I'm the Charlotte York of My Friend Group—20 Beauty Items on My Birthday Wish List

A collage of beauty products
(Image credit: Sephora; Dermstore; Nordstrom)

Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear's own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.

While I hate to admit it, I'm one of those people who start creating their birthday wish list on Pinterest and in their Notes app long before the special day arrives. This year, mine is dominated by all things beauty. This fact isn't entirely surprising since I spend the bulk of my time enthusing about everything from designer fragrances that are reminiscent of my favorite works of art and films to hair accessories that scream Park Avenue princess. As a result, I've earned a tasteful reputation among my family and friends as a Gen Z version of Sex and the City's Charlotte York. (Although, as a Gemini, I also see myself as Girlfriends' Toni Childs.)

As I step into the second half of my 20s, I've decided to fully embrace it and lean heavily into my luxury-loving side while being smart about the products I'm willing to invest in. What better way to kick off my 26th year on this planet than with a great collection of products I know won't let me down? Below, I've shared a few favorites I've held off buying over the past few months in hopes they make a surprise appearance as a birthday gift.

Content creator Emmanuelle Koffi wearing a Magic Atelier set and Miu Miu accessories

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Age-Defying Skincare

Fresh and Floral Fragrances

Beauty flat lay from content creator Dawn Tan

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Skin-Enhancing Bodycare

Glow-Inducing Makeup

Content creator Sarah Sol applying lipstick while wearing a House of CB dress

(Image credit: @sarahhsol)

Helpful Beauty Tools

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Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.