Beauty guru Julie Schott’s Starface pimple patches are leading the charge in the skin acceptance movement. Designed to cover up and heal spots, yet remain visible, these cute yellow stars are lighting up social media and tapping Gen Z’s desire to resist ‘perfect’ skin ideals.

How are young people balancing their bleak world-view with a distinct sense of humour? Why do values-led Zers sometimes shop unethically? What steps are they taking to safeguard their increased usage of tech? And how will their attitudes to health be shaped by COVID-19?

The beauty sector has evolved from an aspirational pursuit of perfection, to celebrating uniqueness and encompassing health and wellness. But as Gen Zers expect the products they buy to align with their values, beauty brands are having to go deeper below the surface to engage them.

Confined indoors with few social events, the quarantine period has seen many relax their usual beauty routines – but not without a degree of insecurity when it comes to video calls. But Billie is calling on people to stop apologising for the way they look and embrace their natural selves.