Inside Ipsy’s Beauty Discovery Report and The Ipsies
Ipsy’s latest Beauty Discovery Report puts three pillars at the centre of 2026 beauty trends: lip care, blush and scent experimentation. Unveiled alongside The Ipsies Beauty Awards, the report is built from more than 200 million product reviews, member data and an annual survey, revealing what actually moves beyond hype and keeps people repurchasing. Central to Ipsy’s findings is a shift towards discovery-led beauty shopping. Members are not only willing to try something new; 75% have purchased or plan to purchase products they first met through Ipsy’s subscription, minis or mystery-style drops. Curated "blind box" experiences, like limited-edition Mystery Bags, are now a form of luxury in themselves, easing decision fatigue by outsourcing the edit. For Malaysian beauty lovers, this signals a move away from random impulse hauls towards more intentional trial: test, rotate, then commit only to what genuinely works in our routines and climate.
Gen Z Makeup: Softer Base, Lip Care Trend and Blush-First Faces
The report also confirms what social feeds have been hinting at for months: Gen Z makeup is all about a softer base with bolder cheeks and lips. As contour and bronzer step back, blush is now “defining the face”, shifting attention to a fresh, lifted blush makeup look rather than heavy sculpting. This aligns with Viva Beauty Awards judges, who note a wider move away from perfection and towards looks that feel “softer, more real, and a lot more individual.” At the same time, a skin-first lip care trend is replacing matte, drying formulas with balms, oils and treatments that keep lips healthy before colour. For Malaysians dealing with heat and humidity, that translates into lightweight complexion products, strategic concealing, then building personality through cream or liquid blush and comfortable lip formulas that survive air-cond offices and outdoor commutes.
Discovery-Driven Shopping, Minis and TikTok Beauty Dupes
What makes these 2026 beauty trends different is how they are discovered. Gen Z is driving a culture of sampling: subscriptions, minis and viral recommendations are now a primary way to test products before committing. Ipsy calls this a “discovery-led approach” where curated surprise becomes part of the value, not just the product itself. But Viva Beauty Awards judges also flag a disruptive side: TikTok beauty “gurus” who are not trained professionals, yet shape routines and spark fast TikTok beauty dupes. The result can be damaged skin barriers and copy-paste looks that do not fit everyone. For Malaysian shoppers, the lesson is to enjoy discovery while staying critical. Use subscriptions, testers and travel sizes to trial formulas; then cross-check viral advice against trusted experts, ingredients lists and your own skin’s history before chasing the next dupe or trend.
Scent Culture: Layering, Minis and Fragrance as Self-Expression
Beyond colour cosmetics, scent experimentation has emerged as a headline theme in Ipsy’s report. Gen Z is not content with a single signature fragrance; they mix, match and layer scents to express mood, identity or even match an outfit. Discovery-driven behaviour shows up here too: minis, samples and blind-box style fragrance sets let users explore fresh, gourmand or woody profiles without committing to a full-size bottle. While the report focuses on global data, this trend translates neatly to Malaysian life. Humidity and heat can intensify perfume, so lighter mists, hair perfumes and body sprays layered over unscented moisturiser often wear more comfortably than heavy eau de parfums. A practical approach: pick one "base" scent you love, then add a brighter citrus or juicy note in the day and a deeper vanilla or musk at night, experimenting until you find combinations that feel uniquely you.
Smart Ways for Malaysians to Tap Into 2026 Beauty Trends
For everyday Malaysian routines, these shifts point towards skin-forward, budget-conscious choices. Start with a breathable base and diligent sun protection, then let cheeks and lips carry the look: a well-placed blush, a flattering tint and a touch of gloss can modernise your makeup without a full overhaul. When exploring TikTok beauty dupes, check whether the product suits our climate, your skin type and undertone before buying multiples. Look for inclusive shade ranges and textures that work on oilier or combination skin, as highlighted by Viva judges who emphasise accessibility and real-world wear over aesthetics alone. To avoid overspending, set a monthly “discovery quota”: one mini, one new scent, or one trending lip formula at a time. Track what you actually finish, then repurchase the heroes rather than every hype, turning Gen Z’s discovery mindset into a sustainable, personalised beauty strategy.