Y2K is back (kinda).
2021 focused mainly on 80s and 90s makeup, while the spring of 2022 will bring out trends from Y2K. Thankfully, you may be able to recycle some of the products you used and incorporate them in these new looks.
1. Pinks
2021 mainly focused on cool tones such as blues, greys, and purples. For this season, pink is in. This could mean eyeshadow, eyeliner, bright lips, and everything in between. Kylie Cosmetics has introduced a Valentine’s Day collection that will exceed your wildest pink fantasies.
2. Heavy Blush
Last season, draped blush was in. What is draped blush, you may ask? It’s all in the placement. In short, draped blush is applied where contour is usually applied – a little lower than the apple of your cheekbones. This season, take it to the next level, and don’t be scared to apply a little extra! FENTY BEAUTY (shout out to Rihanna) released a new collection of vibrant blushes that will be perfect for this look.
3. Glossy Lips
In line with Y2K fashion, glossy lips will be making a comeback. Not only that, e.l.f. Cosmetics just launched a Dunkin’ Donuts collab that features two new gloss colors. The shades are simply labeled Dunkin’ Orange and Dunkin’ Pink to follow the iconic colors of the coffee and donut shop franchise.
4. Color Coordination
This season, try and purchase some clothes that match the color of your makeup. If you can, try and get an eyeshadow palette that has at least one pan of every color, that way you’ll have each one right at the tip of your fingers. Juvia’s Place just released a new 30-color shadow palette with both matte and shimmer options that are bound to match up with the main color in whatever outfit you’re wearing.
5. Neon Liners
Using neon eyeliner is hands-down one of the easiest ways to make it look like you spent way longer on your makeup than you actually did. Morphe’s Lucky Charms collab has a 6-color set of vibrant liners that will bring a pop of color to your eyes in just a few seconds.
6. Double Winged Liner
If you’re lucky enough to have a steady hand when it comes to applying winged liner, this trend is for you. If not, this would be a great time to learn! Give it a go with the new Benefit Cosmetics precision waterproof liquid eyeliner. For examples of double-winged eyeliner, Pinterest is a great place to look, as well as YouTube for tutorials.
7. Thin/Light Eyebrows
If there’s one thing makeup lovers know, it’s that eyebrow trends come and go in the blink of an eye. Recent trends included fluffy brows, natural brows, thick brows… And now, thin brows are back (think younger Christina Aguilera on the red carpet). If you decide to go with this trend, just know that it does take a fairly long time for brows to grow back to their natural shape. However, if you do want to participate, FLOWER Beauty has introduced a new brow pencil with a thin tip that will give you that precision needed for thin brows.
8. Popping Inner Corner
This may be one of the easiest (and quickest) trends to do. To get that wide-awake, ready-for-the-day look, a light highlighter or light silver eyeshadow will be your best bet. To achieve the look, I would recommend ColourPop’s Super Shock Highlight in shade Monster.
9. Under Eye Placement
This trend is perfect for a night on the town. If you’re looking for a wow factor, this is the way to do it. There’s a look called the reverse cat eye which is exactly what it sounds like – you do your winged eyeliner under your eye instead of on your eyelid. Remember, you don’t have to make it as thick – you only need a thin line. KIKO Milano has a khol liner with a fine tip for those thinner lines you’ll need.
10. Face Gems
If you’re really looking to branch out, this trend is for you. However, this won’t work with any gems you find – make sure you grab ones that are specific for your face or body. Benefit Cosmetics sells face and body gems that will fit any look you’re going for.
Makeup trends come and go quickly – that’s what makes them fun. If you’re ready to jump into the looks, you can also Google “Y2K fashion and makeup” and really see how Y2K affected the beauty world.
About The Author
Emmie Pombo is a latte and tattoo-loving Tennessean who specializes in mental health and beauty writing. She holds a degree in Journalism and a certification in Makeup Artistry and Airbrushing. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.