From lips to lids, shimmer is in. Much of the glitter of the moment tends toward exaggeration, from gem-encrusted eyes and lips (think: the glam that accompanied Gaultierâs spring 2024 couture collection) to more everyday decorative facial embellishments (diamante additions placed along a lash line and the like). But those who prefer a shimmering detail that makes a statement through subtlety will be pleased to know that the frosted lip, a visual ode to retro-futurism, is set to be one of the yearâs more prevalent makeup trends.
âI love a frosted lip look and Iâve done so many recently,â says makeup artist Omayma Ramzy. âFrosted lips make me think of going out, getting dressed upâof making getting ready fun, playful, and flirty. Itâs a great way to elevate a lip look and make it less serious, but still so put together and elevated.â This lip packs some major pop-star appeal, a pull of the youthful whimsy that infused the early-aughts. But while the refractive application may provide an instant visual channel to Y2K, but its origins date back to the 1960s. âIconic figures like Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick epitomized the spirit of the ’60s with frosted lips, evoking words such as âmod,â âchic,â and âfuturistic.ââ says makeup artist Benjamin Puckey. âThese elements perfectly capture the essence of the 1960s fashion and beauty revolution.â Moving into the â70s, the cool-toned shimmering lips went bronze and brick, and leaned both bohemian and Disco decadent depending on the context.
In the present tense, frosted lips can be carried off in any color and lend to as much of a look as youâd like. âTo give the frosted lip a modern touch, focus on a more muted and wearable shimmer,â Puckey recommends, along with a prioritization of soft pastels or warm earthy tones, and a frosting that operates as an accent rather than a feature. âOpt for a diffused application, concentrating on the center of the lips for a gradient effect.â
Both shimmer-infused lip products, pressings of preferred eyeshadows, or even highlighter can be used to achieve an individualized frosted momentâbut either way, prep is essential. âAchieving the perfect frosted lip involves careful application,â says Puckey. âStart with a hydrating lip balm to create a smooth canvas.â Level up your warm-toned frosted lips with a swirl of warming bronzer, or accompany a cooler lip with defined lashes and a swing of liner. âIt’s a delicate dance between the chic simplicity of the ’60s and the free-spirited glamour of the ’70s.â
Another option? Go full 2024 and ditch the drawing board entirely. âI think the fashion world today is all about the weirder the betterâI would even go as far as to say ugly beauty is in,â muses makeup artist Alexandra French. She suggests stripping the face of strong features (aka blocking brows), ditching mascara, and allowing all focus to fall on your frosty pout.