The 2000s were a nostalgia-packed era for many of us, and diving back into their beauty trends shows that people are craving a sense of comfort and familiarity in their cosmetics at a time when everything else in the world seems upside down. It makes us yearn for simpler and more optimistic times, and fortunately, some of the cringier trends have evolved to become more chic and wearable today.
Thin brows
The early 2000s loved an ultra-skinny brow, and we saw stars like Cardi B, Bella Hadid, and Doja Cat all rocking this trend. If you’re not ready to fully commit, you can reshape the tail end of the brow with brow gel, which creates an illusion of a thinner arch.
Frosted eyes and lips
Never thought a shimmery, metallic look would make a comeback? Think again. While the 2000s version of this was more about a high level of shine, the modernized version is a bit softer with a pearlescent finish. For the lips, try a shimmery balm or lipstick, and an icy blue eyeshadow for the eyes.
Nude lip
Kim Kardashian was the queen of a nude lip back then, and you can recreate the look today using a neutral lip liner that’s just a hint deeper than your natural shade. Lightly fill in with a peach or apricot lipstick and swipe over a sheer balm or gloss for a bit of shine. Pair with a smoky eye for Y2K drama.
Body glitter
The shimmery lip isn’t just coming back—the shimmery body is also back. We all remember those glittery (often cotton candy scented) creams and body powders that we’d put on pretty much every limb possible. You can also use a regular body oil and add a hint of shimmer, applying it to shoulders and collarbones.
Bronzed skin
When we didn’t know any better, tanning bed usage ran rampant to give us that coveted tan look. But this is also the era when a faux glow came into style—powdered bronzers were liberally applied to give a sun-kissed look, but today, there are many more natural options that don’t skew orange and will help you glow.
High-shine lip gloss
This look was giving the Bratz doll in the best way possible. A big glossy lip was a major Y2K glam aesthetic that we saw in everything from pop music videos to TV shows, ideally paired with some face-framing hair tendrils dangled loosely with the rest of the hair in an updo like a bun or ponytail.
Matching eyeshadow to your outfit
Modern makeup fears this trend. In the past decade, we were taught to use complementary makeup, but the 2000s said, we’re not afraid of a matchy-matchy look. A whole new take on monochromatic style; some examples might be a pink lip and pink blush with a pink dress, or blue eyeshadow paired with a blue top and some denim.
Heavy eyeliner and spider mascara
Today’s liner looks are more about a simple “no makeup” aesthetic, but in the 2000s, we embraced the emo-inspired looks from stars like Avril Lavigne, with dark black eyeliner smudged on the lower lashline for added drama, and multiple coats of black mascara intentionally clumped on for a doll-like look.
Contrasting lip liner
In this look, a lighter lipstick shade is paired with a darker lip liner for a stark and contrasting look. Consider pairing a dark brown or grey-brown liner to trace the edges (feel free to overline the centre of the lips) and pair with a nude or baby pink lipstick that mimics your natural lip color. Finish off with a high-shine gloss!