It's still not too late to give these Y2K looks a try
We are not over these Y2K comebacks and we don't need to be.
Do trends come and go or do they exist in the flow of time and culture, waiting for their moment? Y2K returned during a time when the world was collectively seeking an escape from reality and a comforting connection to the past. Driven by pop culture phenomena, from Euphoria to NewJeans, this nostalgic bridge connecting generations evolved into a trendsetter itself, influencing the next viral trends with its eclecticism.
AZURE GAZE
Blue is the new neutral in 2024, making its way into the dreamiest palettes in all tones and finishes. Icons like Kate Moss, Paris Hilton and Beyoncé showed us how the expressive cool tone can go from grunge to glam in the 2000s; today, it’s still just as expressive but way more wearable and doesn’t need a red carpet to flaunt. To add a dose of blue to your day-to-day looks, start with a muted touch of denim or indigo. When you’re ready to have more fun, reach for a pastel tone and apply it all over the lid and up to the brow bone, or go metallic with a chic wing.
24/7 Eyeshadow in Charged URBAN DECAY, Lid Lustre in Travertine VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY, and Diorshow Mono Couleur in 240 Denim DIOR BEAUTY.
GOLDEN GLOW
Sabrina Carpenter may not be the one who brought bronzed cheeks back but she definitely made the Y2K look stay for this summer. Her recent looks which showcase a fun and flirty spin on the nostalgia trend are nothing short of tanned, glowing and sculpted. And without gatekeeping, the singer revealed the key product behind her looks to be Tom Ford’s Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo — a cream-to-satin formula also loved by Hailey Bieber for a natural and dimensional flush of warmth. Whether it’s a cream, powder or liquid formula you’re opting for, a brush with an angled or tapered head is always helpful for defining and buffing.
Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Diffused Bronze Light HOURGLASS, The Sun Show Glowy Warmth Talc-Free Baked Bronzer in Escape KOSAS, and Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo in Intensity 2.0 TOM FORD BEAUTY.
FROSTY FACE
The frosty finish is a hallmark of Y2K beauty and makeup artists are rethinking the placement for an ethereal complexion. This new take goes beyond the eyelids, strategically highlighting the high points like cheekbones, nose bridge and cupid’s bow with an icy wash of shimmer. Layering glossy gel over blush is a safe and versatile option to create a lovely glaze if you worry about backlash with a heavy hand. Otherwise, wear a shimmering, cool-tone tinted highlighter alone for a popping look.
Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in 1S Silver ARMANI BEAUTY, Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight in Enlighten RARE BEAUTY, and LUST: Lip Gloss in Aliengelic PAT MCGRATH LABS
DARK OMBRE
Rooted in the 2000s vampy mood board, the latest ombre lips renaissance is a win for millennials who have never lost faith in their dark liner. Whether you’re creating a complementing or contrasting gradient, picking a buildable, blendable formula is half the success. Start by filling in the lips with hues from the same colour family, then define the outline with a darker shade for a more natural transition. Once the colours are softly blended, top it off with a high-shine gloss for a glassy, moisturised finish. One more thing to note: we are wearing vampy lips against fresh skin in 2024, no full glam is needed.
Lip Liner in Auburn ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS, Crayon Contour Des Lèvres Lip Liner in 06 Bordeaux GUCCI BEAUTY, and Trace'D Out Lip Liner in Satin Panty FENTY BEAUTY.
BRATZ DOLL
Defined by almost every Y2K element, the Bratz doll trend is popularised by Megan Thee Stallion, Dove Cameron and Sabrina Carpenter. Unlike the other retro looks that are taking the minimalist route, this one calls for an over-the-top flair. While trading fluffy brows for a skinny style isn’t necessary, fluttery lashes, perfectly defined cut creases and arched brows are essential to pull off this trend. It’s also not every day you get the chance to go all out with bubble-gum pink blush and overlined lips but it’s just what Bratz Doll is all about.
Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 44 - Narcisse CHANEL BEAUTY, Cheek To Chic in Love Is The Drug CHARLOTTE TILBURY, and BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm in Dream Hour TOWER 28.
