The early 2000s were a time of frosted lips, shimmery eyes, and bold, playful beauty looks. Fast forward to 2025, and the Y2K makeup trend has made a stunning comeback—only this time, it’s more refined, wearable, and inclusive than ever.
If you’re ready to embrace nostalgic beauty with a modern twist, this guide will show you exactly how to rock Y2K makeup in 2025. From key trends to product recommendations and application tips, we’ve got everything you need to glow up like it’s the year 2000 all over again.
Why Is Y2K Makeup Making a Comeback?
Fashion and beauty trends are cyclical, and the resurgence of Y2K aesthetics isn’t surprising. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Gen Z and Millennials have been rediscovering and reinventing iconic early 2000s styles.
Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Dua Lipa have also embraced the Y2K beauty movement, sporting glossy lips, pastel eyeshadows, and thin brows. The trend is all about confidence, self-expression, and having fun with makeup—just like it was back in the day.
Key Y2K Makeup Trends in 2025
1. Glossy Lips – The Juicier, the Better
Forget matte lips—Y2K is all about high-shine glosses that make your lips look plump and luscious. The most popular shades include:
- Clear gloss for a glass-like effect
- Nude pinks and peaches for a natural look
- Frosted or metallic lip glosses for a true 2000s vibe
Product Picks:
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
- NYX Butter Gloss in “Crème Brulee”
- Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Pro Tip: For extra plumpness, apply a lip liner slightly outside your natural lip line before topping it with gloss.
2. Frosted and Shimmery Eyeshadows
Y2K eye makeup is all about shimmer and pastel shades. Think icy blues, baby pinks, lavender, and silver. Whether you go for a soft wash of color or a bold metallic lid, shimmery shadows are a must.
Product Picks:
- Huda Beauty Obsessions Pastel Eyeshadow Palette
- Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in “Space Cowboy”
- ColourPop Super Shock Shadows in “Ripple”
Pro Tip: Use your fingers to apply shimmer for an ultra-pigmented and smooth finish.
3. Thin Brows (But Not Over-Plucked)
Yes, the 2000s were infamous for ultra-thin brows, but in 2025, the look has evolved. Instead of over-plucking, people are using brow pencils to create a softly arched, thinner brow shape while keeping a natural, feathery texture.
Product Picks:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
- Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil
- NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen
Pro Tip: If you naturally have thick brows but want to try the trend, use concealer to “erase” some of your brow shape before drawing on a thinner version.
4. Dewy Skin With a Soft Glow
In 2025, Y2K makeup is all about radiant, fresh skin rather than the cakey foundation of the early 2000s. The goal is a natural glow that looks like healthy, hydrated skin.
Product Picks:
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
- Rare Beauty Liquid Luminizer
- MAC Strobe Cream
Pro Tip: Mix a liquid highlighter with your foundation for an all-over luminous effect.
5. Pastel Blush and Draping
Blush placement in the 2000s was bold, often placed high on the cheekbones or even extending toward the temples—a technique known as “draping.” In 2025, this trend is back but with a modern, blended touch.
Product Picks:
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in “Happy”
- Dior Rosy Glow Blush
- Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
Pro Tip: Apply blush with a fluffy brush and blend upwards for a lifted look.
6. Graphic Liner & Rhinestone Accents
Euphoria-inspired makeup has blended perfectly with the Y2K revival, leading to playful eyeliner designs and rhinestone embellishments. Expect bold wings, pastel liners, and little gems placed around the eyes for extra sparkle.
Product Picks:
- KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner
- NYX Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Liner
- Ardell Self-Adhesive Rhinestones
Pro Tip: Use tweezers to apply rhinestones with eyelash glue for a secure hold.
7. Fluttery Lashes & Spiky Mascara
Doll-like lashes were huge in the early 2000s, and in 2025, the trend is back with a twist—spiky, separated lashes are the go-to look.
Product Picks:
- Maybelline Sky High Mascara
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- YSL Lash Clash Mascara
Pro Tip: Apply a few coats of mascara, then use tweezers to pinch small sections of lashes together for that signature spiky effect.
How to Wear Y2K Makeup Without Looking Overdone
If you want to rock the trend in 2025 but keep it modern and wearable, follow these tips:
Experiment & Have Fun: Y2K makeup is all about self-expression—so don’t be afraid to play with colors and textures.
Balance Your Look: If you’re wearing shimmery eyes, go for a more subtle lip color. If you’re doing glossy lips, keep the eyes softer.
Blend, Blend, Blend: The 2000s were known for unblended eyeshadow—let’s leave that in the past. Use fluffy brushes to create seamless transitions.
Keep It Fresh: Instead of a cakey base, go for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural glow.