Y2K Makeup is Back: Here Are Some of Our Favorite Nostalgic Looks To Try

When you think of 2000s makeup, there’s likely a specific image that comes to mind—one replete with brown lip liner, frosted lipstick, and shimmery blue eyeshadow. While this aesthetic is, admittedly, a far cry from the “clean makeup” trend that’s been circulating on TikTok for the past year or so, it’s appealing in its own way. You don’t have to take our word for it—there are more than 119 million videos tagged #early2000smakeup on TikTok alone. If you’re looking to lean into your nostalgic side and revive some of your favorite 2000s makeup trends, keep reading. Ahead, we’re sharing 10 2000s makeup looks we love and revealing the (modern) products you can use to recreate the looks. 

1. Purple Eyeshadow and Glossy Lips

Purple eyeshadow received its fair share of the limelight in the 2000s makeup scene, and it’s a hue that’s especially flattering for brown eyes. To create a wearable Y2K-inspired look, reach for a soft, pinkish-purple eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Mauve. Apply it to your entire lid, blending with your finger for a soft, diffused effect, then add a touch of silvery eyeshadow to your inner corners and brow bone. Swipe on a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara to complete your eye makeup.

Then, tie your early 2000s makeup look together with a high-shine lip gloss. We suggest the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract in Blissful Blush, which provides a soft wash of color and plenty of dewy shine. 

2. Glossy Ombré Lips and Silver Lids 

Glossy, ombré lips were a major 2000s makeup trend—one that we still love to this day. To achieve the gradient effect, start by tracing the outline of your lips with a dark lip liner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Truly Burgundy. Once you’ve lined your lips, take a lip brush to blur the edges and feather the color. Then, use a lighter shade of lipstick, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Blushing Berry, and fill in the center of your lips. Press your lips together to blend the colors to nail the ombré effect, and top your look with a clear, high-shine lip gloss. 

For your eyes, you’ll want to use a shimmery silver eyeshadow. We love the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle—it has a soft, frosted effect that feels very Y2K. You can also add rhinestone accents, if desired, and really lean into the 2000s nostalgia. 

3. Colorful Eyeliner and Natural-Looking Skin

Makeup in the 2000s tended to be bold, bright, and colorful—all of which are words that accurately describe this vibrant eyeliner look. Because your eyes are the focus of this retro look, you’ll want to keep your base makeup relatively simple. Skip the full-coverage foundation and instead even out your complexion with the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. 

Once your skin is set, reach for one of the colorful shades 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. Alternatively, opt for a graphic eyeliner look, like floating liner or a double wing.

4. Rosy Cheeks and Colorful Eyeshadow

As it is today, bright blush was big in the 2000s. Recreate this flirty 2000s makeup look by sweeping a vivid blush, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink, onto your cheeks for a noticeable pop of color. If you prefer liquid blush to powder, try the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Worth It. 

Then, pair your flushed complexion with a colorful matte eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mademoiselle Pink. Sweep the pigment onto your lids, blending it slightly past your crease for a soft, diffused effect. 

5. Brown Lip Liner and Voluminous Lashes

Brown lip liner was another 2000s makeup staple. When paired with lighter lipstick, this earthy hue can help fake the appearance of fuller, plumper lips. Recreate this simple 2000s makeup look by using L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Nudes for Life to trace your lips, overlining your lips slightly for a fuller lip effect. Then, apply L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Defiant to the center of your lips, taking care not to blend your lip liner too much (in this case, you want the line to be obvious).

Finally, curl your lashes and apply a generous coat (or two) of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara to add volume, length, and definition.

6. Frosted Lips and Winged Eyeliner

If you were a tween or teen while early 2000s makeup was in full swing, 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’re just as fun as you might remember. To achieve a frosty lip look, pair a soft pink lipstick with a shimmery lip gloss, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Flush.

To complete your frosty-lipped 2000s makeup look, we suggest a sharp, defined wing. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black to trace your upper lash line. When you get to the outer corner of your eye, extend the liner toward the tail of your brow to create a thin, elongated wing. 

7. Frosted Blue Eyeshadow and Pink Lip Gloss

Where 2000s makeup trends are concerned, we’d argue that none had the impact that frosted blue eyeshadow did. While blue eyeshadow can feel a bit adventurous, especially if neutrals are your go-to, the bright pop of color is a great way to mix up your usual makeup look. To create this nostalgic makeup look, sweep the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Argentic onto your lids, blending the color past your crease. Then, highlight your inner corner and brow bone with a cool-toned highlighter, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Highlighter Longwear Powder in Icy Gold. Add a few coats of mascara, then complete your 2000s makeup look with a soft baby pink lipstick or gloss. Our pick: The L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract in Blush Fantasy. 

8. Skinny Brows and Dramatic Lashes

The skinny brow is as quintessential to ‘90s and early 2000s makeup as boy bands. Fortunately, you don’t have to tweeze your brows to achieve the retro look. Instead, block out your natural arches with a glue stick, then use a full-coverage concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up to 24H Full Coverage to block them out. Then, use a brow pencil, such as the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil, to draw on a skinny eyebrow shape. Just like that, you’ll get to enjoy Y2K brows without having to reach for the tweezers. 

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 to help you get the look. 

9. Brown Lipstick and Shimmery Eyeshadow

Brown lipstick was the go-to for those seeking a more neutral lip look in the early aughts. But because makeup in the 2000s was all about making a statement, the softer lip was often paired with shimmery, sparkly eyeshadow. To achieve this glam yet simultaneously understated look, reach for a warm-toned brown lipstick, such as L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick in Nu Extreme. If you prefer a matte finish—which is equally appropriate—we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Assertive. For shimmery lids, we suggest a neutral, pearly eyeshadow—the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze is a great choice. 

10. Shimmery White Lids and Thick Lashes

You don’t have to wear bold, vibrant colors to rock a 2000s makeup look. In fact, one of the decade’s biggest trends—white eyeshadow—featured very little color at all. To achieve this icy look, start by coating your lids in a frosty white eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Petite Perle. Blend the shimmery pigment toward your brow bone and use whatever is left on your shadow brush to trace your lower lash lines. 

As you can probably guess, you’ll want to finish your shimmery 2000s eyeshadow look with a few coats of mascara. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara to do just that.

Next Up: 13 Y2K Hairstyles That Are Trendy Today

Header Image Credit: IG/@ciara_makeup