How Filipina baddies sparked TikTok’s “Bebot” makeup movement

If there’s one thing we can agree on about TikTok trends, it’s that they’re gloriously unpredictable. One week, everyone’s “becoming Chinese”; the next, they’re unleashing their inner Filipino baddie with “Bebot.” But while this rising beauty movement may feel sudden, its roots are deeply nostalgic — tracing back to the noughties.

Play

In 2005, hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas released “Bebot,” an unapologetically Filipino track written by founding members apl.de.ap and will.i.am. Performed entirely in Tagalog and set against the vibrant backdrop of the Philippines, the music video didn’t just spotlight familiar sights and sounds — it proudly celebrated Pinay beauty and Pinoy culture. “Bebot,” a Filipino slang term that emerged in the 1980s, loosely translates to “babe” or “hot chick.”

Two decades later, the track has found new life as the soundtrack to a viral transformation trend. Filipina creators like Monique (@moniquelibres) and Belle Pauleen (@bellepauleen) are largely credited for reigniting its popularity. In their videos, they lip-sync to the iconic chorus before revealing a dramatic “Bebot” glow-up: matte, full-coverage base; cool-toned, smoky eyes; pale, concealer-toned lips; and ultra-thin brows — a look that channels peak 2000s beauty while celebrating Morena features.

What began as a culturally specific homage quickly evolved into a global phenomenon. Overseas creators such as Jessica Joo (@jooshica) and Jharna Bhagwani (@jharnabhagwani) have since put their own spin on the trend. 

Closer to home, Singapore influencers including Charlotte Seet (@charlotteseet) and Clara Li (@clara.slays) have also attempted their versions, proving that the “Bebot” renaissance transcends borders — even as its heart remains proudly Filipino.

Historically Accurate Bebot

Although Bebot makeup is rooted in the Y2K era, it’s not synonymous with the hyper-frosted, metallic glamour popularised by pop icons like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Instead of high-shine lids and icy gloss, Bebot beauty is noticeably more restrained — closer in spirit to the understated looks worn by regional TV starlets of the early 2000s.

Think a fully matte base that still looks skin-like, paired with soft bronzer and a subtle flush. Brows were undeniably thinner back then, but there’s no need to over-pluck for authenticity. Simply sharpen your arches with a brow pencil and use concealer to clean up and conceal stray hairs for that sleek, pared-back finish.

When it comes to the eyes, while local actresses such as Phyllis Quek and Jacelyn Tay often embraced highlighted brow bones and neutral smoky tones, Bebot eye makeup leans distinctly cooler — think greys and silvery accents that add definition without overwhelming the face.

Lips mark one of the clearest departures. Early-2000s local glamour often favoured glossy pink or reddish hues. Bebot lips, however, skew nude — beige, muted and slightly concealer-toned rather than shiny or saturated.

And of course, no Bebot transformation is complete without volume at the crown — reminiscent of the unmistakable “curry puff” fringe updo of that era. Bonus points if you finish the look with a pair of silver hoop earrings.