Key Points
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The hottest Gen Z beauty trends of 2022 include out-of-the-box options like graphic eyeliner and art to Rudolph blush.
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Gen Z beauty trends value sustainable and natural beauty, as well as inclusivity.
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DIY hacks are a large part of the Gen Z culture.
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Gen Z loves pushing boundaries and changing the face of what it means to be a beauty guru.
Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is the demographic cohort following the millennials. Born between the mid-to-late 1990s and the early 2010s, Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media as a fundamental part of their lives. As a result, the Gen Z beauty trends push boundaries like no other.
From the rise of natural and sustainable products to the popularity of gender-neutral and inclusive beauty, Gen Z beauty trends challenge traditional norms. They have developed their unique sense of style and beauty, rapidly becoming the driving force of innovation in the beauty world.
Natural and Sustainable Products
Gen Z consumers seek natural and sustainable beauty products. This generation is known for being environmentally conscious and socially aware, and they want beauty products to align with their values.
In 2022, Gen Z consumers are becoming more educated than ever about the ingredients in their beauty products. They’re in the market for materials made with natural and organic ingredients. They also seek cruelty-free and sustainable goods with minimal packaging and a low environmental impact.
Some popular natural and sustainable beauty brands among Gen Z include Kopari Beauty, The Ordinary, and Herbivore Botanicals.
Kopari Beauty
Kopari Beauty is a brand that uses natural and organic ingredients in its products. They offer a range of skincare and beauty product lines, including face and body oils, moisturizers, and deodorants, all of which are made with coconut oil as the main ingredient. Kopari Beauty is committed to sustainability and uses eco-friendly packaging.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a brand offering affordable skincare products made with natural and effective ingredients. The Ordinary is known for its minimalist packaging and transparent approach to ingredient lists. Their materials are free from parabens, sulfates, and other potentially harmful chemicals and are cruelty-free.
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is a natural and organic skincare brand that uses plant-based ingredients in its goods. They offer a range of products, including face masks, facial oils, and body scrubs, all of which are made with natural ingredients and are cruelty-free. Herbivore Botanicals is committed to sustainability and uses biodegradable packaging.
Gender-Neutral and Inclusivity Beauty
Gen Z is known for being more open-minded and accepting of diversity than previous generations. Gen Z advocates were the driving force behind Maybelline naming its first male Covergirl model in 2017. They are pushing for more gender-neutral and inclusive beauty products and practices.
Gen Z consumers look for beauty products that are not specifically marketed to one gender or another and are instead intended to be used by everyone, regardless of gender identity. They also advocate for a more inclusive beauty industry where all genders, races, and body types are represented and celebrated.
James Charles
Although he became quite controversial in 2021, James Charles is a popular makeup artist and social media influencer known for his bold and creative makeup looks. He is openly gay and often challenges traditional gender norms with his makeup artistry. Charles uses makeup to express himself and his art. He is a role model for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
“All of our CoverGirls are role models and boundary-breakers, fearlessly expressing themselves, standing up for what they believe and redefining what it means to be beautiful. James Charles is no exception,” a brand ambassador for Maybelline stated.
Rihanna
Fenty Beauty is a makeup brand founded by singer and actress Rihanna. The brand is known for its wide range of shades that cater to diverse skin tones. Fenty Beauty also offers a range of gender-neutral products, such as concealers and lip balms, that anyone can use. The brand’s inclusive approach quickly made it a favorite among Gen Z consumers.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox is an actress and transgender rights activist known for her role in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender people and is a powerful voice for the transgender community. Cox often speaks out against the lack of representation and diversity in the beauty industry and is an important figure in the push for gender-neutral and inclusive beauty products.
Elliot Page
Elliot Page is an actor and producer who came out as transgender in December 2020. Page is open about his experiences as a transgender man and uses his platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by transgender people. He is an important voice in the push for inclusivity in the beauty world. He inspires many Gen Z consumers to demand more innovative beauty products and practices.
The Rise of DIY Beauty
Gen Z is a generation highly connected and engaged with the internet and social media. As a result, they are driving the trend of creating and sharing their own beauty products and techniques online.
Many Gen Z consumers are using social media platforms, such as YouTube and Instagram, to share their DIY beauty recipes and techniques with others. These DIY beauty trends often involve using natural and sustainable ingredients such as fruits, herbs, and essential oils to create homemade skincare and beauty products.
Gen Z consumers also share their beauty routines and tips online, leading to the rise of the skincare routine trend on social media. This trend allows Gen Z consumers to connect and share their knowledge and experiences, as well as spearhead innovation in the beauty industry.
