fame, Critique, and Authenticity

Johnson’s trajectory in 2025 illustrates the challenges and expectations facing contemporary actors. Materialists offered her a role that demanded vulnerability and complexity, yet some critics felt her performance remained too guarded. It’s a reminder that not every project will resonate universally, and that star power alone doesn’t guarantee audience connection.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s enduring association with beauty culture reflects a quieter, but no less significant, form of influence. Products she’s linked to become aspirational, and her understated style sets trends beyond the silver screen. In both arenas, Johnson continues to balance public scrutiny with personal authenticity—a task as intricate as any character she plays.

In assessing Dakota Johnson’s 2025, it’s clear that her impact stretches beyond conventional stardom. While ‘Materialists’ may not have won over all critics, Johnson’s presence—both onscreen and within the beauty industry—remains undeniable. Her ability to navigate complex roles and shape consumer habits speaks to a modern celebrity’s evolving responsibilities, where influence is measured not just in box office returns, but in cultural resonance and everyday choices.