Y2K Beauty Trends Have Made a Comeback—But Should They Stick Around? Let’s Dive In!!

Let me take you back to a time when Rihanna was inviting us to stand under her umbrella, we were all hooked on reality tv, and pop culture was bursting with all the frosted, glittery, and vibrant energy it could muster. Yes, I’m talking about the 2000s—the era of chunky highlights, low-rise jeans, and makeup trends we loved (or maybe loved to hate).

Now, with Y2K trends making a major comeback, I can’t help but ask: Do we really want to revisit some of these beauty looks? While a lot of them are dripping in nostalgia, not all of them deserve a second moment in the spotlight. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and figure out what we’re leaving behind, what we’re cautiously revisiting, and what we’re ready to embrace with open arms (and maybe a Lancome Juicy Tube in hand). Grab your bucket hat and put on your boa constrictor—let's take a stroll down memory lane!

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Britney Spears on stage at the 2001 MTV VMAs, boa constrictor on her shoulders.

Trends That Can Stay in the Past (We’ve Lived It Once, We’re Good)

Body Glitter and Shimmer

Back in the day, we covered ourselves in glittery powders, creams, and gels—all in the name of sparkle. Sure, it looked magical under the club lights, but was it worth the glitter in our eyes, on our sheets, and in every corner of our lives? This is still a fun trend, but now that I wash the sheets, it's a hard pass. I’ll stick to subtle highlighter, thank you very much!

Thin Eyebrows

Oh, the tragedy of over-plucked eyebrows. We went to town with our tweezers in the 2000s, only to spend the next decade desperately trying to grow them back. And not all of us succeeded. Let’s not repeat this mistake. Natural brows are here to stay!

Impulse Body Sprays

Do you remember those fruity, sugary body sprays we used to slather on? While they were fun and budget-friendly, those overly sweet scents could be overwhelming. I actually think we should consider a modern twist on body sprays! Let’s welcome back refreshing scents, but let's leave the floral candy fragrances in the past.

Trends We Loved Then and Might Be Willing to Try Again

Frosted, Everything

Frosted lips and eyeshadow were the look in the early 2000s. The silver and icy blue tones were bold and fun—but let’s be honest, frosted eyeshadow in daylight just doesn’t hit the same anymore. Bring it back for special occasions only, and apply with a modern twist (think subtle shimmer or eyeliner instead of full-on frosty lids).

Bright and Bold Eyeshadow

The 2000s were all about unapologetically vibrant colors—blue, purple, green, you name it. While I wouldn’t sweep neon Urban Decay shades across my entire lid anymore, a pop of bright eyeliner or a modern, blended look could be fun for the right occasion.

Bronzed Skin

Back in the day, bronzer (and tanning) was all the rage. While we may not apply it as heavily now, a sun-kissed glow is always fashionable. Just remember to keep it light and natural, and ensure it’s suitable for the season! A deep tan in January is definitely not the vibe these days.

Trends We’re Fully Ready to Embrace Again

Ultra-Glossy Lips

Who’s ready for some Juicy Tubes? Lip gloss was king in the 2000s, and I’m all in for its comeback. That high-shine, luscious look is truly timeless—and yes, I might still have an old Juicy Tube lying around (no judgment, please!). I’m even prepared to have my hair stuck in my lip gloss again after all these years! Let’s bring back the gloss with full enthusiasm!

Smudged Eyeliner

The grungy, undone look of smudged eyeliner was effortlessly cool in the 2000s—and I’m thrilled it’s making a comeback. It’s forgiving (hello, lazy makeup days) and adds an edgy vibe to any look. The challenge will be making it work for mature skin, but I’m up for it!

Minimalist Foundation

The 2000s were all about light, dewy foundation paired with bold eyes or lips. This is one trend I can get behind, as long as it’s paired with great skincare. Natural, glowy skin forever!

Products We’re Nostalgic For (But Maybe Don’t Need Again)

Fake Lashes: The 2000s were all about dramatic falsies, but today’s options have gotten so much better. Today we have lash extensions, lash serums, magnetic lashes, and so much more! Now that we know better, I think we can do better.

Butterfly Clips: I used to adore butterfly clips, but I’ve moved on from that phase. Now, I appreciate them from a distance and can’t help but smile whenever I see a teenager rocking a bunch of these fun clips in their hair.

French Tips: There was a time when nothing made me feel more chic than a classic French manicure. Now, thanks to the latest generation of improved press-on nails, I can achieve that elegant look right at home without needing a trip to the spa. I can personally vouch for the brand Impress, though I’m sure there are other great options out there as well!

Two-Tone Hair: No thanks, just no. I can already see this trend making a comeback, along with others like bleached tips and skunk hair. However, I’m not really interested in revisiting this particular style.

Products We’re Welcoming Back with Open Arms

Juicy Tubes: Let’s bring it back and shine like it’s 2002! Those glossy, deliciously scented Juicy Tubes were the ultimate lip accessory, and I say it’s time to revive that nostalgic sparkle. Who’s ready to pucker up and embrace the shine?

Great Lash Mascara: It never left, and honestly, it’s time to celebrate its timeless charm! This classic has been a staple in makeup bags for years, delivering those luscious lashes we all adore. Let’s give a shoutout to Great Lash for proving that some things just get better with age!

Urban Decay Moondust Eye Shadow: Let’s bring back those undeniable Y2K shades! Moondust Eye Shadow is here to add that dazzling sparkle and vibrant color to our looks. Who doesn’t want to channel a little retro glam with a modern twist? Time to dust off those palettes and shine like the stars we are!

Hard Candy: Okay, so technically Hard Candy is more 90s than 2000s, but who’s counting? Walmart has them back in stock, and it’s our chance to grab that iconic bright packaging and those adorable rings once again! I just wish they’d bring back the legendary Alicia Silverstone sky blue shade—now that would be a total trip down memory lane! Let’s embrace the nostalgia and rock those vibrant colors!

Clinique Black Honey: Another favorite that never really went away! I don’t know what kind of dark magic they put into it, but this lip product works wonders on everyone. It’s the perfect blend of color and hydration, and it’s not drying at all! Let’s keep rocking that timeless shade and celebrate the beauty that is Clinique Black Honey!

Physicians Formula Butter Glow Bronzing Serum: Talk about the biggest comeback in my personal routine! After rediscovering Physicians Formula last summer, I’m officially hooked again—but this time, I’m using it much more responsibly. It gives that gorgeous, sun-kissed glow without going overboard! Here’s to glowing skin and making the most of this bronzing magic!

Final Thoughts: Y2K Beauty, Reimagined

The early 2000s gave us unforgettable beauty trends—even if we've prefer to forget some of them. The key to making these trends work today is modernizing them: keep the fun and nostalgia, but ditch the over-the-top execution.

So, what do you think? Which Y2K beauty trends are you ready to welcome back, and which ones should stay in the past? Let me know in the comments! 🌟

🌟 Stay beautiful 🌟,

Lynn