If you thought your old frosty lip gloss and crimped hair were relics of the past, think again. The 2006 beauty trends are making a massive comeback on TikTok in 2026, and the internet is obsessed. The hashtag “2006 core” has racked up millions of views, with users resurrecting everything from side-swept bangs to heavy bronzer. This wave of nostalgia is bringing back looks that once defined a decade—and some of them are actually worth revisiting.

Beauty insiders at Who What Wear and Vogue have been all over this resurgence, analyzing which trends are primed for a modern refresh and which are best left in the early 2000s. As someone who lives and breathes beauty, I’m here to break down what’s hot, what’s not, and how you can rock these 2006 beauty trends without looking like a time capsule.

Frosty Lips, Matte Foundations, and That Bronzer Glow – 2006 Beauty

Let’s start with the easy wins. The frosty, shimmery lipstick that was once the hallmark of every 2006 makeup bag has been updated with a sleek modern twist. Drugstore shimmer glosses are flying off shelves as TikTokers put their own spin on the look—think glossy but wearable, not a full-on 2006 beauty throwback. Pair that with a matte foundation finish, which balances the shimmer perfectly, and you get a look that nods to the past without screaming it.

Bronzer, once applied with the subtlety of a paintbrush in a hurricane, is back—though thankfully more blended and less “orange runway model.” In 2006 Beauty Heavy bronzer was a defining feature of the era’s sun-kissed aesthetic, and it’s clear that the glow is here to stay, especially with many creators leaning into the “bronzed goddess” vibe.

Hair also plays a huge role in this reboot. Crimped hair is back with a vengeance, thanks in part to the re-emergence of flat iron crimpers and side-part clips sweeping through TikTok tutorials. This texture adds fun volume and a little edge to sleek glass hair, another trending style you might want to check out if you’re after a shiny, polished finish—here’s a great guide on the glass hair trend to keep your strands ultra-luminous.

The Thin Eyebrow Controversy and Side-Swept Bangs Revival

Not all 2006 beauty trends are making a graceful return. Thin eyebrows, a staple look from the early 2000s, are generating some serious debate. Dermatologists and eyebrow artists alike warn that over-plucking to achieve this ultra-thin style can damage hair follicles and lead to permanent thinning. While that doesn’t stop some TikTokers from embracing the look under the #PinkGirly hashtag, most beauty pros (myself included) urge caution.

On the brighter side of things, side-swept bangs are enjoying a renaissance. These bangs sculpt the face with a soft, youthful frame, channeling the effortless cool of early Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan-era glam. And yes, Paris Hilton’s iconic Y2K style is very much alive in this wave of nostalgia, inspiring a new generation of beauty lovers to experiment with those signature side parts and clip accessories.

What You Need to Know Before Jumping on the 2006 Beauty Trends Bandwagon

Before you raid your mom’s old makeup bag or impulse buy every shimmer gloss on the market, here’s some pro advice. Some of these trends work because they’ve been subtly modernized, like the frosty lips and crimped hair. Others, like the ultra-thin brows, are better admired from afar—or at least approached with a gentle hand and a good brow technician.

Also, don’t forget the power of good tools. Flat iron crimpers and side-part clips are key accessories giving these looks their authentic edge. And if you’re into hair with serious shine and smoothness, learn from the experts on how to achieve the glass hair trend—it’s the perfect complement to the textured styles making a comeback.

For a deeper dive into these 2006 beauty trends and their 2026 reboots, be sure to check out Who What Wear’s full trend report. It’s packed with insights and inspiration to help you decide which looks to try and which to leave behind.

The 2006 core trend on TikTok is more than just a nostalgic fling—it’s a reminder that beauty is cyclical, and sometimes the best inspiration comes from the past. With a little savvy, you can bring these trends forward in style and confidence.