In the fast-paced world of social media trends, TikTok has become a breeding ground for the newest beauty aesthetics. Enter #PearlSkin, a mesmerizing beauty trend that’s captivating users and reshaping the industry. This article delves into the essence of #PearlSkin, its meteoric rise on TikTok, and its impact on the makeup and color cosmetics industry. We will also discuss what this trend signifies for brands and business buyers looking to capitalize on social media-driven beauty movements.

Table of Contents
● What is #PearlSkin?
● The Rise of #PearlSkin Aesthetic on TikTok
● Key Products Driving the #PearlSkin Trend
● Business Opportunities in the #PearlSkin Market
● Future Outlook: #PearlSkin and Beyond

What is #PearlSkin?

#PearlSkin is a captivating beauty trend that has taken TikTok by storm from January through June, and it’s still ongoing. It is characterized by a soft, ethereal glow that mimics the delicate luster of pearls. This trend embodies a milky, low-luminescent sheen that gives the skin a silky, radiant appearance.

Origins and evolution of the trend:

The #PearlSkin trend aligns with the broader shift towards healthier, more natural-looking skin finishes. It represents a departure from the heavy, matte makeup looks of the past, embracing a more refined and sophisticated approach to luminosity. The trend speaks to a growing desire for a healthy glow that strikes a balance between natural and enhanced beauty.

Interestingly, #PearlSkin is not just a reflection of real-world beauty preferences but also draws inspiration from digital aesthetics. WGSN notes that this trend is influenced by “phygital” skin finishes – a blend of physical and digital world influences. This aligns with their 2025 Big Idea of “Layered Realities,” suggesting that pearl-like finishes will continue to impact beauty aesthetics through 2024 and beyond.

The Rise of #PearlSkin on TikTok

The #PearlSkin trend has experienced a meteoric rise on TikTok, capturing the attention of beauty enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Let’s dive into the trend analysis and statistics that showcase its growing popularity.

Trend analysis and statistics:

According to WGSN’s May-June 2024 TikTok Analytics, #PearlSkin has shown remarkable growth in a short period. The trend’s trajectory shows a sudden surge, with the graph indicating a sharp upward movement from January 2024 to June 2024. This hashtag has seen a significant increase in views, reaching over 12 million by June 2024. The STEPIC* Index analysis shows medium alignment and medium lifespan, suggesting its relevance to current beauty trends and potential for continued growth.

STEPIC*: The STEPIC is an analytical model created by WGSN.com, encompassing the domains of Society, Technology, Environment, Politics, Industry, and Creativity. And the SEPIC index is an indicator created through qual and quant research on these topics.

User-generated content and influencer impact:

The #PearlSkin trend has been largely driven by user-generated content (UGC) on TikTok. This includes:

Tutorials: Users are creating and sharing step-by-step guides on achieving the perfect pearl-like glow.
Product Recommendations: Beauty enthusiasts are showcasing their favorite products for achieving the #PearlSkin look.
Before and After Transformations: Many users are demonstrating the dramatic effect of the #PearlSkin technique on their appearance.

Influencers have played a crucial role in popularizing the trend, with many beauty content creators incorporating #PearlSkin into their regular content. Their endorsements and demonstrations have significantly contributed to the trend’s virality.

The rapid rise of #PearlSkin on TikTok underscores the platform’s power in shaping beauty trends. For businesses in the beauty industry, this presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growing interest in luminous, pearl-like skin finishes.

Key Products Driving the #PearlSkin Trend

The #PearlSkin trend has sparked a surge in demand for specific beauty products that help achieve the coveted pearl-like glow. Here are the key product categories that are essential for creating the #PearlSkin look:

Primers and illuminators:

Illuminating primers that create a radiant base
Liquid illuminators that can be mixed with foundation or applied as a highlighter
Pearl-infused formulas that add a subtle sheen to the skin

Base makeup and highlighters:

Glowy foundations with light-reflecting particles
Tinted moisturizers and BB creams with a dewy finish
Cream and liquid highlighters in warm champagne tones
Sheen eyeshadows for a cohesive pearlescent look

Skincare-makeup hybrids:

Tinted serums that provide skincare benefits with a luminous finish
Bronzing drops that can be mixed with moisturizers or worn alone
Illuminating setting sprays for an all-over pearl-like glow

According to beauty industry reports, products that offer multifunctional benefits are particularly popular. For instance, primers that not only create a luminous base but also offer skincare benefits like hydration or sun protection are in high demand.

It’s worth noting that the #PearlSkin trend emphasizes a natural, “your skin but better” look. This aligns with the broader shift towards more effortless beauty routines, as indicated by the related trend of “Lazy Perfection” mentioned in the WGSN report.

For businesses in the beauty industry, focusing on these key product categories and incorporating pearl-like finishes into existing product lines could be a strategic move to capitalize on the #PearlSkin trend.

Business Opportunities in the #PearlSkin Market

The rise of #PearlSkin presents numerous opportunities for businesses in the beauty industry. Here’s how companies can capitalize on this trend:

Product Development Strategies

Multi-functional illuminators: Create primers and illuminators that not only provide the pearl-like glow but also offer skincare benefits such as hydration or UV protection.
Customizable glow products: Develop mixable bronzing drops or highlighter palettes that allow users to personalize their #PearlSkin look.
Skincare-makeup hybrids: Invest in tinted serums and illuminating moisturizers that blur the line between skincare and makeup, catering to the “skincare-first makeup” trend.
Low-effort formats: Focus on easy-to-use products like illuminating sticks and sprays that provide instant glow across face and body, aligning with the broader “Lazy Perfection” trend.

Marketing and Content Creation Tips

Tutorial collaborations: Partner with TikTok influencers to create #PearlSkin tutorials using your products, showcasing the versatility of your offerings.
Before-and-after showcases: Demonstrate the transformative effect of your products in achieving the #PearlSkin look, emphasizing the “your skin but better” aesthetic.
Educational content: Create informative posts about the benefits of the #PearlSkin trend and how it aligns with broader beauty and wellness trends.
User-generated content: Encourage customers to share their #PearlSkin looks and feature them on your social media channels, fostering community engagement.

Close up of a young woman applying moisturizer to her face. Asian woman looking happy while following skincare regime.

Future Outlook: #PearlSkin and Beyond

The future of #PearlSkin looks promising, with sustained growth and a medium lifespan score indicating its relevance through 2024 and into 2025. The trend aligns with the 2025 Big Idea of “Layered Realities,” suggesting that pearl-like finishes will continue to influence beauty aesthetics. As a part of the broader shift towards natural, glowy finishes, #PearlSkin is expected to remain popular, supported by related trends like #SoftGlam and #GlowyMakeup. The influence of “phygital” aesthetics, blending physical and digital world inspirations, hints at future beauty trends that may emerge from this fusion.

To stay ahead, businesses should monitor the trend closely, allocate resources for product development, and prepare agile marketing strategies to capitalize on its growth. The focus on skincare-makeup hybrids, low-effort luxury products, and natural formulations will likely continue to resonate with consumers. By leveraging insights from TikTok Analytics and aligning with consumer preferences, beauty brands can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, meeting the demand for products that offer both immediate radiance and long-term skincare benefits.