Gen Z vs. Millennial Makeup: What’s Trending for Each Generation?

When it comes to beauty, no two generations express themselves quite the same. While Millennials were shaped by the rise of YouTube tutorials and Instagram-perfect glam, Gen Z grew up with TikTok trends, unfiltered authenticity, and a desire to break the rules.

So what exactly defines the makeup styles of each generation in 2025? Let’s dive into what’s trending and why.

Millennial Makeup: Polished, Purposeful, and Professional

Millennials (born between 1981–1996) have a refined, intentional approach to makeup. Many of them came of age during the height of the “Instagram era,” where bold brows, matte lips, and sculpted contour ruled the feed. Today, their routine has evolved to reflect a balance between polish and practicality.

Top Millennial Makeup Trends

Flawless Base: Think medium-to-full coverage foundations with a satin finish, paired with concealer and setting powder.
Neutral Eyeshadows: Soft browns, taupes, and rose gold tones are staple shades, often blended seamlessly.
Defined Brows: Still shaped and filled, but less overdrawn than the Instagram brow days.
Classic Lips: Mauves, berries, and matte nudes remain popular, with long-wear formulas preferred.
Multi-Purpose Products: Busy schedules call for products that do more (think tinted SPF, cheek/lip combos, etc.).

Top Millennial Makeup Trends

“I want a clean, put-together look that lasts through my workday and still looks great for dinner.”

Gen Z Makeup: Experimental, Effortless, and Unapologetically Fun

Gen Z (born after 1997) is all about authenticity and individuality. Raised on TikTok, they prefer quick, relatable content and are more likely to follow micro-influencers over beauty moguls. Their aesthetic leans playful, minimal, or bold, depending on the mood, not the rules.

Top Gen Z Makeup Trends

Skin-First Focus: Lightweight skin tints, dewy finishes, or even bare skin with targeted concealing.
Creative Color: Pastel liners, graphic eyeshadow, and unexpected color combos are the norm.
Glossy Everything: Juicy lips, glass skin, and shimmer textures replace mattes.
Freckles, Faux or Real: Embracing natural features and enhancing them. Think faux freckles or blush-heavy cheeks.
Statement Looks: Bleached brows, colorful mascara, or face gems used as a form of self-expression.

Gen Z Mindset:

“Makeup should be fun and reflect my mood, not hide who I am.”

Where They Meet: The New Middle Ground

Despite generational differences, both groups share a love for skin-conscious formulas, clean beauty, and digital discovery. Brands like bellapierre Cosmetics embrace inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability to provide the makeup that not only makes you look good but feel good as well.

Cross-Gen Favorites:

Cream blushes and highlighters
Brow gels and laminating effects
Lip oils and hybrid lip care products
Multi-use sticks (color + skincare)
No-makeup makeup, done two different ways

The Takeaway

Millennials may prefer a more timeless, professional vibe while Gen Z leads with creativity and individuality, but both generations are redefining beauty on their own terms. Whether it’s a full-face look or a touch of glitter on bare skin, the real trend is authenticity.

Makeup isn’t just about looking good anymore; it’s about feeling like yourself. No matter what generation you’re from, try bellapierre Cosmetics to feel the difference.

Step 2: Add a Touch of Warmth

Give your skin that sun-kissed glow (without the sun damage). A light sweep of our Mineral Bronzer across the cheekbones, temples, and jawline adds warmth in seconds. Bonus: it blends effortlessly and looks great in natural light.

Step 3: Wake Up Your Eyes

For those barely-there summer eye looks, reach for our Shimmer Powder in Champagne. Tap a small amount onto your lids for a subtle glow that catches the light beautifully. It can also double as a highlighter for cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.

Step 4: Define and Go

Smudge a bit of our TwistUP Brow Pencil through your brows for a quick, natural frame to the face. Add a coat of your favorite mascara, and your eyes are instantly brighter.

Step 5: Finish with a Pop of Color

Swipe on your favorite shade of Mineral Lipstick, something fresh like “Envy” or “Catwalk”—and you’re good to go. Hydrating, pigmented, and perfect for tossing in your bag.

Why It Works

This entire look is breathable, long-lasting, and kind to your skin—no heavy layers or harmful ingredients. It’s ideal for those hot, sticky days when you want to feel put-together but not overdone.

Summer is about freedom. Your makeup should be, too.
Ready to simplify your routine? Explore our full collection of multitasking mineral must-haves here.

7. Be Consistent, Not Complicated

The biggest trap travelers fall into? Trying a whole new skincare routine mid-trip. Resist the urge to experiment with unfamiliar products, especially those with strong active ingredients.

Your skin is already adjusting to new stressors; now’s not the time to introduce something totally new. Stick to what you know works. If you’re trying a new product, patch test it at home well before your trip.

8. Sneak In a Self-Care Moment

Vacation time is the perfect excuse to slow down, even just for 10 minutes. Pack a sheet mask or travel-size overnight treatment and give yourself a little spa moment in your hotel room or Airbnb.

Not only will your skin benefit, but it’s also a great way to unwind after a long travel day. Light a candle, put on a playlist, and let your skincare do the work.

Wherever You Roam, Let Your Skin Glow

Travel brings joy, adventure, and a fresh perspective, but it doesn’t have to come at your skin’s expense. By keeping your skincare routine simple, hydrating consistently, and adapting to your destination, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin while making the most of your summer escape.

At Bellapierre, we believe beauty should work with your life, not against it.

10. Mineral Makeup Palettes

For a complete holiday look, the Mineral Makeup Palettes are a must-have. Each palette includes a selection of richly pigmented, easy-to-blend shades for endless possibilities—perfect for creating everything from subtle daytime looks to bold, festive glam.

Why Bellápierre Is the Perfect Gift

Bellápierre’s products are known for their high-quality, all-natural ingredients, making them an ideal choice for anyone with sensitive skin or who values clean beauty. Plus, their cruelty-free and hypoallergenic formulations ensure that you’re gifting products that align with ethical and health-conscious values.

This holiday season, give the gift of glowing skin and radiant confidence. With these Bellápierre Cosmetics must-haves, you’ll be ready to dazzle at every celebration. Happy holidays!

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