Y2K beauty is back, thanks to Lupita Nyong’o

Y2K itself might’ve gone and passed (without the world glitching, mind you), but the nostalgia for the early 2000s is an ever-present feeling. Whether you’re trying to bring back the blue eyeshadow trend (we’re looking at you; Abbie Chatfield) or even making butterfly clips all the rage again, a hint of 2000s beauty never seems far away. 

But what made this Y2K revival official was Lupita Nyong’o stepping out on the Oscars red carpet covered in (incredibly enviable) body glitter. This year, Nyong’o wanted to pay homage to herself (as she should) for ten years in the Oscar winning biz. The star wanted to make her look similar, but oh-so-elevated. So, glimmering body glitter was a must. Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose was to thank for the incredible glam look, dubbing it himself as Showgirls inspired. Whatever you want to call the glinting gorgeous glitter, we’re just keen to recreate the look.

So, no matter what the occasion is, we think this look is the secret to making it memorable…

Lupita Nyong’o’s Body Glitter

Now, Nyong’o’s glitter did not just rest across her body; Barose made sure to make her eye makeup just as jam-packed with shimmering goodness. But for now we’ll focus on how to achieve Y2K-worthy body glitter with a 2024 twist…

To start, Barose used a lightweight, non-greasy body balm as not only a great source of hydration for Nyong’o’s skin but also to act as glue to get the glitter to stick.

Barose used the Sḵwálwen Kalkáy Wild Rose & Yarrow Salve, which is unfortunately unavailable in Australia. But fear not: we’ve found a non-sticky replacement option in the Weleda Skin Food Light ($28.96 at Adore Beauty).

Barose then layered the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Highlighting Fluid ($91 at Myer) for an extra addition of glow.

Now comes the fun part. Using the Ashunta Sheriff Beauty Unicorn Glitter Pallet in a pale gold tone ($70 at Ashunta Beauty), Barose used a powder brush to dab the glitter across her body. The key was to make the placement random, because boy does glitter have a mind of its own. Once you’re happy with the level of glitter, take a big powder brush and you should be able to move the glitter around to where you’re happy with it. 

We’ll be forever grateful to N’yongo for making ‘shimmering disco ball’ a chic look once more. Thank goodness someone created an elevated way to douse yourself in body glitter without looking like a toddler who got a little too into arts and crafts.

Main Image Credit: Getty

Want to keep on reliving the Oscars glam? Here’s every product Emma Stone wore…