Laura Criscione |
Generation Y, more commonly known as the millennials, are known as the generation who are obsessed with food and fitness; which is true, to a certain extent. Much research has shown that this age group care about their bodies and health overall more than previous generations. They care about what they put into it, and onto it.
Most millennials have incorporated fitness and mindful eating into their everyday lives. They try to live healthy by eating right and staying active. They define staying healthy as eating nutritious meals, exercising and getting enough sleep. “For millennials, wellness is a daily active pursuit. They’re exercising more, eating smarter and smoking less than previous generations.” [1] Gen Y cares more about the food they put into their bodies, as they aim to buy more organic food as well as stay away from foods filled with GMOs. These foodies want fresh, natural food that is tasty, but also good for them. Despite many having financial struggles, millennials are more willing to pay a higher price for organic produce because they value their health. Some millennials even choose to grow their own food if they don’t have the funds to purchase expensive organics. [2] These young adults also care about the environment and sustainable living. “The generation gap is particularly pronounced for functional foods that reduce disease risk or promote good health and for socially / environmentally responsible foods. For example, 41% of Generation Z and 32% of Millennial respondents are very willing to pay a premium for sustainably sourced ingredients, compared to 21% of Baby Boomer and 16% of Silent Generation respondents.” [3] They take their health seriously knowing that investing in their nutrition and daily activity will reward them with a stronger body and mind later in life.
Just as much as millennials care about what they are putting into their bodies, they also care about what is going onto their skin. When it comes to personal appearance, Gen Y is happy to spend the extra time and money to look and feel their best, as they take pride in their appearance. “Beauty and personal grooming are deeply rooted in their culture and it shows in their purchases. They spend more on beauty and personal care products than the average shopper, 25% more on body scrubs, shampoo, conditioner, styling gels, mousses and suntan products and 20% more on cosmetics.” [4] Women aren’t the only ones who care about their appearance now either. “Millennial men, like their female counterparts, now view personal grooming as an essential component of healthy living.” [5]
So, when it comes to products millennials want makeup that works well, and works fast. “Millennials want fast outcomes from natural or clinical products, and that goal—immediate results—is steering them toward cosmetics. “ [6] They aren’t focused on anti-wrinkle creams and correcting fine lines as the baby boomers are; probably because they don’t have wrinkles yet. Millennials have a more open mind about appearance. As the article states, millennials feel that “it’s less about giving up and more about embracing who you are and what you are and how you look, and not feeling like you have to fit any mold.” This younger generation typically wants to enhance their features with cosmetics, not cover up. [7] In addition, more natural types of beauty products are gaining attention from millennials. “Natural skin-care brands are also experiencing sales gains. S.W. Basics, which makes products with five ingredients or fewer, is growing rapidly.” [8] They are more interested in simplistic things, and more natural makeup is definitely gaining popularity.
Overall, Generation Y is constantly chasing balance in their lives, whether it be from eating well and daily exercise or spending time on their appearance to look their best. These young adults want to live as healthy and happy as possible.
By: Laura Criscione
_______________SOURCES:
[1] "Millennials Infographic." Goldman Sachs. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
[2] "GMOs: Why Millennials Have Turned Against Genetically Modified Crops." N.p., 7 Apr. 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
[3] WE ARE WHAT WE EAT: HEALTHY EATING TRENDS AROUND THE WORLD. N.p.: Nielsen, Jan. 2015. PDF.
[4] "Personal Care Snapshot: The Millennial Perspective." Agilex Fragrances. N.p., 11 Jan. 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
[5] "Personal Care Snapshot: The Millennial Perspective."
[6] Collins, Allison. "Millennials Disrupt Beauty Industry’s Antiwrinkle Agenda." WWD. N.p., 27 Apr. 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
[7] Collins, Allison. "Millennials Disrupt Beauty Industry’s Antiwrinkle Agenda."
[8] Collins, Allison. "Millennials Disrupt Beauty Industry’s Antiwrinkle Agenda."
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