DIY Face Masks
Gen Z beauty fanatics use natural ingredients like honey, avocado, and turmeric to create face masks at home. These DIY face masks are often made with ingredients that are easily accessible and affordable. They can be customized to suit individual skin types and concerns.
DIY Facial Oils
This generation knows their way around oils. They use natural oils, such as jojoba or almond oil, to create facial oils in their homes. These DIY facial oils are often made with a blend of different oils to suit individual skin types and treat different conditions.
DIY Body Scrubs
Gen Z consumers use natural ingredients, such as sugar, coffee, and sea salt, to create body scrubs at home. These DIY body scrubs are made with ingredients that anybody can grab on their next grocery run. They are used to exfoliate and nourish the skin.
DIY Hair Masks
Natural ingredients, such as eggs, avocado, and coconut oil, are popular ingredients in the creation of hair masks. It’s no accident that the components of these hair masks are elements all found in nature.
DIY Skincare Routines
Many Gen Z beauty gurus love to share their skincare routines online, which led to the rise of the “skincare routine” trend on social media. DIY skincare routines often involve natural and sustainable products. This became popular in 2020 when many had to become creative with their beauty routines.
Gen Z Makeup Trends 2022
Gen Z is known for their unique sense of style and beauty, which is reflected in their makeup trends.
Lip Contour
Gen Z lip contouring is a makeup trend involving a combination of lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss to create the illusion of fuller and more defined lips. It’s lip filler without having to go under the needle!
Lip contouring enhances the natural shape of the lips and creates a plump and hydrated look. This trend is often seen on social media, where Gen Z consumers share their lip contouring techniques with others.
To achieve a Gen Z lip contouring look, one typically begins by outlining their lips with a lip liner slightly darker than their natural lip color. They then fill their lips with lipstick, using a shade slightly lighter than their lip liner. They apply a lip gloss over the top to add shine and hydration. The layering technique creates the illusion of fuller and more defined lips.
About-Face Matte Fix Lip Pencil
About-Face’s lip pencil provides long-lasting matte color to the lips, is easy to apply, and helps prevent feathering and lip color bleeding. The pencil is available in a range of colors to suit a variety of skin tones and makeup looks. Use it alone or in combination with other lip products to create a customized look.
Mac Cosmetics Lip Pencil
Mac Cosmetics offers a variety of lip pencils for lip contouring. Some popular options include the Mac Lip Pencil in shades such as Spice, Chestnut, and Brick — all suitable for creating a defined lip line and adding depth. These pencils are easily blended and layered for a custom look. They are also long-lasting and smudge-resistant, making them an excellent choice for a perfectly contoured lip.
Sisley Paris Phyto-Levres Perfect Lip Pencil
Sisley’s lip contour pencil shapes and define the lips. It’s made with natural ingredients and is highly pigmented and long-lasting. Some of the key ingredients in this pencil include plant extracts, such as mimosa and sunflower, which are known for their nourishing and protective properties. The pencil comes in a range of shades to suit a variety of skin tones. Use multiple different shades to create a more dramatic look.
Fox Eyes
The Gen Z fox eye is a beauty trend involving makeup and skincare techniques to create the illusion of elongated, almond-shaped eyes. The fox eye trend creates a striking and elegant eye shape associated with intelligence, attractiveness, and femininity.
View the trend on social media with the search term #foxeye. This displays a whole world where Gen Z consumers flaunt their fox-eye looks.
To get the Gen Z fox eye look, use eyelid tape or primer to lift and shape the eyelid. Use eyeshadow and eyeliner to create a winged or cat-eye effect, which helps to elongate the eye shape. Apply mascara and false eyelashes to add volume and definition to the lashes. This technique creates the illusion of elongated, almond-shaped eyes.
Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Stila
Waterproof eyeliner is designed to be smudged to create a smoky eye look. It comes in various shades, allowing you to create a range of looks from subtle to bold. This eyeliner is easy to apply and has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly and evenly, making it easy to create precise lines or smudged effects. It’s long-lasting and will stay in place all day without accidental smudging or fading.
Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl Eye Pencil
Charlotte Tilbury’s eye pencil is a long-lasting, smudge-proof eye pencil that gives a bold, defined look to the eyes. Use it to create a range of looks, from a subtle, natural finish to a bold, dramatic look. It’s available in various shades to suit different skin tones and preferences.
