This year, trends from major eras in the past are making a comeback. From retro nail art and hairstyles to makeup and clothes, actually living through a trend and seeing it come back is truly something else. Here are some Y2K makeup trends that you’ll recognise if you were a 90s kid.
Pastel eyeshadow
Rather than going for bright, bold eyeshadow colours like the types that were on trend last summer, go for softer, pastel colours for a refreshing throwback. For an extra 90s style, add a sparkle to the look to finish off with a frostier look that will really remind you of your youth.
Super shiny lips
Shiny, glossy lips are one of those trends that have never really gone away. While a good red lip is never a bad idea, a high-shine lip simply can’t be beaten. The majority of modern lip gloss formulas are smashing it right now when it comes to non-sticky and long-lasting shine, so invest in a super shiny gloss to dazzle your way through the summer.
Bold lip liners
Despite the growth of minimalist makeup looks over the last several years, the 90s Y2K looks really focused on sharply defined and bold lips in darker shades. An overtly drawn lip is a great way to add something else to makeup looks that can otherwise be quite basic.
Similarly, nothing says the 90s like a darker neutral glossy lip. Just look at the ladies from Friends for a bit of inspiration.
Glitter!
Glittery hair, glittery mascara, eyeshadow, highlight, body gels… need we say more? Although our modern take on Y2K makeup essentials is a lot less subtle, the glitter really was the main character in makeup styles. Nowadays, glitter is more carefully placed on certain areas, notably the eyelids and lips, making it ideal for everyday wear, or for those times when you just want to let loose and sparkle.
Thin brows
In contrast to the thick and free eyebrow trends that are common this year, do you remember when sparse and skinny eyebrows were all the rage? This is one of the harder Y2K trends to adapt to in modern times, especially if you’ve spent the past however many years growing them back. You can achieve this look relatively easily with some good concealer if you don’t want to take the plunge.
Coloured eyeliner
Blues, purples and greens were the most popular eyeliner (and eyeshadow) shades, mostly used to create a cat eye wing. This trend is usually paired with the frosted eyeshadow look demonstrated above and really embraces what Y2K is all about – experimenting and having fun with your makeup.
Graphic eyes
The noughties were notorious for their bright, graphic eye prints. Butterfly makeup and love hearts were particularly iconic around this time period and were drawn by many as a way to showcase their personality through their makeup.
At the end of the day, makeup should be about expressing yourself and having a good time. Give some of these trends a try – if you want – and feel the nostalgia creeping back in. Pair with an excess of butterfly clips, flared low-rise jeans, a crop top, and a comically small bag, and say hello to the 2000s all over again.
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