06/18/2025
MARKETING TREND WATCH: How e.l.f. Beauty and Pinterest are redefining personalization—and what it means for brand strategy
One of the most compelling shifts happening in beauty and wellness right now is the rise of bio-individuality—the idea that no two bodies, skin types, or preferences are the same. This is something I've been watching shift over the last decade as brands and businesses across multiple industries strive to create unique experiences tailored to the consumer.
Consumers no longer want one-size-fits-all solutions. They want brands that recognize and reflect their unique identity.
e.l.f. Beauty’s latest collaboration with Pinterest hits that mark with precision. Their Color e.l.f.nalysis tool uses AI to evaluate a user’s selfie and determine their seasonal color palette—think “Cool Summer” or “Warm Autumn.” From there, users are guided to a curated Pinterest board with product recommendations aligned to their color story and undertones.
This isn’t just clever tech. It’s a well-executed, insight-driven strategy rooted in:
Personalized experience meets intentional path-to-purchase – Users receive product suggestions that align with their exact tone and aesthetic preferences, eliminating friction and driving confidence.
K-Beauty influence meets mass market accessibility – Seasonal color analysis has been foundational in Korean beauty culture. e.l.f. took that insight and turned it into an engaging, scalable digital experience.
Gen Z and millennial relevancy – These consumers are motivated by alignment, not just features. They’re loyal to brands that "get them" and help express who they are.
Value creation at every touchpoint – This tool doesn’t just suggest products. It empowers consumers with deeper self-awareness, aligns with wellness culture, and repositions beauty as part of a larger personal identity narrative.
In short, e.l.f. didn’t just build a campaign—they built a consumer journey rooted in data, emotion, and cultural awareness. It’s a smart blend of tech, trend, and psychology.
This is the future of branding: personalized, values-aligned, and intentionally designed for the individual. Brands who understand the power of bio-individuality—especially in beauty and wellness—will be the ones who lead the next decade.