A Bold Glamback

With the 'bebot' makeup trend going viral online, Indian makeup artists break it down, tracing it to 2000s and 1980s makeup looks.

- MAHIMA NAGARAJU

FOR the last few weeks, beauty enthusiasts on social media have been lipsyncing to 'Bebot' (2005) by The Black Eyed Peas, showcasing looks far removed from the 'clean girl' aesthetic that's dominated our screens and our real-life makeup collections for years. Bold, sultry and full of attitude, the trend, as makeup artist Nehaa Anand explains, "Is inspired from Filipino party glam from the 2000s and all about recreating nostalgia. It brings back the maximalism, glittery smokey eyes, defined brown lips, glossy pouts, hazel brown eyes and big blown out hair," pointing to Kareena Kapoor's Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham as a desi 'bebot' in spirit.

Started by Filipino and other southeast Asian makeup enthusiasts recreating their mothers' old looks, the trend quickly found takers in India.