Who knew that apl.de.ap and will.i.am’s “Bebot” would still resonate globally 20 years later? Beyond its unapologetically Filipino vibe, beauty creators are reviving 2006 with three distinct throwback looks. One of which is Bebot makeup, which has gone viral on social media, and is even catching the attention of international audiences.
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Ikaw ang Aking Bebot
Inspired by Y2K trends, the “historically accurate” Bebot features thin brows, cool-toned grey-silver eyes, a matte base, and an almost-ashy whitecast under the eyes, accented with blush, bronzer, and glistening lip gloss over nude lipstick. The kicker? Voluminous poofed hair, oversized hoop earrings, and a playful smack of gum.
Sayaw Kikay, Sayaw Kikay
In contrast to the bold Bebot, the Kikay celebrates softness and unapologetic femininity. Think bubblegum pink gloss, a wash of pink on the eyelids, and babydoll cheeks. Bonus points for a floral top and a magazine tucked in your bag, all while Viva Hotebabes’ “Sayaw Kikay” plays in the background.
Minsan Lang Makahanap ng Isang Kakaibabe
Finally, there’s Donnalyn Bartolome’s “Kakaibabe.” Though the song debuted in 2014, it perfectly captures a style for Filipino women centered on minimal, clean, yet elevated and classy makeup. Think shimmering inner corners, cat-eye liner, tinted lips, and soft-focus blush.
So, which one are you?
Featured Image and Photos: MARIS RACAL, BIANCA FERRO, JAKE GALVEZ (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
Bebot makeup is a Y2K-inspired Filipino beauty trend that has gone viral on social media, drawing international attention. The look features thin brows, cool-toned grey-silver eyeshadow, a matte base with an ashy under-eye finish, blush, bronzer, glossy nude lips, and voluminous poofed hair — inspired by the 2006 aesthetic of apl.de.ap and will.i.am’s song “Bebot.”
Kikay makeup is a soft, unapologetically feminine Filipino beauty look characterized by bubblegum pink lip gloss, a wash of pink on the eyelids, and babydoll blush. The aesthetic is styled with floral clothing and captures the playful, girly energy associated with the Viva Hotbabes song “Sayaw Kikay.”
Kakaibabe makeup is a clean, elevated, and classy Filipino beauty trend inspired by Donnalyn Bartolome’s 2014 song “Kakaibabe.” The look features shimmering inner corners, cat-eye liner, tinted lips, and soft-focus blush — minimal in effort but polished in finish, representing a more refined take on Filipino femininity.
Bebot makeup has gained international traction as part of a broader Y2K beauty revival, with beauty creators on TikTok and Instagram recreating the early 2000s Filipino aesthetic. Its distinctly local references — from the Black Eyed Peas’ “Bebot” to the specific cool-toned, whitecast finish — have made it a culturally specific trend that stands out in a sea of generic Y2K looks.
The three trends represent distinct Filipina beauty personalities: Bebot is bold and Y2K-coded with cool tones, thin brows, and a matte ashy finish; Kikay is soft and feminine with pink tones, gloss, and babydoll cheeks; and Kakaibabe is minimal and elevated — clean liner, shimmer, and tinted lips for a polished, classy result. Each draws from a different era and cultural reference point in Filipino pop music history.
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