Nothing drives makeup trends quite like nostalgia. The thin brows of the ‘90s, bold eyeshadows of the ’80s and 1970s disco-inspired looks have all made their way back into routines at some point. But the latest revival digs even deeper into the archives, unearthing a Y2K staple: frosted pink lips. That’s right—the frosty, light rose-toned pout is in its 2.0 era, thriving thanks to TikTok.
If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember that shimmery pink lips were signature to celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton in the early 2000s. This time around, the resurgence hinges on one product: L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Lipstick in Ballerina Shoes ($12.50). After a TikTok review of the lipstick went viral, it began selling out nationwide, turning the revival into a full-blown trend.
To break down the trend, we spoke with two makeup artists. Ahead, they share the modern approach—and how to make frosted pink lips work on every complexion.
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The Frosted Pink Lips Trend
There’s a good chance you’ve already come across it on your feed. Whether under the hashtag ballerina slipper lips or ballet slipper lips, the trend has amassed millions of views—and continues to climb. While the look is rooted in nostalgia (even down to the lipstick), today’s iteration feels decidedly more modern. “In previous decades, the frost element was the focal point of the makeup look,” says New York–based makeup artist Ashley Rebecca. Back then, it centered on metallic and glitter-heavy finishes, but as she explains, that’s not the case this time around.
Instead of simply swiping the bullet onto bare lips, the shade is now paired with lip liners and glosses to refine the finish. “It’s all about adding dimension. By pairing a pearly pink lipstick with a nude liner, you can create a subtle ombré effect that feels modern,” says Victoria. The frost is still essential, but it’s more elevated. “Think a soft pink with a nice holographic sheen or shimmer,” Rebecca adds.
How to Wear Frosted Pink Lips
To truly master this trend, you’ll want to have a comprehensive makeup look. “A soft glam approach is one of the best for frosted pink lips. It allows the shimmer in the lipstick to shine without overpowering the rest of your makeup,” says Victoria. She recommends keeping the skin fresh and using neutral tones across the face and eyes to balance out the frosted effect. Monochromatic makeup is also a good pairing if you prefer a bolder aesthetic. “Adding a touch of shimmer to the eyelids doubles down on the trend. It’s best to lean in with a soft pink tone rather than a vibrant one,” says Rebecca.
Finding the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
Undertones are essential when choosing the right lipstick—and that’s especially true for this trend. Frosted pink lips can flatter every complexion, but the wrong shade can quickly throw the look off. “You want to look for a shade that enhances, not fights against, your complexion,” says Victoria. “When the undertone complements your complexion, the shimmer adds dimension and brightness rather than overpowering the look.”
So how do you spot undertones in a frosted formula? The pros have a few tricks. Start with the shade name. Words like rose, mauve or caramel can hint at how warm or cool the color will be. According to Victoria, baby pinks tend to lean cool, while peach-tinted hues skew warmer. You can also assess your own undertone by looking at the inside of your wrist. “Bluish veins tend to be cool-toned, green is warm, and if you have a mix of both blue and green veins, you can fall under the neutral category,” Rebecca explains.
Frosted Pink Lipsticks to Try
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