The ageing rumor..
Gen Z, the digital natives, have grown up in an era where social media not only influences but often dictates beauty standards. This constant exposure has fostered a beauty-conscious generation that values skincare as an essential part of their daily routine. Unlike millennials, who grew up with a focus on makeup to cover imperfections, Gen Z are more inclined towards a skincare-first approach. This generation is more likely to have extensive skincare routines, embracing serums, facial sprays, and innovative products from brands that resonate with their ethos, such as Glossier (The List).
This generational shift is not just about the number of products used but also reflects a deeper understanding and appreciation for the science of skincare. Gen Z's approach is comprehensive, favoring environmentally friendly products and brands that align with their values on sustainability, diversity, and ethical practices. They are more experimental with their beauty routines, willing to try new brands and products, and are particularly drawn to those that offer safe, non-toxic, and sometimes organic ingredients (Beautytap) (Global Cosmetic Industry).
Millennials, having come of age during the era of Proactive and heavy makeup, initially focused more on cosmetic solutions to skin issues. However, as skincare has become a more prominent topic of conversation, many in this generation have also embraced the importance of a solid skincare routine, albeit perhaps with a more minimalist approach than Gen Z. This generational difference underscores a broader trend in the beauty industry towards prioritizing skin health over masking imperfections (The List).
The rising popularity of K-beauty in the Western world, with its emphasis on detailed skincare routines and innovative products, has further influenced both generations, though Gen Z might be more quickly adopting these trends. The K-beauty phenomenon emphasizes layering multiple skincare products to achieve optimal skin health, a practice that aligns with Gen Z's preference for comprehensive skincare routines. The focus on hydration, gentle ingredients, and achieving a "glass skin" look has attracted followers globally, blending seamlessly with the Western shift towards more skincare-centric beauty routines (Beautytap).
In conclusion, the beauty routines of Gen Z and millennials reflect a broader shift in societal values, with an increasing emphasis on sustainability, health, and inclusivity. As we move forward, it's clear that the future of beauty lies not in covering up but in taking care of our skin, with a mindful approach to the products we choose and the routines we adopt. Brands that recognize and adapt to these changing priorities, offering products that are effective, ethical, and environmentally friendly, will resonate most with these forward-thinking generations.
