If you’re someone who keeps tabs on beauty trends, you probably haven't missed Gen-Z’s fresh take on one of Y2K’s favourite makeup trends—the bindi. Scrolling through Instagram lately, I’ve come across everything from colourful diamantes highlighting eyeliners to neon bindis paired with holographic eyeshadow. And while this trend is a revival of Y2K makeup, the fresh spin gives it new appeal.
Back to the future
In the early 2000s, stars like Gwen Stefani, Madonna, and Beyoncé embraced it as part of their bold looks, while in Indian pop culture, Kareena Kapoor’s iconic Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and stars like Rani Mukherjee and Sushmita Sen redefined it in both traditional and modern beauty. As a millennial, I spent countless hours glued to MTV, soaking in the 90s Indipop hits and Indian rap singles, while obsessing over J-Lo and Britney Spears in a bid to master the iconic Y2K glamour. My makeup kit was never complete without glittery eyeshadow, neon eyeliners, and sparkling bindi or diamantes—the ultimate finishing touch for a night out. Today, the modern revival of this trend feels like a wave of nostalgia, as the younger generation reimagines the iconic accessory in fresh, inventive ways—be it for concerts, dinners, weddings, and beyond. Even global stars like Kendall Jenner paired a delicate black bindi with her bohemian-inspired festival look at Coachella 2023.
The bindi 2.0
Patsy Anthony, who recently completed her Masters degree in Paris says, "I’ve always loved wearing bindis in general. In France, everyone would ask me what the black dot on my head was but when after it became popular at Coachella, everyone wanted my 'stick-ons'!" She adds that the trend is really big in clubs: "I've seen rhinestones on top of highlighter or replacing the eyeliner wing or the complete eyeliner—essentially an eyeliner done with micro bindis." Anthony herself likes to wear it as a wing liner or even on her nose, in place of a piercing. "It's not something I do every day, but when there's an interesting event, I feel this can really elevate the look."
Anushka Gopal, a PR professional in the beauty industry attributes the rise of the trend to the series, Euphoria: "I saw this look blowing up on Instagram after the series got popular." Gopal, who has been experimenting with eye makeup since her early teens recently tried the look for a concert that she attended: "I opted for a subtle look—a winged eyeliner with subtle crystals around it. That being said, this isn't something I'd try for a random Saturday house party—it's a look that requires effort.
That's a thought also echoed by Sabhyata Bali, eye makeup creator and founder, Zygos Beauty: "The look is meant for when you're being photographed or on the red carpet. Although it takes time and practice, it can really amplify the whole ensemble.” While she's tried different designs like crystal clusters at the outer corner of the eye, or rhinestones over the eyeliner, she also points out that it can be used on the cheeks or the lips. "Of course, that's just for photographs; you can't eat or drink with rhinestones on your lips!” According to Bali, celestial designs are really trending at the moment and she shares the easiest way of achieving the look: “Use an eyeshadow in the colour of the rhinestones, then add loose glitter and finally scatter the area with rhinestones."
How to wear the trend
To wear the trend, Bianca Louzado, makeup and hair designer recommends opting for high-quality diamantes: "I can't reiterate enough on the quality of the crystal—if it's not good enough, the look will fall flat.
- Pick out references for the design you want to create to get started.
- Practice the look beforehand.
- Use a high-quality eyelash glue to stick them on. "Depending on your personality, style and occasion, you can get as creative as you like," says Louzado.
Also read:
Why face stickers are more than just a beauty trend
Face stickers, OTT lashes: 5 Instagram makeup trends you need to try now
