Makeup trends are always cycling through nostalgia and reinvention, and one look gaining chatter lately is frosted makeup—a shimmering, cool-toned aesthetic that dominated beauty in the ’90s and early 2000s and is now resurfacing with renewed energy.
Unlike matte or super-dewy finishes that have ruled the past decade, frosted makeup emphasizes icy, reflective eyeshadows, glossy or metallic lips, and pearlescent highlights that evoke a retro-futuristic vibe. This style blends nostalgia with a modern twist, featuring cool shades like silver, lavender, and mint that give a bold yet playful shimmer to the face.
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What Is The Frosty Makeup Trend?
Now, pop star and Maybelline global ambassador Miley Cyrus says she’d love to see frosted makeup make an even bigger comeback. In a new interview with Marie Claire, Cyrus shared her love for retro beauty influences and specifically called out frosty eyeshadow as a fun, expressive trend she’s excited to revisit—a nod to vintage glam with a 2026 twist.
Why It’s Coming Back in 2026
As beauty trends continue to recycle nostalgic aesthetics, frosted makeup fits perfectly into the current revival of Y2K and retro glam. With fashion embracing metallics, low-rise silhouettes, and futuristic textures again, makeup is following suit. Celebrities like Cyrus and beauty influencers on TikTok are proving that shine and shimmer don’t have to feel dated when worn with confidence and a modern touch.
How to Wear the Trend Today
In the interview with Marie Claire, the singer explained why the frosted look still resonates with her today. “I love metallic, shiny, and chrome looks. When I was younger, I was very into frosty eyeshadow,” she said. “I like to have fun and layer all the eyeshadow colors I wear and make it all my own, whether it's how I'm lining my eyes or what I'm putting in the middle of my eyelids. I feel like I can make it really dimensional, which is something I love about ‘90s and early 2000s beauty. It always felt like people wore multiple eyeshadows to make one very dimensional look.”
To recreate the trend now, makeup artists suggest keeping skin fresh and minimal while letting the eyes—or lips—do the talking. Layering shimmery shades, adding a pop of chrome to the center of the lid, or pairing frosted shadow with modern eyeliner techniques can make the look feel current rather than costume-like.
