"Island Girl Beauty" Is the Next Best Option for a Tropical Paradise Getaway—Here's How to Achieve the Look

      Gen Z Says is a bi-monthly column that highlights the newest trends in fashion and beauty, as seen through the eyes of Who What Wear’s Gen Z editors. Get ready for insights on the next generation of influencers, emerging designers, and shopping and style preferences directly from the trendsetters themselves. TikTok, as a platform, thrives on an array of beauty trends that draw inspiration from nostalgic aesthetics, and Gen Z, the first generation immersed in social media, is its primary audience. For many of us in the beauty community, there’s a mixed relationship with the rapid influx of aesthetic-driven trends, but their emergence reflects a profound appreciation for relatable visuals. While I may not fully grasp the origins of these trends, their allure is evident: they allow us to express various aspects of ourselves through easily accessible beauty products.

      Take the “island girl beauty” trend, for instance; it doesn’t hinge on any specific product but rather emphasizes the concept of simplifying beauty routines while accentuating natural features. The countless tutorials available under the #islandgirlmakeup hashtag showcase skincare-oriented essentials at both drugstore and luxury price points that achieve a radiant, dewy look. This trend also encompasses numerous micro-trends that have emerged recently, from the tropical pinks of the “guava girl” to the more muted “toasty glam” makeup style.

      Article continues below The Skin

      Natural, sun-kissed, and safeguarded from harmful UV rays. Before stepping onto the beach, the island girl generously applies sunscreen and finishes with a shimmering body oil that catches the light beautifully. Upon returning home and leaving her sandy flip-flops and beach bag at the entrance, she'll take a refreshing tropical shower followed by a self-tanner for a natural glow. Island-girl skin is focused on maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion while shielding it from environmental aggressors and UV damage. Most tutorials related to this trend highlight achieving a chic beachy appearance, but skincare is just as essential. Whether you’re out in just a bikini and a floral sarong or opting for Levi’s cutoffs paired with a flowy blouse, protecting your skin with sunscreen and necessary skincare products is paramount. Your prepared skin can withstand the salty waves, ocean air, and elevated temperatures, especially when paired with some luminous makeup.

      Shop the Trend

      

      Supergoop!

      Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm in Strawberry Spritz

      You might recognize the packaging of this brand's popular sunscreens, but did you know they also offer a super glossy lip balm that provides UV protection along with a shiny finish? This non-sticky and ultra-hydrating Glow Gloss SPF Lip Balm delivers high shine and sun protection, thanks to its nourishing shea butter and peptide complex. I currently own it in Vanilla Soft Serve but might need to grab Strawberry Spritz, which is the perfect sheer coral hue for island-girl aesthetics.

      

      

      Sol de Janeiro

      Bom Dia Bright Jet Set

      I’m gearing up for a tropical getaway in a month and plan to pack this bodycare set in my carry-on. It includes three top-selling products from Sol De Janeiro’s brightening Bom Dia line, making it easy to layer my tropical fragrances. The salicylic acid–infused Bom Dia Bright Body Wash cleanses and strengthens the skin, followed by moisturizing with the vitamin C-rich Bom Dia Bright Body Cream. For the final touch, spritz yourself with the warm, seductive scent of Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist, which combines black amber, plum, and vanilla woods.

      

      

      Vacation

      Shimmer Oil SPF 30

      Another product featured in multiple island-girl tutorials is Vacation’s Shimmer Oil SPF 30. This combines a pearlescent finish with reflective gold flecks, utilizing a nourishing blend of natural oils to leave your skin feeling silky smooth while providing SPF 30 for protection. It is also delightfully scented with the brand's award-winning fragrance, ensuring your skin looks sun-kissed while remaining protected and smelling divine.

      

      

      Good Weather Skin

      The One Daily Sun Cream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

      After discovering this mineral sunscreen a few months back, I’m convinced that many other mineral sunscreens I’ve tried lacked thorough testing for skin tones like mine. Good Weather Skin’s The One Daily Sun Cream has become an essential part of my skincare routine, as it leaves my complexion looking fresh and dewy without a white cast. Its formula contains skin-loving ingredients like hydrating squalane, nourishing seabuckthorn oil, and skin-smoothing niacinamide, and its stylish packaging looks great in a beach bag.

      

      

      Lux Unfiltered

      N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

      Incorporating these self-tanning face drops into my beauty routine is the quickest way to achieve a radiant look. Lux Unfiltered’s buildable self-tanning serum provides a natural-looking tint, enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing passion fruit oil, and pomegranate extract to maintain smooth skin texture. It’s also straightforward to use: