Global Beauty Trends Point to AI, But Consumers Have Different Wants

3 global consumer behavior predictions for for 2025 and beyond

Hello, Gorgeous!

Last week, market intelligence company Mintel revealed their top three predictions for future consumer behavior in the beauty sector for 2025 and beyond. Two felt exactly right, with one that felt a bit forced.

Future beauty and personal care trends for 2025 and beyond

The three top predicted beauty trends for the next five years are:

1. Hyper-personalized beauty through AI

2. More ethically sourced and produced beauty

3. Minimalism and nostalgia

Well, to be honest, that’s not exactly how the three trends were presented. I’ll try to break it down in a way that’s easier to understand.

Jane Jetson’s beauty routine is still unattainable

Trend 1: (My) Knowledge is Power:

This trend focused on Gen Alpha reaching adulthood and using AI and virtual experiences for almost all their daily routines. But is it desirable or realistic for people to use AR glasses multiple times daily to apply makeup, SPF or skincare? Not particularly.

I found it creepy that the report suggests virtual influencers powered by generative AI will hold even greater sway with younger users. I can barely read through the majority of AI intensive articles, I can’t imagine buying anything based on an invented influencer. But, hey. I’m proudly Gen X and suspicious of pretty much anything.

A more realistic prediction would have been that we’ll continue to see more tech integrations into beauty routines. Will that include AI inspired usage and spokesmemes? Probably. But I’m not sure the results produced will be desirable or viable. Even worse, that’s setting brands up for failure by being reliant on a very fickle demographic.

Trends 2 & 3: Turning the Tide and Think Slow, Move Fast.

I’ll be honest, for such a prediction powerhouse, these trends felt a bit clunky. TLDR, here’s what they mean.

People will expect the brands they support to be more eco-friendly. More than that it’s predicted that the beauty industry will head toward sustainability practices that will inspire other industries. Yay for that.

Next up, minimalism.

There will also be a greater move to nostalgia with an emphasis on simpler ingredients and soothing experiences. None of this is actually shocking.

Image credit: Fragrancenet.com

For decades we’ve been hearing that as our lives become ever more high tech we’ll crave more high touch. In the retail sector that could include more tactile objects instead of slick or overproduced, or cosmetics products that appear homespun and are sourced and crafted from local ingredients. Or it might simply mean we’ll yearn for the basics and classics we grew up with.

The fine folks at Fragrancenet.com told me that of the 40,000+ products they carry, the demand for nostalgic fragrances has surged over the past year, with some brands reporting substantial increases in sales. Classic scents like Ralph Lauren Safari and Guerlain’s Vetiver have experienced notable upticks, underscoring the powerful appeal of nostalgia in driving consumer interest.

I’ll be writing more about nostalgia in beauty and fragrance since it’s such a fascinating and ever-evolving trend.

So, what do you think of these predictions? Shocking and impressive or kind of what you expected? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