Detailed Findings:
A study by Bread Financial and Ulta Beauty surveyed nearly 2,000 U.S. adults on beauty and wellness spending.
74% of respondents prioritize self-care and wellness in their beauty rituals, especially younger generations.
Men spend more on personal care and grooming products ($90/month) than women spend on beauty and grooming products ($80/month).
46% of consumers find joy in beauty products.
Products that "spark joy" for men include hair care (61%), skin care (60%), bath and body products (58%), and fragrances/colognes (54%).
34% of respondents use beauty routines to express their true self, led by Gen Z (52%) and Millennials (48%).
Gen Z (47%) and Millennials (45%) especially view skincare routines as a way to unwind.
Gen Z (62%) and Millennials (60%) find relaxation through practices like face masks or bath soaks.
Despite economic uncertainty, beauty spending remains resilient, particularly among Gen Z, Millennials, and men.
Consumers are expected to focus on value and look for redeemable rewards and offers.
Key Takeaway: Beauty and wellness will remain a spending priority in 2025, driven by a desire for self-care, personal expression, and finding joy in products. Men are a significant force in the market, outpacing women in spending. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are redefining beauty as a source of joy, connection, and self-expression.
Main Trend: Beauty as a Holistic Wellness Practice
Description of the Trend: Consumers are increasingly viewing beauty as an integral part of their overall well-being, incorporating self-care, personal expression, and emotional fulfillment into their beauty routines. It's not just about outward appearance, but also about feeling good inside and out.
Consumer Motivation:
Self-Care and Stress Relief: Using beauty routines as a way to unwind, relax, and manage stress.
Personal Expression and Identity: Using beauty products to express individuality, creativity, and different aspects of their personality.
Emotional Well-being: Seeking out products and experiences that bring joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment.
Connection and Community: Sharing beauty experiences with friends and discovering new trends together.
What is Driving the Trend:
Increased Awareness of Mental Health: Growing recognition of the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.
Social Media Influence: Beauty influencers and online communities promote the idea of beauty as a form of self-expression and self-care.
Shifting Definitions of Beauty: A move away from traditional beauty standards towards a more inclusive and individualized approach.
The Rise of Wellness: The broader wellness trend is influencing the beauty industry, with consumers seeking products and experiences that promote overall health and well-being.
Motivation Beyond the Trend: A desire for a more balanced and fulfilling life, a focus on inner peace and happiness, and a rejection of superficial beauty standards in favor of authenticity and self-acceptance.
People the Article is Referring To: U.S. adults, particularly Gen Z, Millennials, and men. Also, Ulta Beauty customers.
Description of Consumers: The article focuses on U.S. adults, with a particular emphasis on Gen Z (born 1997-2012) and Millennials (born 1981-1996). It also highlights the growing importance of male consumers in the beauty market. These consumers view beauty as a source of joy, self-care, and personal expression. They prioritize wellness and are willing to spend on products and experiences that contribute to their overall well-being. No specific income level is given.
Conclusions:
Beauty and wellness will remain a spending priority in 2025.
Men are a significant and growing segment of the beauty market.
Younger generations are redefining beauty as a source of joy, connection, and self-expression.
Consumers will continue to seek value and look for ways to maximize their beauty budgets.
Implications for Brands:
Focus on the emotional and experiential aspects of beauty.
Develop products and marketing campaigns that resonate with men.
Cater to the needs and preferences of Gen Z and Millennials.
Offer value-driven options, such as rewards programs and promotions.
Highlight the connection between beauty, wellness, and self-care.
Implications for Society:
A more holistic and inclusive definition of beauty.
Increased emphasis on self-care and emotional well-being.
Potential for greater self-acceptance and body positivity.
Implications for Consumers:
More opportunities to use beauty as a tool for self-care and personal expression.
Increased access to products and experiences that promote joy and well-being.
Greater emphasis on value and finding ways to maximize beauty budgets.
Implication for Future:
Brands will increasingly focus on the holistic nature of beauty
Men will continue to spend money on beauty products
Consumer Trend (Detailed Description): Joyful Beauty: Consumers are actively seeking out beauty products and experiences that spark joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment, viewing beauty as a source of positive emotions and self-care.
Consumer Sub Trend (Detailed Description): Men's Grooming Boom: Men are increasingly investing in personal care and grooming products, driven by a desire for self-care, self-expression, and a broader acceptance of male beauty routines.
Big Social Trend (Detailed Description): Self-Care Revolution: A widespread cultural shift towards prioritizing self-care, mental health, and emotional well-being, with individuals incorporating various practices and products into their daily routines to manage stress and enhance their quality of life.
Local Trend (Detailed Description): The partnership between Bread Financial (a US-based company) and Ulta Beauty (a major US beauty retailer) suggests a focus on understanding and catering to the specific preferences and behaviors of American beauty consumers.
Worldwide Social Trend (Detailed Description): Authenticity Movement: A global trend towards embracing individuality, self-expression, and authenticity, with people increasingly using beauty and fashion as tools to showcase their unique personalities and reject conventional beauty standards.
Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article: Emotional Beauty
Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article: Well-being Prioritization
Social Drive (Detailed Description): Hedonic Adaptation: Consumers are driven by a desire to maximize pleasure and happiness in their daily lives, seeking out products and experiences that provide immediate gratification and contribute to their overall sense of well-being.
Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025:
Understand the emotional drivers behind beauty purchases.
Develop products and marketing that resonate with men's growing interest in beauty and grooming.
Cater to the needs and preferences of Gen Z and Millennials, who are redefining beauty.
Emphasize the connection between beauty, wellness, and self-care.
Offer value-driven options and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.
Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:
Emotional Marketing: Focus on the joy, self-care, and self-expression aspects of beauty in marketing campaigns.
Male-Targeted Products: Develop and market products specifically designed for men's grooming needs and preferences.
Gen Z/Millennial Engagement: Utilize social media and other digital platforms to connect with younger generations and build brand loyalty.
Holistic Product Development: Create products that address both physical and emotional well-being.
Value-Added Services: Offer rewards programs, personalized recommendations, and other services that enhance the customer experience.
Final Sentence (Key Concept): The beauty industry in 2025 will be driven by the Beauty as a Holistic Wellness Practice trend, with a focus on Joyful Beauty and the Men's Grooming Boom, within the larger context of Emotional Beauty and Well-being Prioritization, requiring brands to cater to consumers' desire for Hedonic Adaptation through self-care, self-expression, and authentic experiences.
What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from the Trend and How to Do It:
Brands should capitalize on Beauty as a Holistic Wellness Practice by:
Developing Products that Promote Well-being: Focus on ingredients and formulations that offer both physical and emotional benefits.
Creating Multi-Sensory Experiences: Engage consumers through scent, texture, and packaging that enhance the sense of joy and self-care.
Marketing the Emotional Benefits: Highlight how products can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost confidence.
Building Communities: Foster a sense of belonging and connection among customers through social media and events.
Offering Personalized Recommendations: Utilize data and technology to tailor product suggestions and experiences to individual needs and preferences.
Final Note:
By implementing these strategies, brands can successfully take advantage of Beauty as a Holistic Wellness Practice, Joyful Beauty, and the Men's Grooming Boom. They can market to consumers who are looking for a holistic, emotionally fulfilling, and personalized beauty experience and are interested in self-care, self-expression, joy, and connection. They can be a part of the Emotional Beauty trend by offering products and experiences that contribute to overall well-being and help consumers achieve a sense of Well-being Prioritization through Hedonic Adaptation.
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