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3‑in‑1 Everything: Inside Gen Z's Multipurpose Product Obsession
It’s 8:43 AM. You’ve got a 9:00 Zoom call, your skincare routine is barely started, your bag’s not packed, and you’re contemplating whether your $12 iced matcha counts as self-care or financial sabotage. Sound familiar? If you’re Gen Z, you’re probably already deep in your 3-in-1 era—where every product better be doing the absolute most.
Welcome to the rise of multipurpose everything. From skincare-makeup hybrids to convertible tech and travel gear, Gen Z isn’t just buying smarter—they’re optimizing. It’s all about budget-friendly flexes that pack utility, aesthetic, and TikTok-worthy appeal into a single item. This isn’t minimalism—it’s maximizing.
Skincare + Makeup + SPF = The Holy Trinity
Let’s start with beauty, where the 3-in-1 movement is basically religion. Say goodbye to the 10-step skincare routine that used to dominate YouTube in 2016. In 2025, Gen Z wants less waste, less clutter, and more results.
Top Picks We Tested in Real Time:
- Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40: It’s a sunscreen, primer, and glow booster in one. Dewy, protected, and Zoom-ready in 30 seconds flat.
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint: Foundation? Skincare? SPF 40? All of the above. Bonus: the finish is chef’s kiss—natural, breathable, and light enough to pretend you woke up flawless.
- Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Balm: One swipe for your lips, cheeks, and even eyelids if you’re in a rush (which, like, always).
“These products are my ride-or-dies,” says content creator Zara J, 23, who’s built a following around budget-conscious beauty. “I don’t have time—or money—for three separate products when one can do the job.”
From Dorm Life to Global Flights: Travel Gear That Transforms
When your life is a mash-up of study sessions, side hustles, and impromptu road trips, your gear needs to keep up. Enter: multi-use backpacks, chargers, and travelwear that adapt like you do.
Must-Have Multipurpose Gear:
- Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe Tote: It's a weekender, a gym bag, a diaper bag, AND a work tote. It’s giving “every situation, one solution.”
- Monos Metro Backpack: Modular design means you can swap out pouches, stash tech, and still have space for snacks. Because priorities.
- Nomad Universal Cable: Charges your iPhone, Android, and laptop. No more “Does anyone have a charger?” chaos.
“I’ve done weekend trips with just one bag and a pair of sneaks,” says Jordan, 21, a college student and frequent flier. “Minimal gear, max experiences.”
The Self-Optimization Aesthetic
Let’s be real: this obsession with 3-in-1 everything isn’t just practical—it’s philosophical. Gen Z isn’t just buying products; they’re buying efficiency, emotional ease, and content-worthy aesthetics.
We chatted with product strategist and creator Talia Stone, whose TikToks break down why multifunctional goods resonate so hard.
“Gen Z grew up with constant notifications and side hustles. Multipurpose products create a sense of control. You’re managing chaos by making smart choices,” she explains. “Also, who doesn’t love a good spend-less-splurge?”
Yup—this is also part of the “lipstick effect.” In tight economies, people spend less but still treat themselves—just smarter. For Gen Z, that means investing in that one $34 cream that moisturizes, heals, and highlights instead of three separate jars.
The Household Shift: Less Stuff, More Purpose
Even our home vibes are changing. Multipurpose furniture and lifestyle goods are dominating everything from small-space apartments to campus dorms.
Favorites That Do The Most:
- Burrow Convertible Couch: From nap zone to work station to crash pad for your friend’s situationship in 10 seconds.
- YETI Rambler Stackable Mug: Hot coffee, cold smoothie, water bottle—whatever you need, it’s down.
- Our Place Always Pan 2.0: Fry, boil, steam, sear, and it looks cute on your feed.
Not to mention all the TikTok tutorials showing how to turn one scarf into seven outfits or rework a storage bin into a rolling desk.
Function = Freedom
For Gen Z, 3-in-1 isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift. We’re over hoarding products, overconsuming, and overcomplicating things. What we want? Products that match our pace. Life’s already messy enough; our stuff shouldn’t be.
So yeah, we’ll take the backpack that fits everything and the skincare that covers three steps in one swipe. It’s not lazy—it’s clever. It’s efficient. It’s very much giving I’m booked, broke, and brilliant.
Stay streamlined, stylish, and optimized with more Gen Z lifestyle content at Woke Waves Magazine.
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