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Insight of the Day: Kids teach parents about beauty, in-store purchases big, says Boots trend report

Why it is the topic trending:

  • Annual Beauty Trend Forecast: Boots, a major beauty retailer, releases an annual trend report, which is a highly anticipated and widely discussed topic in the beauty industry and among consumers interested in beauty trends.

  • Data-Driven Insights: The report is based on data from 16.9 million active Boots Advantage Card customers and expert analysis, making it a credible and insightful source of information on consumer behavior and emerging trends.

  • Predictions for 2025 Beauty Industry: The report specifically outlines six key themes predicted to "take the beauty industry by storm in the year ahead" (2025), making it relevant and forward-looking.

  • Consumer Behavior Shifts: The report highlights significant shifts in consumer behavior, such as the preference for in-store shopping, the influence of children on parents' skincare choices, and the surge in demand for international beauty products, all of which are newsworthy and trend-setting.

Overview:

  • Boots' 2025 Beauty Trends Report, based on extensive customer data and expert analysis, identifies six key themes expected to dominate the beauty industry in the coming year and beyond. These trends reveal shifts in consumer behavior, including a preference for in-store shopping, the rising influence of Gen Zalpha, the increasing importance of beauty sleep, the combination of high-low beauty spending, the use of fragrance for self-care, and the merging of healthcare and aesthetics. The report highlights the growing demand for international beauty products, particularly Korean skincare, and the increasing number of men exploring beauty products.

Detailed Findings:

  • URL to IRL: Beauty without borders:

    • Digitally native beauty brands are rapidly transitioning to physical retail stores.

    • Demand for international beauty products is surging, especially Korean skincare.

    • One Korean skincare product sells every 30 seconds at Boots.

    • Korean skincare represents over 10% of Boots' 'Everyday Skincare' sales.

    • 94% of beauty consumers prefer shopping in-store for cosmetics, despite online product discovery.

  • Intergenerational Beauty:

    • Beauty advice flow is reversing, with 39% of parents taking skincare advice from their children.

    • Gen 'Zalpha' (Gen Z and Alpha) are shaping industry trends and influencing purchasing decisions beyond their age group due to their extensive online presence (8+ hours daily).

    • Men are increasingly exploring beauty, with a 14% increase in men shopping for beauty products at Boots in the last year.

  • Science of Slumber: Beauty Sleep Elevated:

    • Tiredness is the top factor negatively impacting skin.

    • Consumers are investing in nighttime routines to optimize skin health.

    • Trends like #morningshed and #sleepmaxxing on TikTok are driving interest in beauty sleep hacks.

    • No7 brand scientists and the University of Manchester have new insights into skin cell rhythms at night, emphasizing sleep's importance for skin.

  • High/Low Beauty:

    • Shoppers are investing in both luxury staples and budget-friendly trend experimentation.

    • Over a third of Boots Advantage Card members bought both budget and premium makeup in 2024.

    • Premium beauty sales increased by 14% year-on-year at Boots.

    • Consumers also seek budget-friendly beauty, with a Boots own-brand skincare product selling every two seconds.

  • Moonscaping: Scent as Self-Care:

    • Fragrance is becoming a tool for self-care, mood enhancement, and identity expression.

    • 78% of UK consumers believe fragrance improves mental wellbeing.

    • 42% of Boots shoppers bought multiple fragrance types in a year, moving away from a single signature scent.

  • Enter the Health Hackers:

    • Healthcare and aesthetics industries are merging.

    • Med Spa-inspired technologies and 'prejuvenation' are influencing beauty routines.

    • 78% believe prevention is better than cure and seek to improve health proactively.

    • Demand for advanced beauty devices is rising, with a 536% spike in LED mask sales at Boots in 2024.

Key Takeaway:

  • The Boots Beauty Trends Report 2025 highlights a dynamic beauty landscape shaped by globalization, intergenerational influence, a focus on wellness and self-care, and evolving consumer spending habits. While digital discovery is important, consumers still value in-store experiences. The report points to a future beauty industry that is both high-tech and deeply personal, catering to diverse needs and preferences across demographics.

Main Trend:

  • Holistic Beauty & Wellness Integration.

