Ever walked into a beauty store with a lengthy holiday shopping list, but come out empty-handed? This feeling is all too familiar for some during this time of year. But don’t fret! Team EnVi has your back once again. We researched and curated the best beauty gifts for each generation just for you — and the lucky recipients.
Generation Alpha
Thanks to social media, Gen Alpha is getting a head start on its journey to healthy skin. Born between 2010 and 2023, these digital natives know no world without technology and their beauty consumption shows proof. A report by the U.S. Census Bureau states, “Combined with generation Z, by 2025 22% of the population will be 18 years old or less, and they already purchase beauty products: 69% use color cosmetics and 68% have a skin care regimen.”
Favoring bright colors and fun shapes, Generation Alpha carries its playful spirit into the world of beauty. This generation still has fun with colorful items such as eyeshadows and lipsticks. Likewise, innovative collaborations with familiar faces — like Sailor Moon and Barbie — tend to do the trick when shopping for the youngest ones.
Social media famous brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics and Starface are perfect options to shop from for these young beauty aficionados. Some brands like Evereden Skincare have even created kid-friendly versions of products preferred by older generations.
EnVi’s Picks
Girls Nail Polish
Gen Z
Inclusivity in the beauty industry has been a fickle topic over the years, but Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2009 ) tackles the issue head-on with the products they pick. (Some could even state that the era of diversity awoke once Gen Z entered the chat.)
According to a survey by the Beauty of Fashion Team and McKinsey & Company, “Nearly 40% of Gen Z consumers prefer gender-neutral beauty products, compared to around 30% of older generations.” Luckily, there’s a handful of gender-neutral brands that cater to Gen Z’s needs — Milk Makeup and Haus Labs to name a few.
Brands such as good light and Laka are also perfect for niche beauty connoisseurs. Founded by Korean American author and businessman David Yi, the skincare brand good light takes on inclusivity and hypoallergenic skincare. Meanwhile, Korean beauty brand Laka makes waves as the first gender-neutral Asian cosmetics brand.
EnVi’s Picks
Grip Primer
Millennials
This holiday season it’s best to shop straight from social media if you have a Millennial in mind. As Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996, they are in a transitional period of life which means their tastes are shifting and they’re turning to social media for information. Practical yet modern, this generation prefers viral beauty products that have a purpose. A survey conducted by Swedish fintech company Klarna reported, “The majority of Millennials prefer to discover beauty items on social media sites such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.”
Setting the standard for lip products, Laneige and Fenty products are a no-brainer when adding items to the cart. Meanwhile, IYKYK products — from brands like the Beauty of Joseon and Piccasso — reign supreme for any K-Beauty enthusiast. To top off this bunch, any dupe of the token Glossier headband should leave Millennials’ hearts singing.
EnVi’s Picks
Headband
Generation X
Sandwiched between the Baby Boomers and Millennials, Generation X deserves to be pampered this time of year. Born between 1965 and 1980, this generation tends to be swept up in day-to-day life and deserves a moment of relaxation. Whether it be a luxurious cream or skincare tool, a thoughtful gift can always help them take a couple of steps back to focus on themselves. Well-aging products and tools make the ultimate gift as a study by Cosmetics Design Asia reported that, 50% of Generation X’s goal is to look youthful when consuming beauty products.
While everyone has skin health on their minds, this generation doesn’t skimp out on luxury brand names. Household favorites — such as Dior and Charlotte Tilbury — are easy names to find when stopping by department stores this time of year. If your Gen X-er is in the market for premium skincare, cult classic Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo is a great pick. Facial tools by Solawave and By Ava supplements are also a thoughtful final touch to any Gen X-er’s self-care routine.
EnVi’s Picks
Baby Boomers
No matter the lifestyle, most Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) have one beauty need in common — simplicity. Whether it be a tinted face sunscreen or an antioxidant-rich body cream, their beauty solutions need to multitask to fit their lifestyle. Well-aging is also of importance for this generation. Digital marketing agency Stella Rising stated in a report that, “When asked what benefits they wanted in skin care, 60% were looking for products with moisturizing/hydrating properties to address dry skin.”
As hydration is the well-aging hero, Baby Boomers don’t want to skip moisturizers during the colder months. When curating products for this generation, brands like Erborian and Summer Fridays act as great stocking stuffers due to their multi-purpose missions. Skincare and body care brand L’Occitane also offers hydrating products to mix and match. Other multi-talented, solution-based skincare brands suited for this gen include Glam Up and Dr. Jart+.
EnVi’s Picks
Concentrate Body Moisturizer
Hypoallergenic Peels
Hydration & Shine
with Centella Asiatica
Beauty Season
Despite generational gaps, it looks like beauty and skincare are some of the priorities for all generations. These are only a few of the products worth adding to your holiday gift list.
If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out EnVi’s recommendations here.
All products featured on EnVi are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn a commission from qualifiying purchases.
