Frosted Lips Are the Nostalgic Makeup Trend You’ll See at Every Holiday Party This Year

Makeup trends come and go and come right back—and when they return, they return stronger and better than ever. One trend circling back with a vengeance? Frosted lips. Whether you want to add a chill to your lipstick look or feel like going full-blown metallic, there are several ways to make the trend work for you. Ahead, we asked pro makeup artist Alex Byrne to break down the look and rounded up some of our favorite frosted lip inspo. Get ready to turn heads at every holiday party you attend.

The Trend: Where Did Frosted Lips Originate?

Byrne says frosted lips first emerged on the silver screen, worn by Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. “Going back to 1953, Marilyn Monroe’s signature red lips had a frosted glow in the iconic technicolor film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” she explains. “And in 1958, Elizabeth Taylor wore a frosted pink lip color in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The frosted texture was likely created to give the leading ladies’ glam a glow for the emerging color technology of movies.”

By the ’60s, frosted lips were spotted on famous models such as Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. “These ’50s and ’60s frosted lip moments had dense pigments that produced a heavy frost,” says Byrne. The trend also had a major moment in the 2000s, albeit they were “more subtle and sheer frosted lip looks,” she says.

The Appeal of Frosted Lips

Why choose frosted lips over other finishes and textures? It’s all about the glow. “Any glow to our skin, hair, nails, and makeup says healthy and playful,” says Byrne. Plus, the frosted lip products of today are the best yet. “With new reflective technologies and micro glitters, frosted lip colors have evolved, but the overarching appeal of light reflection on lips always lingers,” says Byrne. “Whether they’re frosted from edge to edge or the glow is placed strategically at the center, the shimmery results create dimension and fullness with a splash of glamour.”

How To Get The Look

There are a few uncomplicated ways to get in on the trend. Byrne recommends you start by looking at lipstick formulas: “The most straightforward way to get the look of frosted lips is to purchase a frosted lip color that [meets your needs]. Some people prefer hydrating lip colors, and others seek budge-proof.” Knowing what you prefer can help you pick the most suitable frosted lipstick formula. 

Have some metallic eye shadow handy? If so, consider the DIY route. “If you’re interested in giving a frosted lip look a trial run but [aren’t] ready to invest in it, apply your lip color or even just your lip liner as usual, reach for any metallic or micro glitter eye shadow, and layer it on top.”

Makeup Looks That Complement Frosted Lips

When wearing a frosted lip, Byrne recommends keeping the rest of your makeup simple: “Keep your eyes and cheeks more on the matte side of things and highlight your skin in the usual places to balance out the glow,” she says. Practice pairing a few eye shadow looks with your frosted lip color of choice and see how you feel wearing each, and as always, opt for the makeup that makes you feel your best.

Keep scrolling for all the inspiration you need to try a frosted lip look this holiday season.