Description of the Trend (Holistic Beauty & Wellness Integration):

  • This trend describes the increasing convergence of beauty and wellness, where consumers view beauty as intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. It encompasses a proactive approach to beauty that incorporates sleep optimization, self-care practices like fragrance use for mood enhancement, and preventative measures inspired by healthcare and med-spa technologies. Beauty is no longer solely about aesthetics but is seen as a component of a holistic wellness lifestyle.

What is Consumer Motivation (Beauty Consumer Motivation):

  • Desire for Overall Well-being: Consumers are motivated by a desire for holistic well-being, recognizing the connection between inner health and outer beauty.

  • Proactive Health & Prevention:  There's a growing interest in preventative health measures and "prejuvenation" to maintain youthful appearance and long-term health.

  • Self-Care & Emotional Wellness: Beauty routines are increasingly seen as acts of self-care and tools for emotional well-being, such as using fragrance for mood enhancement and prioritizing beauty sleep for skin health.

  • Science-Backed Beauty Solutions: Consumers are interested in beauty solutions that are backed by scientific research and offer tangible benefits, as seen in the interest in sleep science and advanced beauty devices.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • Increased Health Awareness:  Growing awareness of the link between lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, mental health) and physical appearance is driving the holistic beauty trend.

  • Influence of Wellness Culture: The broader wellness movement, emphasizing self-care, mindfulness, and preventative health, is extending into the beauty industry.

  • Social Media & Trend Amplification: Social media platforms like TikTok amplify wellness and beauty trends, such as #sleepmaxxing and #morningshed, driving consumer interest and adoption.

  • Technological Advancements:  Innovations in beauty technology, inspired by med-spas and healthcare, are making advanced treatments and devices more accessible to consumers for home use.

What is Motivation Beyond the Trend:

  • Desire for Self-Improvement & Optimization:  The underlying motivation is a desire for self-improvement and optimization in all areas of life, including beauty and wellness.

  • Longevity & Healthy Aging: Consumers are increasingly focused on longevity and healthy aging, viewing beauty routines as part of a long-term health and wellness strategy.

  • Emotional Comfort & Stress Relief: In a fast-paced and often stressful world, beauty and self-care routines provide emotional comfort and a sense of control and well-being.

Description of Consumers Article is Referring to (Beauty Consumers, Boots Advantage Card Holders):

  • Age: Spans multiple age demographics, including parents influenced by their Gen Zalpha children, and encompasses both younger and older consumers interested in beauty and wellness.

  • Gender:  Increasingly includes men, as the male beauty market expands, alongside the traditional female beauty consumer base.

  • Income:  Likely a broad income range, as the "High/Low Beauty" trend indicates consumers are blending luxury and budget purchases. Boots Advantage Card holders suggest a focus on value and loyalty programs.

  • Lifestyle:  Health-conscious and wellness-oriented individuals, interested in self-care, beauty trends, and potentially influenced by social media and digital content.

Conclusions:

  • The Boots Beauty Trends Report 2025 highlights the rise of holistic beauty, integrating wellness and self-care into beauty routines.

  • Consumers are seeking science-backed beauty solutions, prioritizing beauty sleep, and using fragrance for mental well-being.

  • Intergenerational influence and the expansion of the male beauty market are shaping the industry.

  • Despite digital discovery, in-store shopping remains the preferred channel for beauty purchases.

Implications for Brands (Beauty Retailers, Beauty Brands):

  • Embrace Holistic Beauty Messaging:  Beauty brands should adopt messaging that emphasizes the connection between beauty and overall wellness, promoting products that support health and self-care.

  • Incorporate Sleep Science & Wellness Benefits:  Highlight the sleep-enhancing and wellness-promoting aspects of beauty products, particularly nighttime skincare and fragrance.

  • Cater to Intergenerational Influence:  Recognize and leverage the influence of younger generations (Gen Zalpha) on older consumers' beauty choices.

  • Expand Men's Beauty Offerings:  Further develop and market beauty products specifically for men, acknowledging the growing male beauty consumer segment.

  • Omnichannel Retail Strategy is Key:  Maintain a strong in-store presence while leveraging digital platforms for product discovery and online engagement.

