An intriguing video has started a viral discussion about makeup trends across different generations, with several experts weighing in with their opinions. Jennifer Latch from California (@jenniferlatch on TikTok) went online after her young daughter told her eyeshadow is for “Gen X and millennials.” Latch captured the funny moment with her daughter on camera, revealing how the youngster had insinuated that eyeshadow was something for “old ladies.” In the caption, she asked her followers: “Ok, my Gen Z, is eyeshadow out?” In an interview with Newsweek, Latch shared that she loves talking about aging. “I actually believe aging is cool and love getting older with all the wisdom and experience that comes with it,” she said.
The video has garnered over one million views and grabbed the attention of Erica Taylor (@ericataylor2347 on TikTok), a makeup artist from New York with over 26 years of experience. In a response video, Taylor compared classic smokey-eye styles with modern looks and even included a tutorial. “When I saw the original video, I wanted to start the conversation about the differences of generations, Gen Z vs Gen X,” Taylor explained to the outlet. “I have found women stop wearing makeup because they feel it no longer looks good on them. I wanted to teach them that with time, our faces and techniques evolve and it’s not as daunting with a few tips and tricks. The makeup itself doesn’t date us, but the techniques do.”
Taylor discussed how people should accept shifting makeup trends, such as Gen Z’s more natural, skincare-focused look and millennials’ heavy smokey eye makeup. She also reflected on why makeup trends have changed, explaining: “Culturally, eyeshadow is definitely very significant in the millennial era when we saw the birth of the Kardashian makeup style. Now, the current look of Gen Z is a reaction to the millennial heavy eye with the soft, ethereal eye.”
Despite these shifts in trends, Latch said she wouldn’t stop wearing the looks she enjoys. “I think eyeshadow is here to stay always and forever,” she said. People flooded the comments with their ideas and firsthand accounts, ranging from nostalgic observations of bygone eras to viewpoints on the age-old controversy over makeup.
@natb1991 shared, “When I was a kid, I also considered eye shadow an old lady thing. Because children don’t wear makeup!” @miscellaineyous added, “That’s because most people don’t learn how to use it until their early/mid-20s. She will learn.” @vanicbri commented, “As a zillennial, hear me out: bronzer as eyeshadow. Use the same brush and add your bronzer and it looks so natural and good!” @hajrtn said, “Gen Z (in the early 20s), I don’t think it is common for every day, but colorful eyeshadows are hugely popular for going out.” @luvhayden_ quipped in, “I’m 16 and eyeshadow is the main part of my makeup. She just doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
You can follow Jennifer Latch (@jenniferlatch) on TikTok for more ageless makeup videos and Erica Taylor (@ericataylor2347) on TikTok for makeup tips and tricks!
