Why one beauty brand is winning over Gen-Z despite tariffs | February 24, 2026

Summary

In this CNN 10 segment, Mina Derson covers a range of major events, from President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address to extreme weather impacts in the Northeast. She also highlights E.L.F. Beauty’s CEO Terang Amin’s efforts to connect with Gen Z consumers while navigating tariff challenges. The show also features an exciting discovery in Costa Rica about Ice Age fossils and a heartwarming story about a Minnesota grandpa’s backyard Winter Olympics. The segment ends with shout-outs to subscribers and a vocabulary challenge for the audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 President Donald Trump is set to deliver his sixth State of the Union address, which is a key moment for updating the nation and highlighting priorities before the upcoming midterm elections.
• 😀 The State of the Union address has historical roots, originating from a ritual address by the British monarchy at the opening session of Parliament.
• 😀 President Trump's address comes amidst high tensions across all branches of government and will likely cover immigration, enforcement operations, and the cost of living.
• 😀 Following the address, Democratic Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the formal response for the opposing party.
• 😀 A massive bomb cyclone is impacting the northeast United States, causing hurricane-force winds, extreme snowfall, and more than 650,000 power outages.
• 😀 Major cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia are experiencing their biggest snowstorms in years, and more than 10,000 flights were canceled due to the weather.
• 😀 New York City declared a rare snow day for students, marking the first official snow day since 2019.
• 😀 A fun trivia question revealed that carmine, a vivid red dye, is derived from insects, specifically the female cochineal insect.
• 😀 E.L.F. Beauty, led by CEO Terang Amin, has successfully responded to rising costs due to federal tariffs by being transparent with customers and maintaining affordable prices.
• 😀 Amin emphasizes the importance of diversity in the company, with 76% of their team being women and 74% Gen Z or millennial, reflecting the communities they serve.
• 😀 In Costa Rica, scientists have discovered Ice Age animal fossils, including a mastodon relative and a giant ground sloth, which offer valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
• 😀 Steve Ble, a Minnesota grandpa, has turned his backyard into a Winter Olympics-inspired ice luge, which has become a beloved family activity and viral sensation.
• 😀 Two shoutouts were given to Miss Percy Roberts from South High School in Columbus, Ohio, and Mrs. Robbins from Reeths Puffer Middle School in Muskegon, Michigan, for supporting CNN 10.

Q & A

What is the State of the Union address, and who delivers it?

The State of the Union address is delivered annually by the sitting U.S. president to both chambers of Congress, the Supreme Court, and other key government officials. It provides an update on the nation's condition, highlights key issues, and outlines legislative priorities. This year's address is delivered by President Donald Trump.

Why is the State of the Union address important, and what does it signify?

The address is a key event as it allows the president to address Congress and the nation, providing insight into the government's goals and priorities. It also marks the president's report on the state of the nation, and is an important ritual enshrined in Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

How does the president's State of the Union address relate to upcoming elections?

The address takes place just a week before primary elections for the midterms, offering President Trump a chance to make a case for the Republican Party to retain control of the government, despite political tensions.

What is a bomb cyclone, and how has it affected the northeast U.S.?

A bomb cyclone is a powerful storm that brings hurricane-force winds and heavy snowfall. The storm has caused significant disruptions in the northeast U.S., with over 2 feet of snow in many areas and widespread power outages affecting millions of people.

How has the bomb cyclone impacted travel in the northeast U.S.?

The storm led to the cancellation of over 10,000 flights and caused significant travel disruptions. Some cities also paused public transit and imposed travel bans to ensure safety.

What was unique about New York City's snow day in 2023?

New York City students experienced their first official snow day since 2019. Mayor Zoran Mamani surprised a student with the announcement of a full snow day, with no remote learning required.

What is the significance of carmine in the beauty industry?

Carmine is a red pigment derived from female cochineal insects. It is used in many cosmetic products, including makeup, but the cost of carmine has risen due to U.S. tariffs on imported goods.

How did ELF Beauty CEO Terang Amin address the challenge of tariffs?

To handle increased costs from tariffs, ELF Beauty raised prices by $1 on many products while remaining transparent with their customers. The company maintained its focus on affordability despite the price hike.

What role does diversity play in ELF Beauty's success?

Diversity is a key priority for ELF Beauty, with 76% of its team being women, 74% being Gen Z or millennials, and 44% being diverse. The company believes that having a diverse team helps them better understand and serve their community, which has contributed to their success.

What is the significance of the discovery of Ice Age fossils in Costa Rica?

The discovery of Ice Age fossils, including a mastodon relative and a giant ground sloth, provides valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems in Central America. The fossils are estimated to be between 10,000 and 40,000 years old, and could yield more information about the climate and environment of that time.