The Biggest Beauty Trend That Will Absolutely Rule 2022

We’ve got to be honest: In a time when there is so much uncertainty around us, it can feel especially frivolous to write about beauty trends. But perhaps a bit of frivolity is exactly what we need these days?

As we head into a new year, there are still many unknowns, and though we can’t predict most things, we can at least gift you this tiny shred of certainty before we sign off: Y2K-inspired looks will be ~*everywhere*~ in 2022. Lol is right, but hey, we’ll take a sure thing wherever we can get it these days.

Thanks to TikTok and popular resale platforms like Depop, Y2K looks (i.e., frosted eyeshadows, hair bandanas and even thin brows) will continue to proliferate our feeds and show up on red carpets in the year ahead.

So, grab your bucket hats and take a swig of SunnyD because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane together, y’all.

From Aaliyah to Lizzie McGuire and Britney to Beyoncé, there’s no denying that bandanas were a staple during the early millennium. Worn low across the forehead and tied in the back or further off your face with bangs peeking beneath it, hair bandanas are as Y2K as it gets. (And apparently in 2022, they’re high fashion as well, with brands like Chanel co-opting the trend.)

Get the look: Madewell Silk Bandana ($25)

You know what would go perfectly with that sweater vest? (Yes, those are back, too.) A snap clip on one or both sides of your hair. If the words Chumbawamba mean anything to you, you will remember these colorful accessories well. Sweet aesthetics aside, snap clips are also great for keeping baby hairs and overgrown bangs in check.

Get the look: Lufute Hair Clips ($9); Kitsch Mini Rhinestone Snap Clips ($12)

Oh yes, bring on all the frosted, shimmery eyeshadows you can find. In year two of mask wearing, your eyes are the most valuable real estate for glam. For maximum impact, layer different shades and textures of shadows like makeup artist Allan Avendaño did for Vanessa recently.

Get the look: Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($24); Urban Decay Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette ($49)

Or if you want to try a slightly more understated but no less impactful look, concentrate the shine to specific areas—like the inner corners of your eyes and the center of your lips. Better yet, keep the colors in a more neutral-toned, bronze family to rock a truly Y2K vibe.

Get the look: Maybelline Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette ($14); ColourPop Nude Mood Eyeshadow Palette ($14)

After spending many years in this industry, we can confidently say that most, if not all, fashion and beauty trends are cyclical; eventually, even the ones you swore you’d never wear again come back and get you to reconsider your stance. Case in point: high contrast lips. Whereas visible lip liner was considered a faux pas for many years, the popular ‘90s and early 2000s look has made its triumphant return on everyone from J.Lo (who memorably wore the look the first time around) to Megan Thee Stallion, and Laura Harrier above.

Get the look: MAC Lip Pencil ($19); MAC Lipglass ($19)

Who remembers painstakingly attaching crystal “tattoos” and embellishments on their faces and bodies before a school dance? It was the height of glamour back then—and apparently now as well. Lately, buzzy brands like Simihaze Beauty have been bringing back the festive bling and honestly, we’re not mad about it.

Get the look: ColourPop Mixed Crystal Face Jewels Set ($8); Simihaze Beauty Eye Play Gem Pack ($38)

If we didn’t know any better, we’d think this photo of Jennie from BLACKPINK was taken 20 years ago. Between the aggressively tinted sunglasses to the matching velour tracksuit and, of course, the two strands of hair placed front and center, it’s the ultimate throwback look.