Our Top Makeup Artists for Every Gen Z Subculture

If the terms VSCO Girl, Instagram Baddie and E-Girl just made you stop reading and Google, welcome to the club. In fact, as a 26-year-old, I feel inadequate to write this article. One might say I even feel … old.

We have entered the world of Generation Z. And VSCO Girl, Instagram Baddie and E-Girl are their archetypes. The subcultures they present on social media — their main form of interaction. Essentially, these are the new versions of the Goth Chick and the Basic Girl.

But where did they come from? From a 15-second video. First spotted on TikTok, VSCO Girl — named after the popular photo editing app — quickly rose to popularity for a reason: young girls can connect to it. While my generation might have had flannel scarves, oversized sweaters and Starbucks cups, a VSCO Girl walks around in a Brandy Melville crop-top, high-waisted jeans, wearing Birkenstocks and carrying a Hydro Flask.

The Instagram Baddie (yes, this is the actual term) is known for her makeup. She always looks flawless, and her brows are the definition of perfect. If I had to pull a name out of the air to represent this group, it would be Kylie Jenner. E-Girl, however, is the exact opposite. With elaborate, extremely out there looks, the best comparison that comes to mind is a scene girl. Or anime.

And if we have learned anything about Gen Z (I highly suggest watching “Euphoria” as a crash course in the generation), it is that they take makeup seriously. According to Piper Jaffray’s 37th semi-annual Generation Z survey, 80 percent of teens say they get their beauty tips from influencers.

So, if you are a member of the young generation (or a ripe millennial who just wants to know what is going on), take stock and follow the makeup artists below that are keyed into each Gen Z subculture.

VSCO Girl

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E-Girl

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Instagram Baddies

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