A new era has emerged in the world of beauty, as the Y3K trend continues to dominate the industry. This futuristic trend is characterized by high-shine finishes, iridescent hues, and avant-garde techniques, creating a look that feels both otherworldly and effortlessly chic. The Y3K trend is a far cry from the softer vibes of Y2K beauty, which celebrated soft glam with glossy lips and frosted eyeshadow. Instead, this futuristic trend incorporates cool-toned pastels, bold graphic liner, and reflective textures that catch the light from every angle. The trend is led by beauty content creators and brands such as MAC Cosmetics, who have channeled their recent ‘Ultra Violet’ into the futuristic trend. MAC Cosmetics’ Global Senior Artist Carly Utting spoke to H! Fashion about the growing makeup look. According to Utting, Y3K makeup has started dominating the industry for a number of reasons. “Makeup artists and creatives are looking to the future of style and makeup, how we can think forward to new exciting methods and aesthetic in how we present ourselves. Whether that’s through new technology within the beauty landscape such as AI makeup design or new formulas, it’s an exciting time within the industry.”
So, what are the key elements of Y3K makeup? Utting describes it as a combination of texture, blending glossy and matte finishes, and the use of embellishments such as charms, crystals, and beads. “Y3K doesn’t have just one defining feature, although texture plays a big part of its characteristics,” she explains. “It’s combining a blurry matte feature alongside something slick and glossy that gives it the edge.”
In addition to texture, liner takes on different shapes and forms, and is often seen in an unusual shape or unconventional application. “Liner takes on different shapes and forms and is often seen in an unusual shape or unconventional application but always done with beauty in mind,” Utting says. The MAC Cosmetics’ Ultraviolet Y3K makeup trend is a prime example of this trend. According to Utting, the trend was born from bringing backstage trends to the consumer through key products and new launches. “Lavender and lilac featured heavily on the catwalks during fashion weeks for 2 seasons in a row, ultraviolet trend was born from bringing backstage trend to the consumer through key products and new launches.”
The trend is characterized by the use of cool-toned pastels, such as lavender and lilac, combined with silver and other metallic shades. Utting notes that products such as MAC Strobe cream in Ultraviolet and Magic Aura create the perfect Y3K makeup. “Strobe cream for me would be a staple essential in creating a Y3K makeup, its ability to transform skin into a AI like glow is incomparable,” she says. For a more wearable, everyday version of the Y3K trend, Utting recommends keeping the eyes simple with a wash of frost and withholding a’socket line’ or eyeliner. “Investing in a great quality foundation to illuminate and treat the skin is something we should be doing now, not in the future,” she advises. Overall, Y3K makeup is all about going against the norm and embracing experimentation and individuality. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, you can create a look that feels both otherworldly and effortlessly chic.

1. High-shine finishes and iridescent hues are key elements of the Y3K trend
2. The trend incorporates cool-toned pastels, bold graphic liner, and reflective textures
3. Y3K makeup is characterized by a combination of texture, blending glossy and matte finishes, and the use of embellishments

“I love how Y3K makeup allows us to experiment with different textures and finishes. It’s not just about applying makeup, it’s about creating a look that’s truly unique and personalized.” – Carly Utting, MAC Cosmetics Global Senior Artist

Y3K makeup is all about embracing experimentation and individuality. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, you can create a look that feels both otherworldly and effortlessly chic.
Key Products:

1. MAC Strobe cream in Ultraviolet
2. MAC Magic Aura
3. MAC Squirt Gloss

Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of makeup, the Y3K trend is definitely worth checking out.