All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

8 Iconic Y2K Makeup Looks That Are Making a Comeback

Chelsea Hall DefaultChelsea Hall Default
By
Published on May 28, 2025 • 4 min read
A close-up shot featuring a woman with Y2K-inspired makeup, boasting glittery eyeshadow and a fierce expression MobileA close-up shot featuring a woman with Y2K-inspired makeup, boasting glittery eyeshadow and a fierce expression Desktop

Instagram/@paintedbyesther

The turn of the millennium marked a distinctive era in beauty, blending futuristic vibes with nods to vintage glamor. Y2K makeup was all about bold statements, shimmering eyeshadows, glossy lips, and loads of sparkle and glitter.

Picture this: Metallic hues, iridescent shadows, and super frosty lipsticks. From Britney Spears to Destiny's Child, Y2K makeup embodied the essence of the era's iconic figures. Ahead, we've rounded up noteworthy makeup looks and tips on reviving these timeless beauty trends with a modern twist.

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY

Our Fave Y2K Trends Right Now

1. Blue Eyeshadow

This trend is making a comeback, adding a playful touch to any look. Whether going for a soft pastel hue or an electric blue shade like JELLY PONG PONG COSMETICS Multifunctional Pigment in Cosmic Light, this eyeshadow trend will make your eyes stand out and evoke nostalgic vibes of early 2000s glam. To recreate the look, start with a neutral base eyeshadow, then apply your chosen blue shade onto the lids, blending it outwards and upwards towards the brow bone. Complete your look by adding a touch of shimmer on the inner corners of your eyes for extra dimension.

2. Dark Lip Liner

Dark lip liner is the ultimate Y2K trend that's still turning heads today. Pair it with a nude or clear gloss for a chic and edgy pout that's perfect for both day and night. To recreate the look, line your lips with a dark lip liner, slightly overlining if desired, then fill in with a complementary nude or clear lipstick or gloss. Blend the edges for a gradient finish.

3. Glitter Eyeshadow

Whether you're going for a subtle shimmer or full-on sparkle, this shimmery look adds instant glam to any eye look. To recreate the look, start with a primer to make the glitter adhere better, then pat the glitter eyeshadow onto the lid using a flat brush or your fingertips. For a more intense effect, wet your brush before applying the glitter.

4. Iridescent Eyeshadow

This ethereal trend brings a bold touch to any makeup routine, creating multidimensional, out-of-this-world gorgeous eyes. Whether you're going for a soft, fairy-like glow or a bold, futuristic vibe, iridescent eyeshadow is a must-have for anyone who loves to stand out. To recreate the look, apply the iridescent eyeshadow shades of your choice to the center of the lid and blend outwards towards the corners. Layer for a more intense effect, and apply a touch of highlighter to your inner corners.

5. Glossy Lips

This Y2K trend is back and better than ever, giving your lips a luscious and ultra-hydrated look. Swipe on a clear gloss for a natural, juicy pout, or go bold with a tinted nude or bubblegum pink gloss like SMASHBOX COSMETICS Lip Gloss in the shade Gloss Angeles for a pop of color that screams early 2000s chic. Either way, your lips will be the center of attention wherever you go. To recreate the look, apply a lip balm for hydration, then go in with a layer of gloss for shine. Blot lightly for a more natural finish.

6. Pencil Thin Eyebrows

Love or hate them—sleek, pencil-thin brows that frame the face to perfection were all the rage in the late 90s and early 2000s. Luckily, in the modern-day era, you don't have to wax or pluck your brows (unless you want to) to achieve the look. To recreate the look, start by outlining your desired brow shape with a concealer that mimics your skin tone, then fill in sparingly with a brow pencil, focusing on creating a precise, thin line.

7. Smoked Out Under-Eyeliner

This Y2K trend gives your eyes a seductive and smoldering look that enhances your natural eye shape and draws effortless attention to your gaze. To recreate the look, apply eyeliner along the lower lash line, then use a smudging brush to soften and blend the line for a smoky finish.

8. Hot Pink Eyeshadow

Hot pink eyeshadow is anything but subtle. This vibrant Y2K trend adds a playful pop of color, instantly brightening your eyes and adding a fun, flirty vibe to your look. To recreate the look, apply the hot pink eyeshadow onto the lids or along the lash line with a dense brush, blending the edges for a seamless finish. Pair with neutral shadows in the crease to balance the boldness of the pink.

Liked this post? Share!

UP NEXT: 25 Iconic ‘90s Beauty Trends That We’re Still Obsessed With

Related Stories

Yara Shahidi at the Loewe fashion show as part of Spring/Summer 2026 Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, FranceYara Shahidi at the Loewe fashion show as part of Spring/Summer 2026 Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, France

Makeup

16 New Year’s Eve Makeup Ideas to Fashionably Ring in 2026

Published on Nov 25, 2025 • 10 min read

An image of a blonde-haired girl lying on a bed with light makeupAn image of a blonde-haired girl lying on a bed with light makeup

Makeup

2025’s Biggest Makeup Trends: Go Big or Go Home

Published on Dec 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Two people pose closely against a bright red background—one smiling with curly hair and pink eye makeup, the other with wavy blonde hair and bold pink blush—both wearing pink and red fashion looks.Two people pose closely against a bright red background—one smiling with curly hair and pink eye makeup, the other with wavy blonde hair and bold pink blush—both wearing pink and red fashion looks.

Makeup

Your 2026 Beauty Horoscope Is Here—and the Stars Are Serving Looks

Published on Nov 25, 2025 • 9 min read

A person with long curly hair poses against a pink background, wearing soft glam makeup with rosy pink eyeshadow, dewy skin, subtle freckles, and glossy lips, accessorized with a delicate gold necklace.A person with long curly hair poses against a pink background, wearing soft glam makeup with rosy pink eyeshadow, dewy skin, subtle freckles, and glossy lips, accessorized with a delicate gold necklace.

Makeup

Holiday Party Makeup Ideas for When You Want to Go Full Festive

Published on Nov 24, 2025 • 9 min read

A close-up of a person smiling with eyes closed, wearing shimmery silver eyeshadow, rosy blush, glossy lips, and a gold necklace, against a soft pink background.A close-up of a person smiling with eyes closed, wearing shimmery silver eyeshadow, rosy blush, glossy lips, and a gold necklace, against a soft pink background.

Makeup

Winter Makeup Tips: How to Keep Your Makeup Glowing All Season Long

Published on Nov 24, 2025 • 5 min read

Woman with wavy blonde hair and in a white blouse applies pink lipstick while looking thoughtfully upwardWoman with wavy blonde hair and in a white blouse applies pink lipstick while looking thoughtfully upward

Makeup

Foolproof Ways to Make Your Lipstick Last All Day

Published on Nov 5, 2025 • 8 min read

An image of a joyful young woman with curly hair and freckles, flashing a bright smile while holding a pink-lidded pink bottle of ELF lip product against a pink backgroundAn image of a joyful young woman with curly hair and freckles, flashing a bright smile while holding a pink-lidded pink bottle of ELF lip product against a pink background

Makeup

The Best Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands to Add to Your Collection

Published on Nov 5, 2025 • 16 min read

An image shows three women side by side, each with distinct hairstyles and makeup, set against a soft pastel gradient backgroundAn image shows three women side by side, each with distinct hairstyles and makeup, set against a soft pastel gradient background

Makeup

What’s My Eye Shape? How to Tell Your Eye Shape Once and for All

Published on Oct 30, 2025 • 9 min read

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started