From clothes to makeup, the millennials are having a nostalgia trip with the return of some Y2K trends. The year 2000, often referred to as Y2K was an age when makeup took on a life of its own. Let’s refresh our memories and delve into trends from then that are relevant again.
From metallic eye shadows to glossy lips and bedazzled accessories, the early 2000s had a distinctive aesthetic. From frosted, colourful eyeshadows to glossy lips, the Y2K makeup was an art form, an expression of individuality, and a declaration of boldness. Fast forward to today, and these iconic Y2K makeup trends are a reality again. And this is approved by makeup artists and celebrities alike. In a conversation with Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India, Unnati Singh, International Beauty Educator and Owner of Unnati Singh Salon, shares her views on some of these trends.
Frosted Eyeshadows and Glitter: The Y2k Makeup Staple
Ariana Grande and Jennifer Loper acing the frosted eyeshadows.
Courtesy: Instagram @/arianagrande @/jlo
One of the most iconic Y2K makeup trends was metallic eyeshadow and glitters. And, people would often sport them in pastel shades. Today, everyone from Dua Lipa to Kendall Jenner is sporting it and it’s huge. People are also experimenting with glitters, both as rhinestones and as eyeshadows.
Glossy Lips: The Raging Y2K Makeup Trend
Indian celebs Tara Sutaria and Bhumi Pednekar wearing glossy lips.
Courtesy: Instagram @/tarasutaria & @/bhumipednekar
Glossy lips were all the rage in the early 2000s. High-shine lip glosses are being applied over matte lipsticks or worn alone to create plump lips. Singh says, “In my opinion, matte lips will soon be off-vogue. These days, everyone is wearing gloss. Be it in Mumbai or in New York. One of the best reasons to switch to glossy lips is that it makes you look very fresh. You can select any colour you like. Just be cautious to choose a brand that’s very good as your gloss should not bleed. A bleeding gloss gives the wrong shape to your lips and it might look unappealing.
Colourful and Bold Eyeliner
The bold and creative use of eyeliner was a popular Y2K trend. This trend is experiencing a revival with colourful eyeliners in vibrant shades like neon pink, electric blue, and lime green. Winged liners in pop hues are also gaining traction, offering experimentation with makeup.
Blue Eyeshadow and Liners
Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner in Y2K inspired blue eyeshadow*
Courtesy: Instagram @/dualipa & @/kendalljenner
Blue eyeshadow was an iconic Y2K makeup trend, often worn in bright and bold shades. Makeup enthusiasts and celebs are loving the return of blue eyeshadow. In fact, Unnati Singh says, “The cobalt blue is the most in thing nowadays. — be it as an eyeshadow or as a liner.”
The resurgence of Y2K makeup trends in recent years highlights the cyclical nature of fashion and beauty. As beauty enthusiasts continue to draw inspiration from the past, we expect Y2K makeup trends are here to stay for a while.