  • Offer Both Luxury and Affordable Options: Cater to the "High/Low Beauty" trend by offering a range of products across price points, allowing consumers to mix and match luxury staples with budget-friendly trend items.

Implication for Society:

  • Redefined Beauty Standards: Beauty standards are evolving to encompass wellness, health, and self-care, moving beyond purely aesthetic ideals.

  • Increased Focus on Preventative Health:  Society is increasingly embracing preventative health and wellness practices, with beauty routines becoming integrated into this proactive approach.

  • Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange:  There's a growing exchange of knowledge and influence between generations, particularly in areas like beauty and technology.

  • Growing Acceptance of Men in Beauty:  Societal norms around men's grooming and beauty are continuing to evolve, leading to greater acceptance and participation of men in the beauty industry.

Implications for Consumers (Beauty Consumers, General Public):

  • More Holistic Beauty Choices: Consumers will have access to a wider range of beauty products and routines that are aligned with holistic wellness principles.

  • Increased Focus on Self-Care:  Beauty routines can become more intentional acts of self-care and emotional well-being.

  • Access to Advanced Beauty Technologies:  Med Spa-inspired beauty technologies and devices will become more accessible for home use.

  • Wider Range of Price Points: Consumers can expect to find beauty products across a wider range of price points, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Implication for Future:

  • Beauty as Healthcare Integration:  The beauty and healthcare industries will continue to merge, with beauty brands increasingly incorporating scientific research and health-focused ingredients into their products.

  • Personalized Beauty & Wellness:  Technology may enable highly personalized beauty and wellness routines tailored to individual needs and lifestyles, potentially leveraging AI and data analysis.

  • Emphasis on Beauty Sleep & Nighttime Routines:  Beauty sleep and nighttime skincare will become even more central to beauty routines and product development.

  • Global Beauty Standards & Influences:  International beauty trends and products, particularly from Asia and Korea, will continue to shape global beauty standards and consumer preferences.

Consumer Trend (Beauty & Wellness Trend):

  • Name:  Wellness-Infused Beauty

  • Detailed Description: This consumer trend describes the growing demand for beauty products and routines that are deeply integrated with wellness principles. Consumers are seeking beauty solutions that not only enhance appearance but also contribute to overall health, self-care, and emotional well-being, blurring the lines between traditional beauty and the broader wellness movement.

Consumer Sub Trend (Beauty Routine Trend):

  • Name:  Nighttime Beauty Rituals

    • Detailed Description: A sub-trend within "Wellness-Infused Beauty," specifically focused on the increasing importance of nighttime beauty routines and "beauty sleep." Consumers are prioritizing and investing in elaborate evening skincare rituals and sleep optimization techniques as essential components of their holistic beauty approach.

Big Social Trend (Cultural Trend):

  • Name:  Intergenerational Influence Shift

  • Detailed Description: The broader social trend of shifting intergenerational influence, where younger generations, particularly Gen Zalpha, are increasingly shaping cultural trends and influencing the purchasing decisions and behaviors of older generations, reversing traditional top-down influence patterns.

Worldwide Social Trend (Global Consumerism Trend):

  • Name:  Borderless Beauty Consumption

  • Detailed Description:  The worldwide social trend of beauty consumption becoming increasingly globalized and borderless. Consumers are seeking out beauty products and trends from around the world, with international beauty brands and practices rapidly gaining popularity across different regions, driven by digital connectivity and cultural exchange.

Social Drive (Human Motivation Trend):

  • Name:  Holistic Self-Optimization

  • Detailed Description: The underlying human drive is the desire for holistic self-optimization. Consumers are motivated by a desire to improve themselves in all aspects – physical appearance, health, emotional well-being – and view beauty routines as one component of this larger pursuit of self-optimization and a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025 (for Beauty Retailers, Beauty Brands):

  • "IRL" Still Matters: Despite digital influence, the in-store experience remains crucial for beauty consumers. Retailers should invest in engaging physical shopping environments.

  • Gen Zalpha is the Trendsetter: Pay close attention to Gen Zalpha's preferences and values, as they are driving trends and influencing broader consumer behavior.

