Full-coverage foundations? Kinda giving 2016.

Cakey layers and matte masks? Gen Z says, “That’s not the vibe.”

This generation isn’t trying to cover up — they’re trying to show up. And they’re doing it with skin-first makeup and barely-there tints that let their real skin breathe, glow, and take centre stage.

Gone are the days when a full beat was the gold standard. Gen Z has ushered in a new era—one where skin-first makeup isn’t just a motto, it’s a lifestyle. And at the centre? Skin tints. Lightweight, hydrating, and effortlessly radiant, they’re the base of choice for a generation redefining beauty on their own terms.

This shift isn’t just aesthetic—it’s cultural.

The base game isn’t just about coverage anymore— it’s about confidence, comfort, and clean beauty with purpose. So, why is everyone trading foundations for feather-light tints? Let’s get into the Gen Z shift that’s redefining beauty. 

Skinimalism- the newest Gen Z Skincare Trend

Skin‑First Routines: Where It All Starts

Once upon a time, “fast glam” meant piling on coverage and moving on. But Gen Z rejects masking in favour of nurturing skin. Gen Z’s beauty routine begins with skin health, not heavy makeup. A recent feature on Gen Z beauty trends highlights this shift:

“Gen Z is embracing ‘skinimalism,’ a less‑is‑more approach that highlights natural, healthy skin. Dewy finishes, lightweight tints, and ditching heavy foundations are the way to go.”

They’re serious about skincare-meets-makeup, seeking products that nourish and enhance. No more masking—just me, glow amplified.

Fast‑Beauty vs. Skin Health: Gen Z Rejects the Trade‑off

The fast-beauty frenzy reached breakneck speeds: newsletters pushing “5-minute full glam,” drop culture, and makeup-as-performance. But now, Gen Z is pushing back, especially with chronic skin irritations and sustainability concerns on the rise.

Even in an era of viral beauty hacks and speedy “get ready with me” videos, Gen Z isn’t compromising skin health. They’re pushing back against product overload.

A Northwestern study cited in recent news found teens adopting routines with six or more products daily, even risking skin reactions. 

Gen Z’s message? Convenience shouldn’t cost your complexion.

With skin tints, they can achieve a quick swipe of coverage without loading on heavies.

Skincare/Makeup Hybrids: The Ultimate Companion

Skin tints aren’t just barely-there foundations—they’re ingredient-heavy hybrids. Think hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF, and niacinamide all in one bottle. Gen Z demands formulas that support skin while providing coverage.

Brand example:

This is the flip side of fast beauty: smart, multitasking beauty that feels nourishing and relatable.

Creator-Led Movements on Instagram

If skin tints are leading a revolution, Gen Z creators are the generals. Instagram and TikTok are where this movement thrives: unfiltered demos, side-by-side skin tests, and honest reviews.

On Reddit, users often recommend swapping “foundation for something lighter like a tinted moisturiser or sunscreen” to embrace soft glam, and creators follow suit, embracing authenticity over perfection.

These voices aren't just users—they’re moving markets. Their aesthetic? “Skin with makeup”, not “face of makeup.”

They’re anti-filter but ultra-engaging.

These creators make transparency sexy. You can see the skin, the results, the realness—and that authenticity drives loyalty.

What can this mean for your brand?

Gen Z isn’t just buying products—they’re buying stories. And visuals are how those stories are told. Enter Admigos: a premium visual production studio building brand identities that resonate.

Admigos doesn’t just make ads—they craft:

All rooted in Gen Z’s truth: makeup that meets the user where they are, not where ads tell them to be.

What Gen Z’s Skin‑Tint Shift Looks Like

What doe Gen Z prefer over the traditional methods of make up?

Data backs this shift: over 50% of Gen Z seek natural beauty claims, and 61% want non-toxic options.  They’re buying into ethos as much as aesthetics.

Real Voices, Real Gen Z

Take Instagram skincare influencer @_lilyis, who says:

“It’s like wearing a tinted serum—I feel polished but not punished.”

Reddit users echo similar views, warning against sticking to matte foundations and instead switching to tinted moisturisers and sunscreen solids.

These aren't curated ads—they're lived experiences speaking louder than campaigns.

The Future of Base Makeup

2025 is the year skin-first beauty goes mainstream—but it’s not just a fad. Industry experts say:

“One rising trend…is the shift toward skin-first beauty. Consumers are prioritising products that blur the line between makeup and skincare, with multitasking formulas that hydrate, protect and perfect the skin.”

Final Take: Gen Z’s Tint-Era Revolution

At the end of the scroll, it’s simple: Gen Z isn’t chasing perfect — they’re chasing real. Skin-first makeup isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. Whether it’s a 30-second tint-and-go moment or a carefully curated clean girl beat, it’s all about feeling good in your own glow.

You don’t just wear makeup anymore—you live in it. Gen Z’s base game is simple:

Skin tints aren’t just products—they’re symbols of a cultural shift: a base that supports, not hides. Brands that embrace this aesthetic—and partner with studios like Admigos to tell their stories—will thrive in the Age of Authentic Glow.

So if foundation feels like a heavy ex you are ready to move on from? Skin tints are the soft launch of your new self-love era. 

Your base, your rules. Keep it breathable, keep it intentional — and always, keep it so you.