Iconic makeup trends we loved from the Y2K era: The 2000’s were a period of experimentation in more ways than one, especially in beauty trends. From shiny and dewy finishes to frosted eyeshadows that reigned supreme, the combination of a new millennium with more advanced technology produced not only new products, but new trends in how to glam. Makeup looks were often not complete without overdrawn lip lines or glossy pouts. Lip glosses usually were white or nude and paired with dark eyeliner to provide stark contrasts and emphasize facial features. There was a heavy emphasis on thinly sculpted brows that defined a generation of beauty lovers. From the rise of celebrity-inspired looks to the popularization of now iconic beauty brands, such as Maybelline and Loreal, the 2000’s paved the way for the fusion of playful glam and rebellious self-expression in the world of beauty.
Eyes: There’s an old saying that the eyes are the window to the soul. In the early 2000’s, makeup lovers made sure their windows were dressed to the nines! Popular looks from this era of beauty included the use of metallic eyeshadows, especially in shades of silver, turquoise, and frosty pink, often applied all over the lid for a high-impact finish. The “frosted” eyeshadow look, with its icy sheen, was incredibly popular, reflecting the futuristic aesthetic of the time. Additionally, the “winged eyeliner” trend skyrocketed into popularity. This look consisted of thick, dramatic lines creating a cat-eye effect that was often paired with heavy mascara for added drama. Smokey eyes had a more playful and soft edge with muted purples or cool blues used to create a more blended look. Glitter was also a key component in the iconic Y2K eye makeup look, as it was frequently applied along the lids or the inner corners for that extra sparkle. This period was marked by a willingness to experiment, and the results were bold, glittery and sometimes even a little extra-terrestrial.
Lips: Glossy, exaggerated pouts were all the rage in the Y2K era. Lip glosses were usually applied in multiple layers for maximum shine, creating a high-gloss finish that was both effortless and eye-catching. The overall vibe was fun, youthful, and carefree with an emphasis on making lips stand out in a bold yet playful way. The pale-nude/ concealer lips trend was another defining feature, where skin tonal shades were paired with soft gloss to create a more neutral, washed-out appearance.
Face: Coverage, coverage coverage, baby! Face makeup in the early 2000’s was hallmarked by a fuller-coverage foundation to create a darker complexion and even base. Powder foundations became increasingly popular during this time period. Brands such as Maybelline, Covergirl and Clinique popularized these powder foundation compacts with sponge applicators. They effortlessly gave the heavier, matte full-coverage look that was all the rage in the Y2K era.
Influences on 2000’s makeup trends: Early 2000’s makeup was highly influenced by the turn of the millennium and excitement around the possibilities of the internet. These influences were displayed in trends such as glittery eyeshadows, bright or heavy liner, and cool blue or silver tones. The cool tones and shimmery finishes contributed to a sort of “cyber glamor”. The obsession with gloss and sheen extended beyond just eyeshadow. Lip gloss was an absolute essential, often worn in clear, frosty pink, or nude shades. Pop culture, music videos, and red carpet appearances helped propel these trends into the mainstream, while teen magazines and early beauty websites provided tutorials on how to recreate the looks at home.
Not everyone in the early 2000’s subscribed to Brittany Spears favorite makeup look, some teens found their home with a darker look. The grunge aesthetic of the 90’s had evolved into a louder, bolder form of expression called ‘emo’. These alternative looks were also influenced by political turmoil at the time, the tragedies of 9/11 and the Iraq war. Pop-punk and emo music became anthems for these teens, with bands like Avril Lavigne, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and Paramore gaining massive popularity.
The rise of the internet and social media platforms like MySpace provided an online space for alternative communities to connect, share their styles, and find music that resonated with their feelings of rebellion, angst, and individuality.
The alternative makeup of the time was in many ways opposite to the more popular trends of the time. Emo teen trends included wearing foundation that was too pale for their natural skin tone, dramatic eyeshadow looks with dark colors, thick eyeliner, and very little lip product. Avril Lavinge’s “Complicated” music video, released in 2002, is an embodiment of these trends and was a look many teens of the time wanted to replicate.
Best 2000s makeup products we were obsessed with:
One product hailed by teens of the time was Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse foundation. It had a unique thick texture and was applied with your fingers. It was one of the first foundation products that was not a powder or a liquid, making it cleaner and easier to work with. The matte finish left skin feeling soft and was intended to hide any oil on the face. The product can still be found in drugstores today, though the warm undertones have been muted over the years.
Face: Thankfully, there were a few foundation options for those who wanted a lighter look. BareMinerals powder foundation was a favorite of models and working women for its easy use and portability. Think of it as the original “clean girl” look, it could be put on with a bush or puff and kept skin looking naturally airbrushed. The powder was also marketed as physically clean and makeup that would fight against breakouts.
Eyes: Maybelline Great Lash mascara is a staple makeup product that was very popular in the 2000’s and still available now. A lot of the tools and products we have now were not around yet, like false eyelashes or lifting treatments. So bold makeup enthusiasts would often wear multiple layers of mascara to achieve a thick and extra dark look.
Lips: Lip makeup from the Y2K era revolved high shine and subtle colors, with shiny glosses taking center stage for a daytime or a night-out look. Lip gloss in various shades of pink, peach or especially clear were must-haves in every makeup aficionado’s bag. They were often paired with a darker, more defined lip liner that created a sharp contrast. The look of an overlined and overexaggerated pout became popularized. This is a look that consists of the lip liner being slightly darker than the natural lip color, giving lips a fuller appearance. Metallic and frosted finishes also made their mark on the beauty industry, giving lips a reflective and glossy look that caught the light just right in every photo. Matte lips were not as common, and the emphasis was mostly on creating a plump, glossy pout with products such as Lip Smackers, Lancome Juicy Tubes and BabyLips. These products became staples in the lip market for beauty products and set the stage for the standard of beauty products.
2000s celebrity beauty looks that defined the decade:
The 2000’s were full of style and makeup it-girls, shown in magazines giving their advice on how to look your best. Before influencers, the women you looked to were usually pop stars, actresses, or supermodels, and there was no shortage of looks to emulate. However, the reigning queen of early 2000’s looks must be rightly given to Britney Spears.
“Oops, I Did it Again” music video- bright silver eyeshadow, glossy lips, matte skin
Some celebrities known for gravitating towards this look were Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé. These celebrities contributed to the trends as well, popularizing the look of spray tans paired with thicker foundation.
