"Before it was the mother or the pharmacist. Now TikTok rules": when children set beauty routines
The article discusses how Generation Z increasingly influences beauty routines through platforms like TikTok, shifting the traditional roles of parental guidance in skincare advice.
The article explores a notable shift in the dynamics of beauty routines among Generation Z, highlighting how platforms like TikTok have become critical influencers over traditional sources such as mothers or pharmacists. This generational change has resulted in a significantly increased knowledge and nuanced understanding of skincare language, with Gen Z users frequently blending English terms like 'skincare' with slang words such as 'bro' or 'cringe'. As they engage with brands in stores like Sephora, they are also more informed about beauty trends and ingredients than previous generations.
According to a beauty trends report by Boots in collaboration with Kantar and Mintel, there is a compelling statistic that 39% of parents have started following skincare recommendations from their children, signaling a dramatic reversal in the flow of information related to beauty advice. This trend indicates that young people are not just passive consumers but actively shaping the beauty industry’s landscape, leading to discussions about whether this is the emergence of 'Sephora Kids', a generation that defines beauty standards and practices digitally.
While this shift may empower young individuals to take charge of their beauty routines, experts express caution, warning against the potential risks of equating social media trends with expert knowledge. The difference between information and genuine understanding is crucial, and the article raises essential questions about the implications of social media’s dominance in shaping perceptions and practices in the beauty industry, especially for younger audiences who are most susceptible to these influences.