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Styled Archives: MENA Celebs in Y2K Khaleeji Makeup

The Y2K Khaleeji drift style defined MENA pop glamour, thin brows, metallic lids, and unapologetic, shimmery eyes.

Raneem Maaly
Feb 12, 2026
Styled Archives: MENA Celebs in Y2K Khaleeji Makeup

Think Iraqi pop on your headphones and Khaleeji drift edits playing on your BBM - this was the soundtrack to early - 2000s MENA glamour. Razor-thin brows, metallic lids, dramatic eyeshadow, and heavy shimmer defined the era, making every press appearance or music video a statement in maximalist beauty. The Y2K Khaleeji drift style wasn’t subtle - it was bold, unapologetic, and instantly recognizable.

From Beirut to Dubai, pop icons embraced full coverage, shimmery lids, and daring color combos. Every flick of the eyelid, every shimmer hit the camera just right. Today, these looks live on in photographs, a vivid reminder of a moment when eyes - and only eyes - were the main event.

Jenny Esber | 2002

Metallic silver lids, pink lips, and impossibly thin brows against a bright blue turtleneck. Jenny’s look balanced futuristic shine with early-2000s pop polish.

Elissa | 2003

Smokey eyes maxed out in purple, black, and silver shimmer, finished with a white waterline. Elissa’s makeup was dramatic, daring, and utterly memorable.

Nancy Ajram | 2003

Green smokey eyes, pink lips, and straight bangs. Nancy’s look was playful, shimmery, and instantly iconic.

Marwa | 2004

Caked foundation, extreme eyeshadow, and practically conceptual brows. Paired with a jingling belly-dancer outfit, Marwa’s style was loud and playful.

Haifa Wehbe | 2005

Deep smokey eyes, ultra-thin brows, and red nails. Haifa’s look was full-glam, embodying early-2000s Khaleeji makeup at its most striking.

Ahlam | 2005

Shimmery light-blue lids, minimal brows, and a classic lip combo. Ahlam proved Khaleeji glam could glow subtly while remaining bold.

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