Y2K Makeup Searches Jump as Glossy Lips and Pastel Eyeshadow Return at the Oscars
Glossy lips, pastel eyeshadow and frosted finishes made a quiet comeback on the red carpet at the Oscars, signalling the return of early-2000s beauty trends.
The revival reflects growing online demand for the nostalgic look, according to data analysed by Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform. Experts now say the red carpet showed how the early-2000s aesthetic is being reinterpreted for today.
Several stars appeared with elements closely associated with early-2000s makeup trends.
Alicia Silverstone
Silverstone wore glossy pink lips and luminous skin, a look strongly reminiscent of early-2000s beauty which favoured high-shine finishes.
McKenna Grace
The actress opted for satin pink lips and soft pastel tones, echoing the playful colour palettes popular during the Y2K era.
Chase Infiniti
A lilac pastel eyeshadow paired with dewy skin tapped into the early-2000s love of shimmer and light-reflecting makeup.
Kate Hudson
Hudson’s look featured glossy textures and cool icy tones, reflecting the frosted beauty aesthetic seen on red carpets throughout the early 2000s.
The nostalgia trend was also visible in fashion, with Timothée Chalamet appearing in styling widely described as inspired by early-2000s boy-band aesthetics.
How to achieve the Y2K look
Danielle Louise, beauty expert at Fresha, tells YCB that the modern version of Y2K makeup is softer and more wearable than the original.
“Y2K beauty is all about shine, colour and confidence. We’re seeing glossy lips, pastel eyeshadow and light-reflecting finishes returning to the red carpet and social media.”
“The difference now is that the skin looks fresher and more radiant. Instead of heavy matte foundation, the modern Y2K look focuses on glow.”
According to Danielle Louise, the key elements of the look include:
Glossy lips
“A pink or nude lip liner paired with a high-shine gloss instantly creates that early-2000s effect.”
Pastel or shimmer eyeshadow
“Soft shades like lilac, icy pink and pale blue help recreate the nostalgic Y2K aesthetic.”
Glowing skin
“Prep skin with hydrating products and a lightweight foundation to keep the complexion radiant.”
Subtle highlight
“A touch of shimmer on the cheekbones and inner corners of the eyes captures the playful feel of the trend.”
The biggest Y2K makeup mistakes
Danielle Louise says many people make mistakes when trying to recreate the trend today.
Over-matting the skin
“Early-2000s makeup often used heavy matte foundation, but today the look works best with luminous skin.”
Too much shimmer
“Shimmer should be focused on the eyes and highlight points rather than the entire face.”
Over-plucking brows
“The ultra-thin brows from the 2000s can be damaging. A softly shaped brow works better for a modern interpretation.”
Why the Y2K trend keeps returning
Experts say nostalgia continues to drive beauty trends online. “For younger audiences the look feels new, while millennials see it as a throwback to the styles they grew up with,” Danielle explains.
“That mix of nostalgia and rediscovery is why Y2K beauty keeps coming back.”
With search demand rising and celebrity red carpets embracing glossy finishes again, experts expect the trend to continue growing throughout the year.