Lily Cole by Steven Meisel, Vogue, May 2004
Remember when lipgloss was a serious accessory? I literally wore one of those tiny lippies as a keychain! Butterfly clips reigned supreme, and frosted eyeshadow could solve any fashion-related problem? If your inner tween is screaming for a revival, buckle up, buttercup. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious, gloriously trashy world of Y2K makeup. Why ‘trashy’? Well, let’s be honest, there’s a certain delightful cakiness to some of these looks. But, on the other hand, we seriously love them, don’t we?
What Are the Main Y2K Makeup Characteristics?
The defining characteristics of Y2K makeup were a bold, unapologetic embrace of playful excess. Think shimmering, frosted finishes applied with a heavy hand, where icy blues and pinks reigned supreme on eyelids and lips alike. Gloss, often flavored and sticky, was a non-negotiable accessory, creating a high-shine, almost wet look.
Rhinestones and glitter were liberally applied, turning faces into sparkling canvases, while thin, overdrawn eyebrows, often paired with dark lip liner and lighter lipstick, created a striking contrast. It was a look that prioritized a youthful, almost doll-like appearance, fueled by the era’s pop music and technology-driven optimism, resulting in a distinct aesthetic that celebrated artificiality and a touch of delightful, self-aware “trashiness.”
As seen on Pam Anderson and countless early ’00s models and celebrities! A beige-toned, almost concealer-esque lip reigned supreme, often paired with a high-shine gloss, creating a deliberately washed-out yet pouty effect. This lip look is usually paired with kohl-black eyeliner on the inner waterline.
- #2. Xtina and Frosty Eyeshadow
Shimmering, icy hues, particularly silver, lavender, and pale blue, were applied with a heavy hand across the entire lid, designed to catch and reflect light with a distinctly synthetic gleam. Don’t be shy to go up to the brow bone, and complete the look with raspberry pink lips.
To tell the truth, I’m still obsessed with this look. Embracing animalistic patterns, meticulously painting miniature leopard spots around the eyes, was my gem. Want it even trashier? Go for pink spots all over your eye lids.
- #4. Avril and Red Smoky Eyes
A rebellious take on classic smoky eyes, deep crimson and burgundy shades smudged with abandon, conveying a raw, edgy intensity. I loved her “Complicated” era the most; therefore, I can’t get enough of this gorgeous look. What do you think?
Nude lipstick and raccoon eyes? Any day! It looks like Paris Hilton went further and added a pair of bright circle lenses to this 2000s look. Thick, dark eyeliner and muted black eyeshadow up to the brow bone, which encircled the entire eye, both top and bottom. This look is truly something…
- #6. Heavy Under-eye Accent
Rather than concealing, the under-eye area became a canvas for deliberate emphasis, with dark liner or shadow creating a shadowed, almost dramatic depth, challenging conventional notions of a “bright” under-eye. This look focused on drawing attention to the lower eye area, creating a heavy, and sometimes very dark, look.
- #8. Rihanna’s Pink Lips Phase
Do you remember Rihanna in the early to mid ’00s? Her style was so different back then, but she still remains the fashion and style icon for many of us. What do you think of this bright pink lip look? Vibrant, bubblegum, or hot pink lip colors always provide a pop of playful femininity, contrasting with a more neutral or minimalist eye look. Not here, of course. Here, Rihanna went navy blue blended with black pencil eyeliner, and I loooooove it!
- #9. Electric Blue Mascara
Dark purple, bright yellow, or electric blue? Doesn’t really matter! This ’00s trend is surely a bold departure from traditional black, electric blue mascara-coated lashes, adding a striking, unexpected flash of color that stood out prominently.
- #10. Blinding Eye Corners
