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Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear’s own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.
Have you noticed an unexpected uptick in the number of posts on your Explore Page and FYP touting the world “whimsy” in the caption and hashtags attached to TikTok beauty content? Over the past few months, my feed has been populated with everything from overflowing junk journals with beauty inspiration to scent hauls championing unexpected note combinations. While wouldn’t describe myself as whimsical by nature, I’ve frequently been told I possess a certain, youthful energy and look… not unlike that of someone far younger than I am (believe it or not, I’m closer to 30 than 20).
I’ve recently begun to reframe it as a a testament to my innate whimsy that can be further highlighted by quirky, colorful, and playful beauty practices with the help of a few key products. Keep reading to discover the ones I’ve added to my routine to lean into the trend with my own personal take on it.
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Moody Makeup
Isamaya
Lip Lacq in Beetle
I’ve always loved how plump my lips are, but this Isamaya must-have truly helps accentuate the natural shape, creating what the brand describes as “best-stung lips, without needles.” Its formula adds long-lasting moisture to dry lips while coating them with a proprietary botanical cocktail for the voluminous look and vinyl-like finish with a glassy glow. My favorite shade, Beetle, is a beautiful inky black color with electric blue shimmer.
Customers Say: “Oh, the packaging is stunning, and the texture, the color of the lip lacquer is amazing! I use it on my lips over scrub and serum, or I put a light layer on top of my regular lipstick. No matter the [shade], the lip lacquer really enhances it even more. I also have Beetle, it’s fantastic!”
Makeup by Mario
Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
In case the news hasn’t reached you yet, Makeup by Mario officially relaunched their most popular eye palette with 12 ethereal shades in glossy shimmer, sueded matte, and natural metallic finishes. While the shimmer shades are infused with pearls produce a reflective, wet-like shine, the sueded mattes have are defined by their enhanced grip in rich colors. Lastly, the natural metallics deliver a magical soft, metallic shine with micronized pigments.
Customers Say: “I’ve been loving the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyeshadow Palette. The shades are super soft and blend effortlessly, which makes it really easy to create both everyday and more glam looks. The finishes feel elevated, especially the shimmers, which give that smooth, almost wet-looking glow without being chunky. I also like how the tones are neutral but still interesting, so it never feels boring. It’s one of those palettes that just makes your makeup look more polished without trying too hard.”
Chantecaille
Eye Lumière Liquid Eyeshadow in Tulle
Chantecaille is one of the first brands that come to mind when I think of ones with products that do romance in subtle (and equally whimsical) ways. Their limited edition Eye Lumière eyeshadow, for example, has a lustrous liquid formula that gives lids everything from a sheer wash of color to a gleaming metallic finish in three luminous shades. My favorite shade, Tulle, is a creamy champagne pink that appears rose gold against my skin tone.
Customers Say: “I really liked all three shades in this collection but opted for this one to give some definition. It’s very easy to apply and blend and adds a soft wash of color that is really flattering. It lasts well and dries quickly so you can add liner. It’s a good cream eyeshadow for day or a subtle evening look. Will buy another.”
Flower Knows
Strawberry Cupid Cake Lip Cream in Soufflé
What’s more coquette and charming than using a velvety matte lip in the shape of a decadent strawberry cream cake? Flower Knows’ products are beloved for taking a playful approach to aesthetically-pleasing beauty essentials that regularly go viral, but this product’s dessert-inspired design and its shades is worth gushing over. Part of the brand’s Strawberry Cupid collection, it delivers a smooth, blurred look with a natural finish.
Customers Say: “This product is very unique. Shaped like a cute little cake!! I’ve never really seen a lipstick than you can dig out of the tube with the doe foot. But I honestly like it, because you can get the amount of product that you want and need! And this shade is beautiful.”
Trish McEvoy
Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Emerald
Whimsical makeup moments call for adding bold color and intensity, and this gel eyeliner pencil by Trish McEvoy is up to the task with five eye-catching colors and a high-performance design that glides effortlessly onto skin. It sets to a waterproof finish that lasts all day without skipping, smudging, or flaking, and can be used for everything from precise tightlining to graphic designs. While I do wish it came in more shades, I’ll create my sleek cat eyes in Emerald and Arabian Nights.
Customers Say: “This gel eyeliner is a great find. It goes on easily, even with my more textured eyelids. And it stays put all day. The tip is very fine, so easy to do a fine line, or build up if you’d like. I had never used a gel liner before, and it makes all the difference.”
Multi-Faceted Fragrances
Nest New York
Indigo Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Fresh spices | Notes: Italian lemon, bergamot, Moroccan tea, cashmere woods, wild fig
If you’re looking for an playful, energetic fragrance that adds a whimsical twist to your everyday routine, consider spritzing yourself with Nest New York’s Indigo. Fresh, cool, and spicy, this eau de parfum explores the sunny Mediterranean coast using mouthwatering notes of bright lemon and bergamot beautifully accented by Moroccan tea, cashmere woods, and fleshy wild fig. Intoxicating and delectable, this perfume smells like a summer day at dusk in a bottle.