  • Sleep is the New Beauty Secret:  Leverage the "beauty sleep" trend by developing and marketing products that enhance nighttime routines and promote skin health during sleep.

  • Fragrance for Mood & Mind:  Highlight the emotional and mental well-being benefits of fragrance, positioning it as a self-care tool.

  • Balance Luxury & Value:  Offer a range of price points to cater to consumers who are mixing high-end and budget beauty purchases.

Strategy Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025 (for Beauty Retailers, Beauty Brands):

  • Create Experiential In-Store Destinations:  Transform retail spaces into experiential destinations that offer personalized consultations, beauty services, and immersive brand experiences to capitalize on the "URL to IRL" trend.

  • Develop Intergenerational Marketing Campaigns:  Create marketing campaigns that acknowledge and appeal to multiple generations, showcasing the influence of younger generations and the evolving beauty needs of older consumers.

  • Launch "Beauty Sleep" Product Lines:  Develop dedicated product lines focused on nighttime skincare and sleep enhancement, incorporating sleep science and promoting the benefits of beauty sleep.

  • Curate Fragrance Collections for Mood & Self-Care:  Offer curated fragrance collections designed for specific moods and self-care rituals, emphasizing the emotional benefits of scent.

  • Offer "High-Low" Bundles & Mix-and-Match Options:  Create product bundles and promotions that cater to the "High/Low Beauty" trend, allowing consumers to easily combine luxury staples with affordable trend items.

Final Sentence (Key Concept):

  • The Boots Beauty Trends Report 2025 reveals a beauty industry increasingly shaped by the "Holistic Beauty & Wellness Integration" trend, where consumers seek beauty solutions that enhance not only their appearance but also their overall health and well-being, demanding brands to innovate with science-backed products, cater to intergenerational influence, and create omnichannel experiences that bridge the digital and physical beauty worlds.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from Trend and How to Do It:

Brands and companies in the beauty industry should strategically capitalize on the "Holistic Beauty & Wellness Integration" trend in 2025 to enhance brand relevance and customer loyalty by:

  • Integrating wellness messaging into beauty marketing:  Shift marketing narratives to emphasize the holistic benefits of beauty products, highlighting their contribution to overall health, self-care, and emotional well-being.

  • Developing science-backed and wellness-focused product lines:  Invest in research and development to create beauty products that incorporate scientifically validated ingredients and wellness benefits, such as sleep-enhancing skincare or mood-boosting fragrances.

  • Creating omnichannel experiences that bridge URL and IRL:  Develop seamless omnichannel retail strategies that integrate online product discovery with engaging in-store experiences, catering to consumer preferences for both digital and physical beauty shopping.

  • Leveraging intergenerational influence in product development and marketing:  Incorporate insights from younger generations (Gen Zalpha) into product innovation and marketing campaigns, recognizing their trendsetting role and influence on broader consumer behavior.

  • Expanding product offerings to cater to men's evolving beauty needs:  Actively develop and market beauty and grooming products specifically tailored to men, acknowledging the growing male beauty market and evolving gender norms in beauty.

Final Note:

  • Core Trend: Holistic Beauty & Wellness Integration - Beauty is becoming deeply intertwined with wellness, self-care, and overall health.

  • Core Strategy: Wellness-Centric Product Development & Marketing - Focus on creating beauty products with wellness benefits and communicating these benefits effectively.

  • Core Industry Trend: Beauty & Healthcare Convergence - The beauty and healthcare industries are increasingly merging, driven by consumer demand for holistic solutions.

  • Core Consumer Motivation: Holistic Self-Optimization & Well-being - Consumers are motivated by a desire for overall well-being and self-optimization, viewing beauty as part of a holistic lifestyle.

Final Conclusion:

The "Holistic Beauty & Wellness Integration" trend represents a fundamental shift in the beauty industry, demanding brands to move beyond traditional aesthetics and embrace a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes consumer well-being. By strategically integrating wellness principles, leveraging scientific innovation, and creating seamless omnichannel experiences, brands and companies can effectively capitalize on this trend and build lasting connections with consumers who are seeking beauty solutions that enhance both their inner and outer selves in 2025 and beyond.

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