What is Preppy Skincare? Unpacking the TikTok Trend

When I was growing up, there were only a handful of skincare brands to choose from, most of which were not great. There was the infamous St. Ives Apricot Scrub (that probably damaged skin barriers around the world) and the OG skincare routine — the Three-Step Essentials from Clean & Clear.

However, the next generation has access to a vast array of skincare brands and products, leading to the emergence of new skincare trends that prioritise creativity and fun in their approach to routines.

One of which is the ‘preppy skincare trend‘ doing the rounds on TikTok with over 27.5 million views. This plays into a wider trend on all things ‘preppy’ from fashion, organisation and interior styling, but we will explain below what it is all about when it comes to skincare.

What is preppy skincare?

Preppy skincare is a vibrant and fun alternative to minimalist skincare brands often seen on Instagram. Rather than the typical white, black, and beige packaging (think Aesop, Minnesey and ALPHA-H) preppy skincare products are defined by their bright and often rainbow-coloured packaging, evoking a colourful and playful Y2K teen comedy vibe.

The trend has brought attention to several popular skincare brands, such as Mario Badescu, Drunk Elephant, Cerave, Sol de Janeiro, and Bubble Skincare, among others. These brands are known for their high-quality and effective products that target specific skincare concerns, making them a favourite among beauty enthusiasts.

The unique and aesthetically pleasing packaging of preppy skincare products is so striking that you will want to display them. Many TikTok users showcase their skincare organisers filled with these products, adding to the trend’s popularity and making it a fun way to decorate your vanity.

Related Read: 8 of the Best Skincare Shelves to Organise and Display Your Favourite Products

The Best Australian Brands To Add to Your Preppy Skincare Routine

While we love brands like Drunk Elephant, quite honestly their products can be quite expensive and can be tricky to get your hands on.

Lucky for us, there are some amazing local brands that you can achieve the ‘preppy skincare’ trend with:

• Tribe Skincare
• Sand & Sky
• MCoBeauty

Final Thoughts

The preppy skincare trend is a fun and playful approach to the traditional minimalist skincare brands often seen on Instagram. With its emphasis on bright, colourful packaging and effective products targeting specific skin concerns, this trend has taken TikTok by storm, with millions of views and counting. While there are many well-known international brands associated with the trend, there are also fantastic Australian brands like Alya Skin, Sand & Sky, Hey Bud Skincare, Dope Skin Co., and MCoBeauty, to name a few.

So go ahead and give the preppy skincare trend a try, your skin (and your vanity) will thank you!

Tara Lusk is a Sydney-based beauty enthusiast and the founder of Beauty Space. She launched the blog in 2018 to showcase the best beauty and skincare brands emerging from Australia, while also providing insider tips and tricks for hair and skincare. With a focus on tried-and-true products, Tara puts the latest cult products to the test to separate hype from substance.