Monsoon season is here, and she will not step out of her home without her waterproof Maybelline eyeliner and transfer-proof L’Oréal red lipstick. That’s what Arushi, 24-year-old social media manager from
Noida, says when describing how her makeup preferences change with the seasons.
Arushi is part of a growing Gen Z trend that is reshaping the beauty industry. The idea of using the same makeup products throughout the year is slowly fading.
Young people are adapting their makeup bags to the weather, carefully choosing products based on seasonal conditions and how their skin responds to them.
From dewy, lightweight looks in summer to matte, long-lasting formulas during the monsoon, Gen Z is making beauty more seasonal, practical, and personal.
When Weather Dictates the Makeup Bag
For 25-year-old Chandigarh-based marketing specialist Sejal, seasonal changes significantly impact her beauty routine.
“My makeup routine changes with the seasons because my skin reacts differently throughout the year,” she says. “Monsoon is especially challenging because the humidity affects how my skin behaves, making it difficult to maintain a flawless makeup look.”
Like many Gen Z consumers, Sejal prefers to simplify her routine during the rainy season. Instead of relying on layers of makeup, she focuses on her skincare regimen—cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturiser—to keep her skin balanced and healthy.
For quick outings, she sticks to a minimalist look. “I use a primer after my skincare routine and add a touch of blush. Sometimes I switch to a tinted sunscreen and skip blush altogether,” she explains.
From Bright Summers To Rich Winter Hues
Seasonal makeup changes are not limited to texture alone. Colour choices evolve too. Arushi says her makeup preferences shift throughout the year.
“During summer, I like bright makeup—reds, pinks, and darker pink blush shades. But in winter, I naturally move towards deeper colours like maroon lipstick and orange-toned blushes because they complement my complexion better.”
When it comes to monsoon beauty essentials, she doesn’t compromise on performance. “My waterproof eyeliner and transfer-proof red lipstick are non-negotiable during the rainy season,” she says.
Why Gen Z Is Choosing Seasonal Beauty
For many Gen Z consumers, beauty is becoming less about rigid trends and more about versatility. Vatsal Agrawal, Founder of Hilary Rhoda, believes the transition from “Dewy Summers” to “Matte Monsoons” reflects a more thoughtful approach to beauty.
“Consumers are moving away from one-size-fits-all trends and choosing products that meet seasonal needs. While glowing, skincare-infused makeup dominates warmer months, monsoons encourage soft-focus matte textures and longer-lasting formulations,” he says.
The trend is particularly noticeable as beauty consumption expands beyond metropolitan cities. According to Agrawal, more than half of new beauty consumers now come from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, while a majority rely on online reviews and digital content before making purchasing decisions.
Industry experts say this growing focus on seasonal beauty is part of a larger shift in consumer behaviour. Aarhan Khan, CEO of Maliao Cosmetics, says Gen Z has transformed beauty into a form of seasonal self-expression.
“During summer, consumers gravitate towards lightweight, dewy looks that focus on healthy, glowing skin through products like skin tints, liquid blushes, and glossy lip products. As monsoon arrives, preferences shift towards soft-matte finishes and long-wearing formulas that balance comfort with performance,” he says.
The trend is also backed by a booming beauty market. India’s beauty and cosmetics industry is projected to grow from US$28.9 billion in 2022 to US$35.5 billion by 2028.