Some of the standout features of the Rock N Kohl Eye Pencil include its creamy texture and easy application. It’s a great tool to get in on the fox eye trend.
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes
Clinique’s eyeliner pencil works wonders with the delicate skin around the eyes. The product is available in a range of colors and is long-lasting and smudge-resistant. It is also formulated to be safe for sensitive skin and free of fragrances and other potential irritants. This liner is a popular choice among Gen Zers for their eye looks — especially for fox eyes.
Reverse Cat Eye
The Gen Z reverse cat eye trend involves using makeup to create the illusion of downward-sloping or reverse cat-eye-shaped eyes. The Gen Z reverse cat eye trend creates a unique and striking eye shape different from the traditional cat-eye look. This trend is often seen on younger celebrities.
To achieve a Gen Z reverse cat eye look, begin with eyelid tape or primer to lift and shape the eyelid. Then use eyeshadow and eyeliner to create a reverse cat-eye effect on the bottom lash line. This creates the illusion of a downward-sloping eye shape. Apply mascara and false eyelashes to add volume and definition.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is a long-lasting and highly pigmented eye pencil that glides on smoothly and evenly. It’s available in assorted colors, from neutrals to bold shades, and is a popular choice among makeup enthusiasts for the reverse cat-eye trend. The pencil is waterproof and smudge-proof, making it an excellent option for creating long-lasting eye looks. Line the eyes with the pencil to create a smoky eye effect, or even use it to fill in the eyebrows.
BLK/OPL Precision Eye Definer
The BLK/POL precision eye definer defines and enhances the appearance of the eyes. The product provides precise application and long-lasting wear to create a flawless eye makeup look that stays in place all day. It is typically a pencil or liquid eyeliner. Use it to create different eye makeup looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic. Many Gen Zers turn to this product for their reverse cat-eye looks.
Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner
Lancome’s waterproof eyeliner is long-lasting, making it a good choice for people who want to create a defined reverse cat-eye look that stays in place all day. It is available in various colors, including black, brown, and navy. The pencil-style applicator allows for precise application.
Faux Freckles
Long gone are the days when freckles were embarrassing! 2021 brought the Gen Z faux freckle trend. It involves using makeup to create the illusion of freckles on the face. The trend embraces and celebrates natural beauty while creating a unique and personal look.
The key to achieving a natural-looking faux freckle look is to create freckles that are varied in size and spacing and to blend them into the skin. You want them to look like natural freckles. To achieve a Gen Z faux freckle look, use a freckle pencil or a brow pencil to create tiny dots in different shapes and sizes.
If that’s a little too challenging, use a freckle stencil or a makeup sponge to create a more even and uniform distribution of freckles.
Freck Beauty’s Freck The Original Freckle
Freck Beauty is a cosmetics company specializing in creating freckle-enhancing products. Their most popular product, called Freck The Original Freckle, is a liquid formula that applies to the skin to create the appearance of natural freckles. They also have a product called Freck Noir, which is a medium-dark version of the Original Freckle for those with deeper skin tones. These products enhance freckles’ appearance rather than produce them from scratch.
ColourPop Freckle Pen
The Colourpop Freckle Pen is a liquid eyeliner used to create the appearance of freckles on the skin. It is a popular product among those who want to achieve a natural, freckled look. The pen has a fine tip that allows for precise application, and the formula is long-lasting and smudge-proof.
Lime Crime Freckle Pen
The Lime Crime Freckle Pen is another product that allows users to create faux freckles on the skin. The pen contains a water-based formula that is safe for use on the skin and is available in a range of shades to match a variety of skin colors. It is easy to apply and provides a natural-looking finish.
Bold And Colorful Eyes
The Gen Z eye makeup trend uses vibrant shades of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara to create striking eye looks.
The secret to rocking a bold and colorful eye look is to use colors and textures that complement each other and create a cohesive but striking overall look. Different textures in shimmers, glitters, and mattes create dynamic eye looks. To achieve bold eyes, use a wide range of colors, including bright, neon, metallic, and pastel shades.
Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Volume 6
The Norvina Pro Pigment Palette features 25 heavily pigmented and long-lasting eyeshadows in a variety of colors and finishes, including matte, metallic, and duo-chrome. The palette features bold and bright colors perfect for the Gen Z colorful eye trend. It is for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. It works well for creating various looks.
