7 2000s Trends That Are Making A Major Comeback

Like many things in life, makeup trends tend to be cyclical. We fall head over heels for a particular makeup style, love it for a few years, are over it for a decade or two, and then fall in love with it all over again. 2000s makeup is a great example. If you keep your finger on the pulse of current beauty trends, perhaps you’ve noticed some major beauty trends from the early 2000s making a comeback. We’re sharing ten of our favorite Y2K beauty trends that are cool again 一 and worth another try to recreate the Y2K makeup aesthetic without the 2000s makeup products.

1. Frosty Eyeshadow And Lip Gloss

When looking back at 2000s red carpet makeup looks, it’s hard not to notice the amount of frost 一 or pale shimmer 一 gracing the faces of starlets. From icy white eyeshadow to baby pink frosty lips, the more shimmer the better at the time. If you want to get in on the trend with a 2022 spin, opt for a shimmery eyeshadow like the L’Oréal Paris Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup or L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick paired with a subtly frosted lip gloss like the Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil to recreate a Y2K makeup.

2. Purple Eyeshadow 

Purple used to be a go-to eyeshadow shade. It was often sported in combination with the trend above. Frosty purple eyeshadow made a bold statement in the early 2000s. One would have said it was the Y2K eyeshadow. While neutral tones took over for years, purple is steadily returning. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Violet Luster to achieve a bold purple eyeshadow look.

3. Visible Lip Liner 

A trend that originated as a popular makeup technique worn by supermodels and pop stars in the ‘90s, visible lip liner carried over and maintained popularity during the Y2K era. Often done with a black or brown lip liner like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Worth It Intense, the lips were lined with a deep shade that was then feathered into a subtle ombré look. And it wouldn’t be a 2000s makeup look if a layer of ultra-shiny lip gloss like Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil wasn’t applied on top.

4. Smudgy Black Eyeliner 

The 2000s boasted some of the best punk artists and their major influence on Y2K makeup trends一 perhaps most famously via their love for grungy black eyeliner. While black eyeliner was often smudged around the entire perimeter of the eyes, there was certainly the occasional bottom eyeliner-only look. If you want to try a modern take on the trend, let mastering the reverse cat eye be your next makeup mission. Feel free to use our L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeline.

5. Glossy Nude Lips 

The look then

In the early 2000s, nude lips were about a pale, almost concealer-like finish. The shades were stark beige with no shimmer, creating a matte, flat look that defined the Y2K era.

The look now

Nude lips are back in 2025. Now with a more flattering, warmer tone. And they are glossy!. Think soft, creamy nudes in satin or gloss finishes that add dimension and shine, creating a fresh, hydrated look. The focus is on enhancing natural lip color with a smooth, luminous finish that feels modern and wearable. Try the L'Oréal Paris Le Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick in Nu Determine to nail the look. 

6. Face and Body Sparkle

The look then

Sparkle reigned in the early 2000s. Glitter was dusted across cheekbones, collarbones, shoulders, and even brows. Loose shimmer powders and body glitter gels gave skin a frosted, light-catching glow from every angle in the Y2K makeup looks.

The look now

Things have changed. Sparkle gets a modern refresh in 2025. Highlighter is placed with intention—on high points of the face—for a refined, radiant finish. Face gems add a playful dimension without overwhelming the look. For the body, shimmer-infused oils give skin a silky glow with a touch of sparkle that catches light naturally. It’s shiny with polish, not excess. You can get the shine you want from the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. You can use this Illuminating moisturizer infused with glycerin and shea butter on your face and body to rediscover early 2000s makeup. Use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to keep your makeup in place. 

 

7. Thin Brows

The look then

In the early 2000s, pencil-thin brows were everywhere—plucked to near invisibility and often arched dramatically. The goal? A super-slim, defined line that emphasized the eyes without much texture. Celebs like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera made the ultra-thin brow a signature part of their Y2K glam.

The look now

Today’s take on thin brows is softer and more wearable. Instead of over-plucking, many use brow gels and pencils to fake a thinner brow shape, often brushing hairs upward for a more wispy, editorial look while keeping some natural fullness. It's all about control and definition, without committing to permanent thinning. Make the L'Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen and the L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil your best allies to get the look. 

Next Up: The 90’s Grunge Makeup Aesthetic Is Back, Here’s How to Get The Look