Frosted 2000s Lips Are Back: How To Get The Look
People are feeling nostalgic. Many of us are yearning for the wholesome, analog years of our youth, when conversations were clear of smartphone interruptions and tables were dressed with unprocessed foods.
More and more, we're looking to the past and seeking to revive our favorite aspects. Fashion and beauty trends are not immune to this particular brand of homesickness.
In the past twelve months, the style industry has seen a surge in returning trends. Some of the most talked-about in fashion have included skinny jeans, UGG boots, slip dresses, flannel, and argyle. We have also seen brands capitalizing on these feelings of nostalgia, bringing back iconic favorites via archive collections inspired by the early 2000s. As a Millennial myself, I'll admit these launches have brought me more joy than they probably should have.
While beauty trends tend to be more subtle and, as a result, trickier to put your finger on, there is an obvious comeback you're about to see everywhere, from runways to your FYP. Buckle up, ladies. The frosted lip is back.
What Are Frosted Lips?
I'll begin with a confession: I sometimes view beauty as a landscape more intimidating than corporate America. With all the industry jargon, particularities, and rules that come with doing a routine “right,” and the bombardment of shopping options, it's easy to feel lost. Half the time I see a new, trending beauty hack or style, I mentally resign before laying eyes on even a single tutorial.
The good news, if you're like me, is that frosted lips are a trend that is as straightforward as it sounds. Lips that are made to look, you guessed it, frosted. Think shimmery, glitter-dusted, pearlescent puckers. Easy to understand and just as easy to execute.
History of the Frosted Lip Look
Just like some of our other favorite recent comebacks, frosted lips have a close association with the ’90s and early 2000s. Think classic Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, and Pamela Anderson. A little bit flirty, a little bit dewy, and a whole lot nostalgic.
Looking past Y2K, frosted lips have vintage roots. In 1953, the iconic Marilyn Monroe rocked a frosted lip in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Similarly, Elizabeth Taylor is known for having donned a pink frosted lip for the film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. In both instances, the styling was strategic. The shimmery lip popped particularly well in technicolor, ultimately giving these bombshells an overall feminine glow.
Consider me sold.
Maximalism Is Back
Frankly, it's no surprise the frosted lip has made a comeback. The year may have just begun, but 2026 is already shaping up to be a great time for maximalists. Fashion girls are finally tired of neutral, cool-girl capsule wardrobes and are eager to create wardrobes and daily dressing routines that feel more interesting. It-girls are going bigger and bolder than they have in years past.
While a striking, matte lip is sexy and classic, I know I'm personally feeling inspired to venture outside my comfort zone and try something a bit more intriguing. Frosted lips are playful, vibrant, and on par with society’s recent obsession with all things girlhood. The look is also eye-catching without feeling too dramatic or unsuitable for everyday routines.
How to Achieve a Frosted Lip Look
When it comes to creating a frosted lip, there are two main techniques. The first comes down to four steps and allows you to use the solid, not-so-glittery lipsticks you may already have on hand:
Prep your lips with a hydrating lip balm. This is the trick to any well-executed lip routine.
Outline your lips with lip liner. Choose a shade darker than your lipstick color to create contrast.
Fill your lips with a base color lipstick.
Add the frost by dabbing on a touch of your favorite eyeshadow or highlighter. Alternatively, you can add a swipe of frosted lipstick or gloss. For a true ’90s aesthetic, dab the shimmer in the middle of your lips and softly blend outward. This will create an ombré effect.
If you're looking to cut out the third step and keep it as simple as possible, the second technique involves using a designated frosted lipstick in step three and cutting out step four. Half Magic’s Crystal Butter Lip Balm is an internet favorite for this routine.
Prep your lips.
Outline your lips.
Fill your lips with a frosted lipstick or frosted lip gloss.
When choosing colors, know that both techniques work across the spectrum, from pop star pink to warm, neutral brown. Feel empowered to pick shades by personal preference and mood. Just be sure your lip liner and lipstick are cohesive.
Favorite Frosted Lip Products
Achieving a frosted lip is truly quite simple, and even easier if you have the right products in your arsenal. Shop these lip liners and sparkle-laden lipsticks and glosses to create the perfect frosted lip: