Y2K makeup is back. This winter, go for high-gloss looks and playful colors.

Trends from the early 2000s are still eagerly reinterpreted. Y2K makeup has returned with a vengeance for the fall/winter season. To recreate the iconic look associated with stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, let's focus on maximalism, marked by pearlescent lip gloss, colorful metallic shadows, and nonchalantly smudged eyeliner.

With the beginning of the new millennium, the world became fascinated not only with new technologies, but also with a distinctive style that won the hearts of designers, make-up artists and stage stars.

Colorful makeup and flashy outfits reigned supreme at the time – from fashion shows and magazine covers to films, TV series, and music videos by top singers. Just think of the heroines in the romantic comedy "Mean Girls" or Britney Spears' look in the music video for the iconic track "Oops!…I Did It Again." After more than two decades, this style is back with a vengeance.

"The early 2000s were an incredibly joyful time for makeup. We were all about bold shine and frosty finishes , and the whole look was supposed to be a little understated," makeup artist Nikki Deroest explains in an interview with Allure magazine.

Britney Spears in the music video for Oops, I did it again License: Press materials / Britney Spears

While the Y2K style undoubtedly borrowed some elements from the fashion of the last decade of the last century, there was a distinct difference between the two eras.

"'90s makeup was reminiscent of supermodels like Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford. Skin was supposed to be matte, and lips were supposed to be painted brown or nude. Y2K is the antithesis of that aesthetic ," adds makeup artist Renée Loiz.

Makeup inspired by the look of icons of that period, such as Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue or the aforementioned Britney Spears, although associated with a holiday, festival atmosphere, will, contrary to appearances, work well not only in the summer.

Christina Aguilera in Y2K makeup. License: s_bukley / Shutterstock

Expressive makeup based on strong colors and shine in the autumn-winter season will effectively liven up our everyday outfits - as if in defiance of the gloomy weather and omnipresent grayness.

"After years of domination by the minimalist, 'clean girl' style, nostalgia for bygone times has returned. Image experimentation and playing with color are once again in vogue ," notes makeup artist Lori Taylor Davis.

To recreate the iconic look from the turn of the century, we should prioritize a radiant complexion, exuding a subtle glow. Instead of full-coverage foundation, opt for a lighter formula with a satin finish. Metallic eyelids should play the leading role, preferably in cool shades such as ice blue, silver, lavender, pearly pink, or champagne gold.

If you prefer a matte finish on your eyelids, make sure your skin is moisturized and radiant. This will help you avoid an artificial, theatrical effect, suggests makeup artist Marquis Ward.

It's also worth taking inspiration from Hilary Duff's makeup, which she wore in the 2003 music video for "Come Clean." The main character was nonchalantly smudged eyeliner.

Hilary Duff's makeup in the Come Clean music video License: Press materials / Hilary Duff

"A slightly messy, smudged eyeliner paired with a fresh, clear complexion is the perfect balance between charming understatement and perfection. This year, we're seeing a shift towards this aesthetic," explains Deroest.

Makeup artist Nicole Faulkner adds that the perfect complement to Y2K makeup will be lips painted with a neutral-colored lip gloss and outlined with a brown lip liner.

- This is the essence of Y2K style with a modern, practical accent - points out the expert.