makeup trends 10 2000s Makeup Looks to Recreate for Some Instant Nostalgia

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We’re making a case for frosted eyeshadow, skinny brows and ombré lips.

February 22, 2023
2000s Makeup


If there’s one makeup practice we’ll always be fans of, it’s taking cues from the past. From ‘90s grunge makeup to 2000s makeup, what was old once can always be new and buzzing again. Makeup looks from the year 2000 are having a major moment on social media, with inspiration drawn from your favorite pop stars, R&B icons and movie characters of the decade. 


When you think of 2000s makeup, blue eyeshadow, frosted lipstick, brown lip liner and glossy lips are a few makeup trends that instantly come to mind. It’s a big step away from TikTok’s clean makeup look that’s also trending right now, but going nostalgic with your makeup is a great way to use your routine as a creative outlet and try things you wouldn’t normally do. To serve up some inspo, we’re sharing 10 makeup looks from the early aughts that are worth recreating ASAP.

1. Purple Eyeshadow and Glossy Lips

Purple eyeshadow received its fair share of the limelight in the 2000s and it’s a shade that’s especially flattering for brown eyes. Paint your lids with your favorite purple hue, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Smoldering Plum and finish your eye makeup look with a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara.


Then, coat your lips with a generous layer of the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract in Blissful Brunch for a glossy lip look.

2. Glossy Ombré Lips and Rhinestone Eye Makeup

In the 2000s, glossy, ombré lips were a major trend and today, we’re seeing this exact makeup look find its way back into current trends. Use a dark shade of lip liner, we like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in More Chocolate and follow the natural shape of your lips.


Once you’ve lined your lips, take a lip brush to blur the edges and feather the color. Then, take a lighter shade of lipstick and fill in the center of your lips. Use the same brush to blend your darker lip liner with your lighter lipstick. Once you’ve perfected the ombre gradient, take a high-shine clear lip gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Mirror and apply a generous layer on your lips.


For your rhinestone eye makeup look, keep your eyeshadow minimal so the ombré glossy lip and rhinestones remain the focus. Something as simple as lightly dusting a neutral shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Cafe Au Lait across your lid is the perfect base for your rhinestones.

3. Colorful Eyeliner and Natural-Looking Skin

Colored eyeliner had a moment in the 2000s and we’re happy to see it come back into trends once again, because sometimes, constantly reaching for the same black eyeliner can feel boring. All you have to do is pick a colorful shade of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner, and apply it where you please for an eye-catching look. If you need a suggestion, we love a hint of colorful eyeliner along the lower lash line. The shades Turquoise or Emerald Green are great for a vibrant wash of color. 


To let the pop of color on your eyes be the focal point of your 2000s makeup look, pair it with natural-looking skin, using the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum for buildable coverage and a your skin-but-better result.

4. Rosy Cheeks and Colorful Eyeshadow

Rosy cheeks had a moment in the 2000s, just like they are today with the super blush trend. Think of it as proof that history always repeats itself, especially when it comes to beauty trends. Instead of going light on your blush, turn to a rosy hue that’ll give you a noticeable (though not obnoxious) flush, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Rosy Outlook. For a dewy, rosy flush try the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint. 


Pair your flushed complexion with a colorful matte eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Avant Garde Azure. With a clean eyeshadow brush, dip into one of the matte shades and paint it across your lid and on the lower lash line. Take your time blending the edges of your shadow because you’re only going to use one shade of for the entire look.

5. Brown Lip Liner and Voluminous Lashes

Brown lip liner was a staple in the 2000s for many makeup looks. When you pair it with a lighter lipstick in the center, it’s a great hack to fake the appearance of fuller lips. Use the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Anti-Feathering Lip Liner - Smooth Application in Dark Chocolate and line just slightly outside your natural lip line. Then, complete your lip look by filling in your lips with a slightly lighter shade of lipstick.


Curl your lashes and apply a generous coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara to add volume and definition.

6. Frosted Lips and Winged Eyeliner

If you were a tween or teen in the 2000s, there’s a solid chance your first lipstick was a frosty, pale pink hue. While we hope you’ve tossed that ancient lipstick, we’re here to tell you that frosted lips are back and they look good on everyone. To make your lipstick frosty, layer a shimmery gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Flush.


To complete your makeup look, add some sharp winged eyeliner, with the help of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner to the upper lash line. 

7. Frosted Blue Eyeshadow and Pink Lip Gloss

Frosted blue eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Argentic, is such a Y2K makeup moment. While blue eyeshadow can feel a bit adventurous, especially if neutrals are your go-to, it adds a bright pop that lights up your features. Pair your icy blue lids with a shimmery baby pink lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract in Blush Fantasy to get the full-fledged 2000s makeup look. 

8. Skinny Brows and Dramatic Bottom Lashes

To get temporary skinny brows (read: no full brows were harmed during the process), block your brows with a glue stick and draw on a new skinny shape with a brow pencil, like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil.


To emphasize your skinny arches, thick top and bottom lashes are a must. Apply a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable to help you get the look.

9. Rust Lipstick and Shimmery Eyeshadow

A rusty hue is how they did red lipstick back in the 2000s. Paired with spiky buns and pastel eyeshadow, it’s a quintessential Y2K makeup look. To achieve the rust-colored lips, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick in Nu Extreme. For shimmery lids, use the L’Oréal Paris Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in a colorful hue, like Blush Jewel.

10. Shimmery White Lids and Thick Lashes

Shimmery white lids are a take on frosty eyeshadow that have an added brightening effect. Use a shimmery white eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Petite Perle, to paint your lids. As you can probably guess, you’ll want to finish your shimmery white eyeshadow look with a few coats of mascara. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara to do just that.

Next: The Best Passport Makeup for a Great Travel Photo

Photo Credit: [email protected]/samanthatexin, Photo Design: Sarah Duviver