Pat McGrath Celestial Palette
The Pat McGrath Celestial Palette contains a range of highly pigmented and shimmering eye shadows in celestial-inspired shades: gold, silver, and rose gold. The palette is known for its high quality and ability to create diverse looks, from natural to dramatic. It’s a perfect choice to achieve bold eye looks.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Bright 42 Color Palette
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Bright 42 Color Palette is a limited edition eye shadow palette with 42 vibrant shades. The palette features a mix of matte and shimmer finishes, and the shades range from neon brights to muted, pastel colors. These shadows are long-lasting and easy to blend, making them a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts.
Crystal Eyes
The Gen Z crystal eye trend involves using crystal-shaped makeup products — crystal eyeshadow and crystal eyeliner — to create sparkling eye looks. This trend creates glamorous and ethereal looks. It’s all about reflecting light and color in a mesmerizing way.
The best way to achieve this look is to use the right combination of crystal-shaped makeup products and tools to create a cohesive eye look. Use crystal eyeshadow, crystal eyeliner, and crystal mascara, to create a sparkling and iridescent eye look. Sticky gemstones also enhance your makeup’s sparkling and iridescent effect.
The popularity of crystal eyes reentered the spotlight in 2021, with many people using gems for numerous purposes, including crystal healing and fashion. Some of the most popular crystals for this movement include:
Quartz
Quartz is a versatile crystal known for its ability to amplify energy and intention. It is also thought to promote clarity and focus, making it a popular choice for healing and meditation.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple crystal associated with peace, spiritual growth, and healing. Used to help promote relaxation, amethyst calms the body and is thought to be particularly helpful for those dealing with stress or anxiety.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a pink crystal associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is often used in crystal healing to help promote self-love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
Citrine
Citrine is a yellow crystal that helps with abundance, prosperity, and success. It aids in manifesting abundance and prosperity in all areas of life, including finances, relationships, and personal growth.
Black Tourmaline
Black tourmaline is a grounding and protective crystal that is thought to help block negative energies and promote emotional balance. It is often used in crystal healing to help provide a sense of stability and security.
Lifted Blush
The Gen Z lifted blush trend is a makeup trend that creates the illusion of lifted, sculpted cheekbones.
The key to achieving this look is to use the right combination of products and techniques. Begin with a skincare product such as a face serum or oil to hydrate and nourish the skin. Use a highlighter and a blush to add color and dimension to the cheekbones, blending the products upward and outward to create a lifted and sculpted effect.
Milani Rose Powder Blush
The Milani Rose Powder Blush is a pink-toned blush known for its natural and radiant finish. It works well for creating a variety of blush looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic.
NYX High Definition Blush
The NYX High Definition Blush is a peach-toned blush that gives a silky smooth texture. This blush is highly pigmented and buildable.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush
The Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush is a coral-toned blush known for its vibrant color. If you’re going for a more dramatic statement look, this is your best bet.
Rudolph Blush
The Rudolph blush trend involves using a red or pink blush to create a flushed and rosy-nose look. The Rudolph blush trend creates a youthful and healthy-looking complexion and enhances the natural color and radiance of the skin. It gives off a quirky, fun vibe.
To achieve a Rudolph blush look, you typically want to apply a red or pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, blending the product upward and outward. This creates a flushed and rosy-cheeked, and sun-kissed effect. The secret to achieving the Rudolph blush look is to use the right red or pink blush that complements the skin tone.
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush
The Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush is a plum-toned blush known for its bouncy and lightweight texture. The color in this blush pops and combines well with other products. Use it to create a natural look.
CoverGirl Cheekers Blush
The CoverGirl Cheekers Blush is a bronze-toned blush that leaves a natural finish. This blush packs a lot of punch and is incredibly long-lasting. It works well for the iconic Rudolph look.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Tarte’s blush is a pink-toned product known for its long-lasting, glistening finish. It’s blendable and works delightfully well when creating those statement blush looks. The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is also formulated with Amazonian clay, which is perfect for its nourishing and skin-loving properties. This makes it a popular choice among Gen Z consumers looking for a high-quality, skin-loving blush.
Glossy Skin
Glossy, shiny skin involves using both skincare and makeup products to create a polished complexion. Glossy skin creates a youthful and healthy-looking complexion and enhances the natural radiance and glow of the skin.
Using the right combination of skincare and makeup products is the key to rocking the glossy, vibrant, or natural look. To achieve this, you’ll typically want to use skincare products, such as face oils and face serums, to hydrate and nourish the skin. Then use makeup products, such as highlighters, dewy foundations, and glosses, to add shine and radiance to the skin.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
The Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is a medium-coverage foundation that is excellent for the glossy skin trend. This product is known for its luminous and radiant finish. The foundation is lightweight and long-lasting.
CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation
The CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation is a medium-coverage foundation. This product delivers an excellent natural and dewy finish. The foundation is long-lasting, oil-free, and creates the appearance of glowing and glossy skin.
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
The L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is a medium-to-full coverage foundation known for its luminous and radiant finish. This long-lasting and workable foundation helps users achieve dewy skin that lasts all day. It is a Gen Z favorite.
Reverse Application
The reverse blush application trend is a makeup technique that involves applying blush to the lower part of the cheeks rather than the apples of the cheeks. This technique then changes the order in which makeup wearers apply products. Instead of using a powder blush over foundation and other products, the first thing that goes on the skin is a cream blush. The reverse blush application trend creates an illusion that the blush is coming from within, rather than sitting on top of other makeup.
To rock reverse blush, you’ll need to put the blush on the lower part of the cheeks without any other makeup products on your face. Blend the product upward and outward to create a flushed and rosy-cheeked effect. Then move to foundation and concealer.
The best way to achieve the reverse blush look is to use the right shade to complement the skin tone and apply the product to create a natural and radiant complexion.
Glossier Cloud Paint
The Glossier Cloud Paint is a cream blush known for its natural and radiant finish. This blush is rich and can create various blush looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic.
Nars Multiple
The Nars Multiple is a versatile cream blush. Known for its multi-use formula, use this blush on the cheeks, lips, and even eyelids.
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
The Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush comes in shades of orange, pink, and purple. From natural and subtle to bold and dramatic, Rihanna’s beauty line has a great collection of cream blushes perfect for the reverse blush application trend.
Liquid Liner Art
The liquid liner art trend involves using liquid eyeliner to create unique and creative eye looks around the eye area. The liquid liner art trend allows wearers to create bold and expressive eye looks that are eye-catching and unforgettable.
For the liquid liner art look, you’ll need to use either a liquid eyeliner or a felt tip eyeliner to create lines, shapes, and patterns on the eyelids. Use different colors and textures of liquid eyeliner to create a more dynamic and dimensional eye look. The key to achieving a liquid liner art look is to use the right combination of colors and textures to create a unique look that allows you to express yourself through your makeup.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is perfect for the liquid liner art trend. The product is smudge-proof and waterproof, so whatever design you choose to wear, you can rely on this liner to stay in place.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is a felt tip eyeliner that has been in the makeup game since 2008 and is a Gen Z favorite. This liner truly stays on the skin all day, and its precise tip is perfect for graphic liners.
Maybelline Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner
The Maybelline Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner is a felt tip eyeliner known for its precise and long-lasting formula. This eyeliner is highly pigmented and smudge-resistant. Use it to create a variety of eye looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic.
Popsicle Lip
The popsicle lip trend involves using lip balm and gloss to create a glossy, hydrated lip look. The look also relies heavily on lip stains for the illusion that you have been sucking on a popsicle. Standard shades for this trend are reds, maroons, and plums. Although this technique started on social media, it’s popped up in magazines, television, and other makeup ads, like on YouTube.
For the popsicle lip look, apply a lip balm or a lip mask to moisturize and nourish the lips. After the lip balm has seeped into the lips, add a plum, maroon, or deep red lip stain. Apply a lip gloss over the top to add shine and hydration.
Finding the right combination of lip balm, lip gloss, and lip stain is the secret to wearing a beautiful popsicle lip look. Play around with it till you find exactly what you like!
YSL Tatouage Couture Matte Stain
The YSL Tatouage Couture Matte Stain is a matte lip stain known for its all-day-wear formula. The color makes it perfect for the popsicle lip trend, as the stain makes it look as if you were eating something red or plum.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain
The Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain is a creamy lip stain with a long-lasting formula. The cream lip balm is a go-to favorite for Gen Zers, as it leaves pigment on the lips all day without sacrificing hydration.
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color
The CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color is known for its moisturizing, long-lasting formula. This lip stain goes a long way and is transfer-resistant. It works well when creating a natural lip look.
Changing the Face of Beauty
If history means anything, Gen Z’s beauty trends have the power to change the world. Fueled by creativity and independence, this generation is known for experimentation and creativity — and, of course, for constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty standards.
Gen Z is committed to natural and sustainable beauty products and practices and demands inclusive and gender-neutral beauty products. They care about each other and the world and they aren’t afraid to shout it from the digital rooftops of social media.
