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The genderless evolution of the beauty industry

A new approach avoiding gender-related categorizations is taking over the beauty industry, finally

The genderless evolution of the beauty industry A new approach avoiding gender-related categorizations is taking over the beauty industry, finally

The beauty industry moves away from being exclusively a female-world, just like it was until the 2010s, preferring an approach that is free from gender categorizations. Fans of artistic perfumery - and also of commercial perfumery - certainly know, however, that the concept of genderless in beauty is not an absolute novelty.

 

Artistic perfumery

It was 1968 when in the brand's pop-up, the iconic Diptyque l'Eau was presented as the first unisex or a-gender fragrance introduced on the market. The story of the famous unisex scent CK One, launched in the 90s and becoming a must-have for the modern consumer, is much better known.

The approach of artistic perfumery is strongly focused on personal taste with solutions that do not depend on the gender of the consumer but on preferences.
The research path of the fragrance is a journey aimed at exploring the personality for which, at least the first few times, it is useful to be guided. At all the Olfattorio stores, present in various Italian cities, it is possible to live this type of experience, experimenting with different brands and haute parfumerie houses and arriving at the selection of the perfect fragrance.

15 years after the creation of the Nolita Lab fragrance lab in NYC, Le Labo and its genderless and slow perfumery continue to conquer every single consumer one nose at a time, determined to undertake the path of choosing the fragrance starting from what they like best.

Another reality in the world of niche perfumery that goes beyond gender conventions is Editions de Parfums created by Frédéric Malle. A project that in addition to celebrating artistic perfumery is committed to defending the authors at all costs, enhancing each Nose in its uniqueness as a full-fledged artist.

From these premises "new classics" are born such as Portrait of a Lady, Musc Ravageur and French Lover, fragrances that become the accessory that responds to the personality of those who select it.

 

Skincare

Recently this approach to product classification with a focus on wants and needs has gone beyond fragrances to cover skincare products as well. When it comes to skin care products it is indeed crucial to focus on skin type, age and needs rather than gender. The condition of the skin must be the starting point for the purchase of products, overcoming the marketing strategies.

Since its conception in 1987, Aēsop, a vegan, cruelty free and gender neutral brand, has been offering its customers a complete line of products ranging from cleansers and exfoliants to creams, serums, body care products and shampoos. The beloved Melbourne-based company, which has become internationally recognizable thanks to its iconic pack, is now committed to becoming even more aware and transparent.

After winning the FENTY BEAUTY make-up line, pop star Rihanna launched the gender inclusive skincare line we needed, FENTY SKIN. A line of products that becomes an inclusive manifesto, dedicated to everyone's needs, without distinction.

 

Make up

It will certainly not have escaped the beauty addicted that the most exclusive brands have guided this new genderless approach also in make-up. Just think of Gucci and Alessandro Michele's commitment to making Gucci Beauty a true manifesto of inclusion and celebration of diversity.

And again, how not to mention Chanel that after the launch in 2018 of the Boy de Chanel make-up line presented in 2020 an extension of the same including new skincare and make-up for him.

 

Hairstyle

The gender fluid approach has also been embraced by the world of hairstyle with a trending look study from cut to styling, which starts from the characteristics of the single to sublimate its uniqueness. A few examples? Among the cuts recognized as a trend the pixie cut, extra-short and originally considered masculine, which has lost the connotation linked to gender thanks to its versatility.

Impossible not to mention the mullet, a unisex cut born in the 70s and worn by rock stars in the 80s, counted among the 2021 trending haircuts. Short in front and sideways, and longer in back, it is the cut that became famous for being sported by rock stars such as David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney and also by Patti Smith. An androgynous and gritty look that has become representative of the strong personality of the wearer.

Rihanna, Zendaya and Miley Cyrus are just some of the stars who have revisited the cut, revisiting it in a contemporary way. However, if we were to identify the perfect interpreter of this look, we would have no doubts, the choice would fall on the Spanish actress Úrsula Corberó, or Tokyo from La Casa de Papel.

In general, we are faced with a beauty industry that has veered towards proposals that raise the concept of beauty in absolute terms, celebrating uniqueness and personality and eliminating gender from this formula.