In the age of social media, Gen Z is increasingly defining their style through aesthetics or cores—visual art styles that are often accompanied by fashion, beauty, subcultures, or music genres. These aesthetics can be anything from the nostalgic Y2K look to the dark and edgy e-girl aesthetic.
 
With ‘aesthetics’ and ‘-cores’ being the key drivers of fashion and beauty trends, Beauty Daily by Clarins decided to delve into TikTok & Pinterest data to find the fastest-growing aesthetics & cores for summer 2023 amongst consumers. 

The Top 6 Trending Summer 2023 Aesthetics

1. Barbiecore

With the new Barbie movie launch this July, Pinterest searches for ‘Barbiecore’ have increased +2,000% up from last year. It has garnered 505.5 million views on TikTok—and the trend is defined by all things pink. From hot pink lips to heavy blusher – this is the number one summer trend. ‘Barbie pink nails’ has also increased +200% in searches on Pinterest from last year.
 
Learn more about the “Barbie Effect” on beauty.

2. Sofia Richie Aesthetic

Sofia Richie is paving the way for celebrity style this summer, with #sofiarichiestyle garnering 372.3 Million TikTok views. Following her wedding, we’ve also seen a +8,500% increase in Pinterest searches up from last year. Her style embodies TikTok’s ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic, and the influencer exemplifies laid-back, tailored minimalism. For make-up, think of neutral colors that enhance natural features—for example, nude lip colors and brown or beige eye make-up that looks classic.

3. Mermaidcore

From loose waves to iridescent eyeshadow – ‘Mermaidcore’ is in. With the launch of the highly anticipated The Little Mermaid, it’s no surprise the hashtag #mermaidcore has 363.4 Million views. Searches on Pinterest have also increased by +2,000% from last year. ‘Turquoise nail designs’ have also shot up in interest on Pinterest searches, increasing +200%.

4. Coconut Girl Aesthetic

The ‘coconut girl aesthetic’ embodies all things tropical. Coined in 2021, the aesthetic is rising again as a leading summer trend increasing in Pinterest searches up +5,550% from last year. With the #coconutgirlaesthetic hashtag at 106.3 Million, the aesthetic embodies Y2K surfer girl style. The look embodies hibiscus prints, effortless air-dried hair, dewy bronzed skin, and hydrated, glossy lips. 

5. Sirencore

‘Sirens’, known as the dark, edgy sisters to mermaids, is an aesthetic on the rise – increasing +10,000% in Pinterest searches from last year. With #sirencore generating 66 million TikTok views, the aesthetic is defined by dark hair, crochet outfits, and seductive dark make-up. ‘Siren eyes’ are especially trending, characterized by sharp inner corner eyeliner that elongates the eyes. 

6. Blokettecore

‘Blokettecore’, by definition, is the aesthetic of stereotypical British ‘bloke’ culture style meets hyper-feminine coquette. Increasing +10,000% in searches on Pinterest Trends from last year, the aesthetic is characterized by baggy football t-shirts, mini skirts, Lana Del Rey-style eyeliner, doe eyes and rosy cheeks.