Customers Say: “[I] absolutely love this perfume. I find that it has the best performance/projection on rainy days. It starts off green and mossy, but over time, it develops into a sweet, heavy tea scent. The last note is a clean musk. It reminds me of wearing a soft knit sweater, sitting by the window and watching droplets slide down the glass pane—all while enjoying a cup of tea.”
Tsu Lange Yor
TLY 5755 Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices | Notes: Black pepper, sandalwood, vetiver, shiso, amyris, cashmeran, mountain pepper, cedarwood, buddawood, iso e super, ambroxan, vanilla, coumarin
Born of a collaboration with Craig Andrade of The Raconteur, TLY 5755 Eau de Parfum serves as a study of native Australian fragrance and material. It offers a blend of dry spices and warm woods with a herbaceous profile for a sophisticated feel by combining notes like shiso, mountain pepper, iso e super, and buddawood. I like to think of this one as a multifaceted forest fragrance that’s as both down-to-earth as it is moody… perfection.
Customers Say: “TLY 5755 will be my signature scent forever. It’s so spicy and woody, but maintains a sweetness that separates it from other scents in the category. I personally tend to love perfumes with the typical synthetics in them, this one has iso e super, cashmeran, and ambroxan, but they’re done right. None of them are in excess, and it isn’t screechy or loud in any way, in my opinion. This one lasts all day, gets lots of complements, and there’s nothing else like it. Really into everything Troye and his brother are doing with this brand.”
Heretic Parfum
Voodoo Lily Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Spiced floral | Notes: Geranium, coriander, frankincense, cedar, juniper, black pepper, Moroccan rose, black currant, lily accord, patchouli, sandalwood, oud, styrax
I have a thing for “weird” and deliciously unexpected scents, and Heretic Parfum basically wrote the rule book on how to do it (and go TikTok-viral in the process). If you’re enamored with their Nosferatu Eau de Parfum as I am, you’ll be just as in love with Voodoo Lily. Seductive and mysterious, the scent blends heady florals with black currant, sandalwood, oud, and smoldering incense, to create a hypnotic potion that’s utterly irresistible.
Customers Say: “I really, really like this one. Definitely has that dark-like scent to it. The first spray is spicy but has that patchouli mixed into the beginning. Then the spiciness pretty much fades and it becomes a great soft floral, woody fragrance. This one and Nosferatu give off similar vibes in terms of having that gothic/dark scent, but Voodoo Lily is a bit more likable for most.”
D.S. & Durga
Debaser in Bloom Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Floral gourmand | Notes: White currant, rosemary flower, tapes, fig, gardenia, cream, musk, coconut husk, raspberry leaf
D.S. & Durga’s Debaser in Bloom Eau de Parfum is an addictive new remix of the brand’s Debaser with earthy fig layered with fresh, blooming florals (gardenia and rosemary flower) against an almost edible base of white currant, cream, musk, and raspberry leaf. This one stands out to me because it’s fruity, floral, and bright—the perfect transitional, spring-to-summer scent rooted in nostalgia.
Customers Say: “[Debaser in Bloom] definitely transitions pretty quickly from the opening to the dry-down and starts off strong on the rosemary with the white florals coming through, but as it dries down I get the sweet raspberry, creamy fig and musk. Definitely quite different overall to Debaser but on me it’s a more sweet, fruity musk and after a few wears it’s really growing on me more and more.”
Diptyque
Tempo Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Aromatic Spicy | Notes: Patchouli, maté, clary sage, violet
Throughout history, patchouli has been a note heavily associated with the freedom and down-to-earth culture of the ’60s. Tempo pays tribute to its unique influence on perfumery with three different extracts from a single essence, creating a fragrance that’s earthy, woody, and elegant with notes of violet leaf, maté, and savory clary sage. While I generally gravitate to air, skin-like fragrances, I’m fascinated by how this one unfurls itself throughout a day of wear.
Customers Say: “The patchouli is fragrant, kind of green, and kind of sweet, but not in a weird synthetic annoying way. The bitter tang from the tea and the savory sage just wrap it all up in a nice bow. As it dries down, each layer wafting its way up to my nose in cordial pleasantries, it becomes more and more salient. The patchouli loses its medicine and succumbs to its coy nature, complimenting my skin in every way I want it to.”
Detailed Hair Accessories
Shop Machete
No. 3 Heriloom Barrette in Algae
Machete’s No.3 Heirloom Barrette is made in France using Italian acetate with a clamp closure 32 trendy shades to make every look (I’m scrambling to snag this one in Algae: a swirled, matcha green design). Recommended for all hair types and textures, the 3.25” inch barrette hold strands in place without slipping or sliding whether you decide to wear a slicked-back bun or in a timeless French twist.
Customers Say: “The clip is strong and sturdy and the colors are gorgeous. Great craftsmanship. Can’t wait to wear again so I can get more compliments!”
