Get the Y2K Look: Iconic Makeup Styles from the 2000s
The 2000s defined itself by boy bands like NSYNC, pop divas like Shakira, can’t-miss movies like Kill Bill, and unforgettable shows like Gossip Girl. The style was wild, adventurous, and unbelievably daring (remember when Justin and Britney showed up in matching, all-out denim?), and the makeup matched.
Although we don’t have a time machine that can take you back, we do have a list of the ten most iconic 2000s makeup styles. With the help of a few of our favorite SHEGLAM products, you’ll be Y2K-ready in no time.
So, put on your best throwback playlist and low-rise jeans, and let’s dive into the world of 2000s makeup.
What Are 10 Iconic 2000s Makeup Styles?
In this section, we’ll take a close look at ten of the makeup styles that defined the 2000s. Remember, all of these looks should serve as inspo, not guidelines.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different Y2K trends until you find something that feels true to you.
1. Glossy Lips
Arguably the most iconic 2000s makeup style are glossy, milky lips. The philosophy behind Y2K lip gloss is more is more. Grab your favorite high-shine lip gloss and slather it on until your lips have a plumped-up look. The key to really nailing this look is to make sure you always have your gloss on you to reapply throughout the day.
Although you can achieve this glossy look with any shade, the most popular colors in the 2000s were light pink and cool, frosty shades.
For example, the Makin’ Me Blush shade of our Pout-Perfect Shine Lip Plumper is a certified throwback shade.
2. Cool-Toned, Frosted Eyeshadow
Sticking with the trend of frosty tones, another 2000s makeup staple was cool-toned eyeshadow. Think purple, blue, turquoise, and silver. When you’re going for a Y2K eyeshadow look, you want to apply the shadow to your entire lid, then do a bit of finger blending to give it a diffused and soft look.
3. Ombre Lips
If you want to take your glossy lips to the next level and try something a little bit more intricate, you can go for an ombre lip. This look involves making a gradient from darker shades on the outside of your lips to lighter shades on the inside to make them appear more plump and full.
To do an ombre lip, start by applying a dark lipliner all the way around your lips, filling in the outer corners of your lips slightly. Once your lip liner is on, use a small brush or your pinky finger to smudge it a little and feather the color.
From there, apply a lighter shade of lipstick to the inside of your lips.
Last but certainly not least, apply your shiny gloss to make the look pop and blend the colors.
4. Colorful Eyeliner
The 2000s were all about playful styles, and there’s maybe no better evidence of that than the obsession with colorful eyeliner.
On the days when you want to have some fun with your makeup, grab a colorful liquid eyeliner of your choice, and draw on a dramatic wing. You can even go the extra mile and add a design like a heart or a double wing to highlight the whimsical nature of this trend.
5. Natural, Glowing Skin
Although there was a lot of experimentation going on with eye and lip makeup in the 2000s, the trend for face makeup was relatively simple. Natural, glowing skin was the name of the game. If you want to recreate this look at home, leave your heavy-coverage foundation and concealer in the bag.
Instead, go for light, creamy formulas that provide some coverage but don’t hide any freckles or beauty marks. You’ll want to generously apply a pink powder blush and top the look off with a shiny bronzer or highlighter.
6. Skinny Brows
There’s no denying it, people were plucking and trimming their brows into skinny, thin lines in the 2000s. Now, while that might seem like a somewhat scary prospect in 2024, we have good news. You can replicate this Y2K look without actually removing any hair.
Simply take an eyebrow gel or eyebrow wax and brush your eyebrow hair toward the center of your brow — this will thin the shape and give them a 2000s vibe. You can also use an eyebrow pencil to sketch a thin brow shape.
When you’re doing this, make sure to accentuate the natural arch of your brows.
7. Pink On Pink
For those days when you’re craving a feminine, fairy-like look, you can try the 2000s classic pink eyeshadow paired with pink blush and pink lips. The key to this look is using a similar shade of eyeshadow and blush to pull the look together.
Make sure to add some pink glitter to your eyes, highlighter to the apples of your cheeks, and, of course, gloss on your lips to give the whole look that Y2K shine.
8. Brown Lip Liner
You can try brown lip liner for a darker take on 2000s makeup. Although it may sound contradictory, brown lip liner was paired with lighter lipstick or gloss to make the lips look fuller. When you try out this trend, you can slightly overline your lips to enhance the effect.
Unlike with ombre lips, you don’t really want to smudge your brown lip liner. Instead, you want the line to be obvious and dramatic. This lip look pairs perfectly with brown eyeshadow and bronzy skin.
9. Dramatic Winged Eyeliner
We might have Amy Winehouse to thank for the revival of dramatic, thick-winged eyeliner in the 2000s. The thought of doing a big, Amy-inspired eyeliner look may be a little bit daunting, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make it easier.
First, fill in your eyelid with eyeliner (at least partially). Don’t worry about making this line perfect because you can always go back in later and do small touch-ups. Next, draw a line above the crease and wing it out as you reach the outer corner of your eye. Connect the eyeline liner to the wing, and you’re ready to rock!
You can use a small piece of tape to create a crisp line from the corner of your eye to the tip of the wing to ensure both sides are even. Of course, you can always adjust the size and thickness of the wing to match your vibe.
10. Big, Bold Lashes
The final 2000s staple on our list are big, bold lashes. Given the emphasis on experimenting with different eyeshadow and eyeliner looks at this time, the lashes had to match. You can achieve this look by using a lengthening mascara or false lashes.
What 2000s Hairstyles Can You Pair With Y2K Makeup?
Once you’ve nailed your Y2K makeup, it’s time to finish the look with a 2000s hairstyle to match. There are several iconic hairstyles you can try to enhance the throwback vibe of your makeup. If you want to wear your hair up, consider slicking it back into a tight bun, ponytail, or braid and leaving a few face-framing pieces out in the front. Our Travel Buddy Straightener is the perfect way to get sleek, straight ends for any hairstyle you choose — just start off with our Hot Streak Leave In Protection Serum first to protect your locks.
For those who are looking to experiment with accessories, you can try out beaded braids. They’ll make any look more colorful and fun. Another iconic 2000s up-do is the spiky bun. Let the ends of your hair stick out from your bun to give it that edgy, punk-rock vibe that was so popular in the 2000s.
Finally, if you want to wear your hair down but still want it to have a Y2K vibe, you have a few options. You can blend a few baby braids into your hair for a quick, easy look. For a style that takes a little bit more time but is worth every minute, you can try a zig-zag part or flicked ends.
And for those days when you don’t have a single second to spare on your hair? Throw a claw clip in, and rock the simplest Y2K hair there is.
Wrapping Up
The 2000s were an unforgettable decade, and all the trends we loved back then are coming back in style now. If you want to try a Y2K makeup look, you’ll likely need a high-shine gloss, a rosy blush, and a little bit of color to pull it off.
From the sweet, angelic feel of a pink-on-pink look to the darker, more punky vibe of ombre lips and dramatic winged liner, there’s something for everyone in the 2000s makeup world.
When you do start to experiment with different Y2K makeup looks, make sure to post them to social media and tag us. We want to be a part of your throwback makeup adventures!
Sources:
Why Britney Spears’s ’00s Style Still Sizzles | Vogue
Thin Eyebrows: Will the Return of Y2K Beauty Really Bring Them Back? | Vogue
Why It’s Important To Commemorate Amy Winehouse’s Uniquely Jewish Beauty | British Vogue
Got The Millennium Beauty Bug? Try These Y2K Hair Trends Now | British Vogue