I was born in the '90s and hit peak adolescence in the early to mid-2000s. Even though it was a problematic era for many reasons (I'm convinced 'body positivity' was an unheard-of and almost unfathomable concept), I still look back on it fondly. Back then, I didn't know I would become a beauty editor, but I knew I loved stealing spritzes of my mom's perfume, applying the odd Mary Kay lipstick sample, and covering my limbs in blue raspberry-scented body glitter (IYKYK).
One of my favorite Y2K beauty trends was glitter lip gloss. Iconic and eye-catching, I remember seeing some of my favorite celebs photographed with shiny, shimmery lips on the covers of my most-collected teen magazines. I wanted in on the trend. I remember begging my mom to buy me a shimmery pink lip gloss so that I could look like Britney Spears. She acquiesced, and I wore it constantly.
Fast forward to today, and some of the coolest beauty brands are reviving this Y2K trend (be still my beating, millennial heart!). Whether it's cult-classic brands like Tarte, budget-friendly brands like ColourPop, or cool-girl ones like Half Magic (created by Euphoria makeup artist, Donni Davy), there's no doubt the glitter lip is back and better than ever. Ahead, see the best glittery, shimmery, Y2K-inspired lip products to buy in 2025.
The Original Y2K References
Here, we have four original pioneers of the glitter-lipped trend. First, Beyonce is pictured attending the 2000 MTV Movie Awards with golden, glitter-flecked lips. Second, Britney Spears is pictured heading in or out of the 2000 pre-Grammy Awards party, wearing what appears to be a shimmery, holographic lip gloss. Next, Rihanna poses at MTV's Total Request Live in 2005, wearing an icy silver iteration. Last but not least, Brandy is pictured with a warm, glittery lip gloss while attending the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.
Say what you will, but as a millennial who coveted shimmery, glittery lip glosses in my youth, I still think this look is a vibe. Instead of feeling dated, it feels cool, different, and generally just fun. There's a light-hearted exuberance to this trend that I've been missing after the so-called "clean girl" aesthetic took over and made the beauty scene somewhat sterile and minimal. What's more, I feel like celebs such as Charli XCX and Dua Lipa would give this trend their stamp of approval. It seems to fit their "Brat" and modern-disco aesthetics.
The best part about this trend is that it's flexible. Stay true to the original Y2K references by reaching for cool-toned pearl, silver, lilac, and indigo shades with bold glitter flecks. Or, put a modern, 2025 spin on it by sticking to subtle, shimmery formulas that come in neutral shades, such as petal-pink or peach-caramel.
Regardless, keep scrolling to see a selection of my favorite shimmery and glittery lip products.
The Best Y2K-Inspired Lip Products
Donni Davy was the lead makeup artist on-set of Euphoria. She's also the creator of and expert behind Half Magic, a beauty brand that encourages playing with color, shapes, and self-expression. This glitter lip gloss is the ultimate nod to the Y2K glitter-lip trend. The high-cushion formula is packed with shiny, sparkling dimension. While there are multiple shades to choose from, I'm going with this one, called Y2K Cherub (obvi).
Here's another Half Magic lip product that's perfect for this trend. It's a hydrating, nourishing lip balm that just so happens to be packed with sparkle. Every shade is on point, but I have a special place in my heart for this shimmering cinnamon shade.
Tarte's Maracuja Juicy Lip Plumps are so popular on Instagram and TikTok, and for good reason. They feel soft and cushiony on the lips, deliver much-needed moisture, and look incredible. The original high-shine version is good, but I'll be reaching for the shimmery ones, specifically this very Y2K-coded shade.
Speaking of Charli XCX, I have it on good authority that she loves this lip gloss from Valentino. This shade, called Dazzling Mermaid, is just the stuff of my cool-toned, Y2K-inspired dreams. The fact that it plumps up my thin lips is just a bonus.
Patrick Ta's Major Glow Lip Shine in She's Expensive also fits the bill. True to its name, it gives the lips a high-shine, high-shimmer finish that look so pretty, and, well...expensive.
Use this sheer lipstick as a topper or as a stand-alone.
Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Stix are so smooth, silky, and moisturizing. They literally melt onto the lips, providing a glossy finish and, in this case, eye-catching shimmer.
I also love this ich brown shade, called Hot Chocolit.
Don't sleep on Kylie Jenner's High Gloss. The cushiony, non-sticky formula comes in a wide range of shades, and each one has the most eye-catching glitter finish.
Infused with hyaluronic acid, these lip glosses offer a high-shine, shimmery finish as well as a comfortable, cooling effect. All the shades are collectible, but I like this one, called Fairy Glimmer, the best. It's holographic gold with pink shimmer.
I love this shimmering shade of Glossier's iconic Balm Dotcom.
Even iconic design houses are in on the shimmer lip trend. The Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine features a translucent, slightly orange-toned formula that makes the lips look radiant and healthy. Add highly-reflective mother-of-pearl micro-particles to the mix, and you have the ultimate subtle lip shimmer.
Last but not least, ColourPop's So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm comes in subtle, shimmering shades like this golden peachy-nude color, called Angel Baby. I think this warm and toasty shade is perfect for all kinds of summer makeup looks.
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