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Current Beauty Trends: Are They Worth It?

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 14:37 GMT by Her Campus
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Are Current Beauty Trends Worth the Hype? A Deep‑Dive into the Trends Shaping Tomorrow’s Look

The beauty world moves at a breakneck pace, with new products, new rituals and new aesthetics emerging every other week. From “skin‑minimalism” to tech‑powered try‑ons, the headlines are saturated with buzzwords that promise to make us look flawless and feel confident. Yet, behind every glossy ad campaign and influencer‑driven hashtag lies a question that many of us face on a daily basis: Are these trends actually worth the time, money and effort? A recent feature at Her Campus, “Current Beauty Trends – Are They Worth It?”, cuts through the noise and examines the most talked‑about beauty movements of 2023‑24, the science behind them, and the ethical, financial and environmental stakes involved.

1. Skin‑Minimalism – Less is More?

The most prominent trend on campus, according to the article, is the rise of “skin‑minimalism” or “skinimalism”—a movement that champions natural, de‑glamorous looks over heavy contouring and color. Students at Temple University say the secret sauce is a layered skincare routine: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, paired with a light tinted moisturizer or BB cream that offers sheer coverage.

The article quotes Dr. Maya Patel, a dermatology professor at Temple who warns, “While skin‑minimalism can reduce exposure to potentially irritating pigments, it can also create a false sense that minimal makeup is a panacea for all skin concerns.” Dr. Patel notes that the trend’s success depends on the quality of the product, not just its “minimal” label. A link in the piece led to a Vogue science brief that highlights the importance of SPF and antioxidants in protecting skin from photo‑aging—an argument that skin‑minimalists can’t ignore.

2. Clean & Cruelty‑Free Beauty – The Ethical Revolution

Closely tied to skin‑minimalism is the “clean beauty” movement, which has gained traction among students who are eco‑conscious and animal‑rights‑savvy. The Her Campus article cites Sofia Reyes, a campus sustainability officer, who says, “Students are demanding transparency; they want to know that ingredients are not only safe for their skin but also for the planet.” The article references a Harvard Business Review report that estimates the beauty industry’s carbon footprint at 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—a figure that has spurred brands to adopt refillable packaging and plant‑based formulas.

A side link to a Drunk Elephant profile further explains how “clean” brands use ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide while avoiding parabens and sulfates. However, the article cautions that “clean” is a marketing term, not a regulatory label, meaning consumers must read ingredient lists diligently.

3. Semi‑Permanent Makeup – Less Routine, More Commitment

Another trend highlighted is the surge in semi‑permanent makeup—microblading, eyebrow tinting, and lip stains. According to the article, these procedures are popular among students who want a “no‑makeup‑look” all day. The piece points to a National Association of Medical Estheticians survey, noting that 28% of young adults who try microblading return within six months for touch‑ups. While the article applauds the time‑savings, it also lists the risks—skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the potential need for a costly removal process.

A link to the American Academy of Dermatology’s safety guidelines offers practical tips: “Always choose licensed professionals, insist on a patch test, and be prepared for a healing period of 1‑2 weeks.”

4. Tech‑Powered Beauty – Apps, AR & AI

Beauty tech has become mainstream, with apps that let you virtually try on shades or scan your skin to recommend products. The article discusses YouMeMe’s AR makeup try‑on and a TikTok feature that analyzes your skin tone in real‑time. While tech can reduce trial‑and‑error, the piece warns about data privacy concerns—“Companies collect vast amounts of personal data for AI recommendations,” the article notes. The accompanying link to a privacy law overview clarifies that consumers can opt out but must check the app’s permissions.

5. Sustainable Packaging & Refill Culture

Sustainability is not just about ingredients. Her Campus highlights the shift towards refillable packaging—crates, tubes and refill kits that reduce plastic waste. Nadia Khan, a student activist, explains how refill stations on campus cut down waste by 30% per student. The article links to a Plastic Pollution Coalition study that shows how 100% refillable lines can reduce a brand’s plastic usage by up to 60%.

6. Personalized Beauty – DNA‑Based Skincare

The future, the article suggests, is in personalization. Companies like Curology and SkinCeuticals offer DNA‑based skin reports that recommend treatments based on genetics. While the idea of “custom-made skincare” sounds promising, the piece stresses that the science is still nascent: “Genetic markers can predict predisposition to dryness or oiliness, but they do not guarantee a product’s efficacy.” A link to a Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology paper underscores that many “personalized” claims are unvalidated.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Her Campus doesn’t shy away from the hard truth: beauty trends often hinge on marketing hype rather than science. The article urges students—and anyone else—to ask three critical questions before adopting a new trend:

1. Is there a credible scientific basis? (Look for peer‑reviewed studies or reputable dermatology guidelines.)
2. What are the long‑term costs—time, money, or environmental impact? (Compare brand sustainability reports or packaging data.)
3. Will it enhance my confidence or simply maintain a status quo? (Remember, confidence is an internal state, not a product’s promise.)

Ultimately, the article concludes, “Trends are a way to explore new textures and ideas, but the most valuable trend is consistency—regular, evidence‑based skin care that respects both your body and the planet.” Whether you’re a makeup junkie, a minimalist skeptic or a tech‑savvy beauty aficionado, the key is to blend curiosity with critical thinking.

For the Curious Reader

Her Campus encourages readers to explore further via its linked resources: - “Skin‑Minimalism 101” – a comprehensive guide on achieving the look without compromising skin health.
- “Clean Beauty Movement” – an in‑depth look at ingredient transparency and regulatory gaps.
- “Beauty Sustainability Report” – a data‑driven analysis of the industry's environmental footprint.

In a world where a single hashtag can spark a global craze, the article reminds us that the most sustainable choice is often the one that aligns with our personal values and well‑established science—more than any trend can offer.