# Y2K Beauty Cosmetic brands are launching makeup collections inspired by the early 2000s. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published Mar 23, 2021 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/y2k-beauty ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Y2K Beauty trend? **Y2K Beauty:** Cosmetic brands are launching makeup collections that pay homage to the early 2000s. While well-established brands are reviving classic products from the era, newer startups are finding collaboration partners to evoke the feeling of the time period. ## The consumer insight behind the Y2K Beauty trend Fashion cycles and aesthetic trends often take inspiration from looks that were popular 20-30 years ago. To make them more appealing to the contemporary consumer, mainly the Gen Z demographic, brands are updating past these looks with modern changes. This aesthetic is then popularized through social media, via influencers and celebrities, creating a new era that people want to emulate. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 10, 2020 to Mar 28, 2022 - Published: Mar 23, 2021 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Y2K Beauty trend ### Nostalgia-Inspired Makeup Collections Brands and startups are reviving past beauty looks and aesthetics through collaboration partnerships and product relaunches. ### Y2K-Influenced Color Cosmetics Color cosmetics are relaying on the nostalgia of Gen Z and Millennials with high-shine lip glosses, glittery shadows, pastel-colored shades, and holographic and metallic finishes. ### Customizable and Non-Toxic Beauty Products Beauty brands are exploring customizable lip gloss formulas and non-toxic ingredients to offer consumers more personalized and ethical choices. ## What the Y2K Beauty trend means for industry ### For Beauty Industry Beauty brands are reviving past beauty trends and aesthetics, such as Y2K, to create new beauty products that appeal to the contemporary consumer. ### For Entertainment Industry Companies create makeup collections inspired by popular TV shows in the early 2000s to attract Gen Z fans. ### For Retail Industry Retailers offer nostalgic makeup collections exclusively in-store or through their e-commerce website to capture the attention of fans looking for the latest beauty trends. ## Workshop question How can your brand add elements of nostalgia into your products or marketing? ## Trend signals for Y2K Beauty Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 62%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Y2K Beauty trend 9 featured examples from Dec 10, 2020 to Mar 28, 2022. - [Emo Band-inspired Makeup Palettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gothic-makeup-collection): This Gothic Makeup Collection is Inspired by My Chemical Romance (Category: Fashion) Implication: Cosmetic companies can innovate by creating makeup collections inspired by niche cultures and music artists, expanding the diversity and inclusivity of the industry. - [2000s-Inspired Cosmetic Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iggy-azalea-1): Iggy Azalea Launches Her Debut Cosmetic Line Called Totally Plastic (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The beauty and cosmetics industry can take advantage of the 2000s nostalgia trend and create new lines or reintroduce old ones. - [Y2K Makeup Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colourpop-y2k-4ever-full-collection): The ColourPop Y2K 4Ever Full Collection Revisits 2000s Styles (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty industry can leverage the Y2K nostalgia trend to create products that evoke the playfulness and vibrancy of the 2000s. - [Y2K-Inspired Nail Polishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelcares-y2k): Gelcare's Y2K Polish Was Inspired by Nostalgia (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty and personal care industry can capitalize on the trend of Y2K-inspired nail polishes and non-toxic nail polishes by innovating product offerings and marketing strategie… - [2000s-Themed Makeup Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colourpop-x-lizzie-mcguire): A ColourPop x 'Lizzie McGuire' Makeup Collection is Set to Launch (Category: Fashion) Implication: The launch of a limited edition ColourPop x Lizzie McGuire makeup collection presents an opportunity for growth and innovation within the beauty/skincare industry. - [Y2K-Informed Non-Toxic Makeup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-it-real): Make It Real Launched Customizable Lip Gloss Formulas (Category: Fashion) Implication: Make It Real’s Color Fusion Swirling Lip Gloss Maker could be used as a blueprint for cosmetics companies looking to develop customizable and non-toxic makeup offerings for their… - [Limited-Edition Y2K Makeup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gossip-girl-collection): Lottie London and Warner Brothers Unveiled the Gossip Girl Collection (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty and cosmetics industry can explore creating limited edition makeup collections inspired by popular TV shows, movies or cultural movements to tap into nostalgia marketin… - [Y2K Cosmetic Relaunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juicy-tubes-original-lip-gloss): Lancôme is Relaunching Its Iconic Juicy Tubes Original Lip Gloss (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty industry can take advantage of the Y2K trend by reintroducing popular products from the early 2000s and using nostalgia to market to younger consumers. - [Y2K Doll Makeup Palettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makeup-revolution-x-bratz): Makeup Revolution x Bratz Helps Fans Recreate Iconic Styles (Category: Fashion) Implication: A growing industry that can tap into trends like nostalgia and inclusivity to cater to a wider audience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)