Diagnose
Discourse
Understanding beauty perceptions among Gen Z and Gen Alpha
A leading beauty brand sought to understand how Gen Z and Gen Alpha in the U.S. and China interact with beauty products. The objective was to decode the discourse surrounding beauty in these generations, identify emerging trends, and determine how to effectively engage with these digitally native consumers.
Data-driven analysis of generational beauty discourse
Quilt.AI examined over 22,000 data points from TikTok, Instagram, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin, analyzing both text and imagery to uncover key discourse themes. This research identified eight distinct themes highlighting the values, tensions, and behaviors that shape beauty preferences. The findings focused on authenticity, inclusivity, and generational differences, offering actionable insights to inform strategy.
Informing strategies to engage digital-first generations
The insights equipped the beauty brand with a deep understanding of the generational drivers shaping beauty conversations. By aligning marketing strategies with values like authenticity, safety, and self-expression, the brand is positioned to resonate more deeply with Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers across diverse markets.
Decoding generational conversations around beauty
Our analysis revealed unique generational dynamics and priorities, highlighting key themes that shape how Gen Z and Gen Alpha perceive and engage with beauty:
Discover how Quilt.AI can help your brand connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha by uncovering the values and trends shaping their beauty choices.
“If you have only daughters in the house, people will talk about it saying “these people don’t have a son, who will carry on the family name?”. Relatives and neighbors talk about it in a very negative way. They will not allow the parents to live in peace.”
Tweet from Nepal
“Actually daughters are fine as well, but a sense of security a safety can only be provided by a son, no?”
Tweet from China
This community minded segment enjoys a sense of belonging. As such, they care about how they are perceived by others, and try their hardest to fit in and uphold duties. They are most likely to follow trends and respect influential figures.
Driven by a sense of purpose and responsibility, Idealists want to do good in the world. They put in the work to drive positive change and impact. However, there’s also an undertone of realism, as they know that action is limited.
Characterised by their expressiveness and independence, Explorers pride themselves on having a different approach or mindset to life. This includes spirituality enthusiasts, solo travelers, and freelancers, among others. They seek to live life on their own terms.
This segment comprises of highly ambitious goal-getters. Their goals are not always conventional ones (i.e. graduating at the top of their class), but rather tend to be about finding their passion and excelling at it. They look for opportunities at every corner and strive to leave a lasting impression.
Driven by a need to prove themselves to the world, signallers are hard-working and practical individuals. To them, success is about financial stability and external validation. As such, traditional status symbols are important to them.
This passive segment are merely observers of the world: they don’t take things too seriously, they aren’t concerned with other people’s opinions on them, nor do they hold any strong opinions themselves. They are “here for a good time” and enjoy a nihilistic sense of humor.
Protective of traditions; Afraid of shame; Influenced by social norms.
🙅 Deniers
Amazon is launching a Gen Z offering that takes users back in time to explore and experience iconic moments or events of the Y2K era
This product will be an interactive Amazon Alexa skill, featuring content tailored based on user preferences and interests
Through this trend, Amazon can provide customers with an immersive new product offering, as well as capitalize off the growing interest in retro-style products among Gen Zers
Airbnb is launching a Gen Z offering that celebrates the power of monetization
Highlighting inspiring stories of people
who have used Airbnb properties to achieve success
Could feature content creators, Roblox developers, and other individuals who have leveraged their side hustles while staying in an Airbnb property
Visuals should be evocative and captivating, portraying the potential of living life to its fullest while utilizing Airbnb's flexible and affordable options
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