And truth be told, something about all that bling made us feel special.

It seemed like everything during the 2000s was bedazzled - cell phones, belts, bags, jeans, T-shirts, bandanas - nothing was safe when it came to being blinged out. Most people will need to seek help from a nail technician for a look such as this one, but for those with advanced skill sets and kits at home, Kawajiri suggests using hard gel to apply the embellishments. Many nail artists keep their own collection of charms to choose from, but you can also check out websites such as Scarlett Nail Supplies and even Amazon for a wide selection of Kawaii-inspired charms. The point of Y2K nails is to be 'spontaneous,' as she says, so she recommends collecting a variety of charms in colors and textures to help you get a fun look. I remember my clients asking for the longest length possible and almost always a square shape,' Kawajiri explains. 'It was such a fun and colorful time with lots of energy that was reflected in clothing, shoes, bags, and even phone cases. She recalls countless clients asking for nails filled with bows, 3D charms, and crystals. Japanese nail artist Mei Kawajiri was based in Tokyo in the early 2000s and remembers just how big this trend was.

The early 2000s pushed us to mix and match colors, try new hairstyles, and be adventurous in the beauty and fashion departments, so nothing is off limits. Maybe you use your favorite music video, brand logo, or prints from that time - maybe even all of them - for inspiration.

The best part about trying Y2K-inspired nail designs? They're all about creative freedom (like decorating your middle or high school locker). Our collective 2000s obsession just won't let up, and perhaps that's because the decade's biggest beauty trends really do reign supreme - I mean, let's be honest: There are few things more iconic than butterfly hair clips, velour sweatsuits, and bedazzled everything.Īlthough we may not want to bring back every trend of the early aughts - looking at you, razor-thin eyebrows, micro-skirts, and Von Dutch trucker hats - our manicures can be the perfect, subtle way to help teleport us back to the times we sat on hot-pink inflatable chairs in our childhood bedrooms listening to Britney Spears on our CD players.

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