Lovers and Friends
Amira Scrunchie
The right hair accessory can take any look from ordinary to chic, and this one from Lovers and Friends happens to have whimsical details I’m after. The scrunchie’s half-moon design allows playful placement above or below your updo of choice, while the black eyelet design gives will give tresses a vintage-inspired twist. The brand draws its inspiration from laid back, Californian styles, and this timeless accessory captures the vibe.
Customers Say: N/A
Lelet NY
Braided Pony Cuff
Pony cuffs and other detailed hair accessories have been on the rise over the past couple of years, but this New York-based brand takes everything you love about them and creates a masterpiece out of basics. Lelet NY’s sculptural Braided Pony Cuff creates the illusion of gold-dipped hair with 14k gold plating or rhodium plate that layers effortlessly over any braid. This one is definitely in-demand, so make sure you get on their pre-order list!
Customers Say: N/A
Lele Sadoughi
Eyelet Trim Linen Square Scrunchie
Described by Lele Sadoughi as, “a contemporary take on our classic scrunchie,” this timeless accessory made of linen cotton combines two whimsical touches: eyelet trim with an eye-catching squared off cut that’s screams whimsy. It has a versatile stretch fit (making it ideal for every hair type and texture), and features the brand’s golden trademark logo charm. It’s the easiest way to add intrigue to your everyday updo without sacrificing comfort for functionality.
Customers Say: N/A
When it comes to chain accessories, the Chain Bandana by Lelet NY is the siren chic meets castle-core (what could be more whimsical than that?) This elegant statement piece reimagines the classic bandana with a bold, metal crochet design that can be worn on top of your tresses or styled around your shoulders. Crafted from stainless steel, this bandana is made to last.
Customers Say: N/A
Unexpected Manicures
Daily Charme
Long Rectangle Cat Eye Magnet Bar
I’m calling it—chrome manicures are officially being replaced by cat eye nails this season, and the evidence is popping up everywhere. If you’re like me and prefer to do trendy manicures from the comfort of home, invest in a magnet bar like this one by Daily Charme to get the cat eye effect. It can be used with magnetic pigments, gels, or polishes, and comes with a protective silicone sleeve.
Customers Say: “I am able to get the cat eye effect much [more easily] with this magnet.”
OPI
On Point Press-On Mani in The Pass is Always Greener
With the arrival of spring, I’m sensing an uptick in the number of pastel nail shades making appearances on my FYP and Explore Pages. Pistachio green press-on nails like OPI’s On Point Press-On Mani in The Pass is Always Greener are essential for at-home manicures. This set has a medium-square shape shape with a glossy crème finish that’s on trend right now with 14 days of wear and a reusable design.
Customers Say: “These nails are the perfect touch! The sage green shade is soft, modern, and very wearable because they are neutral but still eye-catching. The finish looks glossy and salon-quality. Application was easy thanks to the included sizes and prep materials, and the nails felt lightweight and comfortable once on. With proper prep, they stayed secure through everyday tasks like typing and cooking, with minimal lifting.”
One of the ways I plan on upgrading my spring manicures is by exploring different textures with 3D details like buttons, marbles, fabrics, and hand-drawn designs. Having a trusty nail glue within reach can make the design process easier, and I swear by this one by Makartt. It’s easy-to-use with an ultra-precise applicator tip, and securely attaches your details with a long-lasting formula that cures quickly and lasts for 3-4 weeks.
Customers Say: “This nail diamond glue from Makartt surprised me a lot. It has a perfect consistency that allows you to place the rhinestones with precision without them moving. Once it cures with the UV/LED lamp, they are super well fixed and last a long time without falling off. I also like that it does not have a strong smell and is easy to work with both for beginners and for those who already do nail art. I have used it with different sizes of stones and decorations and they stand firm for weeks if applied correctly.”
OPI
On Point Press-On Mani in Swirl Next Door
These swirly black and light pink press-on nails by OPI are exactly what I would imagine whimsical movie icons like Coraline or Fancy Nancy (two sides of the same coin) wearing. They have a comfortable, lightweight fit that are customizable and re-shapable to meet all your quirky manicure needs. Start by covering your natural nails with each press-on to find your perfect size, buff and file your natural nail, then go about applying your new manicure as you usually would with the provided nail glue.
Customers Say: “I loved the look of these nails. I love black and the accent nails were pretty! They are a good quality and super easy to apply. A drop of glue and I was good to go. There is still plenty of glue left after application. I did have to shorten them up a bit because they were a bit long for my taste but that was easy enough to do. They weren’t so thick that they were hard to file down.”
Static Nails
Reusable Pop-On Manicures in Influenced Almond
If you want to achieve a whimsical nail look with a hint of shimmer without taking a trip to your nail salon, consider adding Static Nails’ Reusable Pop-On Manicures in Influence Almond to your routine. They provide an acrylic-like finish using a non-damaging manicure design that are bend and crack resistant, an last up to 30 days with full customization. I love how they come with thirty nails in 15 sizes per hand, nail glue, and a dual-sided file/buffer.
Customers Say: “Absolutely stunning! I ordered two just in case they discontinue this color. It’s really stunning, looks just like the picture. The deep color is classy, but the sparkle adds sass to it.”
