09/17/2026
What makes Millennial makeup, Millennial? A 2020 The Cut article describes the Millennial aesthetic as consisting of “chatty positivity”, favoring “blank, clean surfaces,” and reports that it’s “casual, friendly, and impersonal.”
To be clear, this describes a style associated with the matured Millennial. For our purposes, let’s think of the Millennial aesthetic as something currently or recently popular amongst Millennials or something a Millennial would look upon nostalgically—a look or fad they may have taken part in during their youth and can remember.
So, what’s up with Millennial makeup trends? Well, two things: recency nostalgia (think recency bias + nostalgia), and consumer coming-of-age.
According to Numerator, Millennials control more than a fourth of US consumer spending across CPG, general merchandise, and QSR. Also according to Numerator, nostalgia is a hugely powerful purchase driver for Gen Z.
Millennial-focused trends appeal to the large force of Millennial consumers, while providing nostalgic appeal that younger generations can easily find a cultural touchpoint for. So, to answer The Cut’s question, “Will the Millennial aesthetic ever end?”, yes, but not anytime soon.
Go ahead and brush off your Bumpit, put your Clinique Black Honey lipstick in your bag, and tightline that eyeliner!
Featuring content from: R I A N N A t Klaudia Kara-Jianna | beauty creator Troy LaPersonerie Nicole Story Dent • Relatable Millennial + Momhood Content •Chara | Millennial Mama• Matilda Djerf Jess | Makeup • Tutorials Gabbriette Vogue Adria payton Alyssa Anselmo Wellington Makeup Artist TANIELLE JAI Makeup Artist News18.com