The Controversial Lipstick Trend Celebrities Are Suddenly Into Again

Trends come and go, and typically, today's trends reflect what was popular around 20 years ago. With the rise of Y2K fashion—we see you, low-rise jeans—it only makes sense that we're also starting to see some early 2000s makeup trends appearing on our social feeds.

One trend that we're seeing everywhere right now is a controversial one. Frosted lipstick is officially having a moment, seen on many celebrities this year. What's more, with the popularity of the Pam & Tommy series, we're reminded of Pamela Anderson's iconic frosted-lipstick looks, and so many celebrity makeup artists are bringing it back for today's red carpets. Both Zendaya and Beyoncé wore frosted lipstick for their recent Vogue Italia and British Vogue covers. However, if you're anything like me, it might bring back makeup nightmares. I remember buying frosted lipsticks that felt chalky, dragged on the lips and had way too much glitter. Is it just me, or were they always just a bit too pale, too?

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929702235-image

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Thankfully, this time around, the frosted-lipstick trend is subtler and more wearable. Not to mention that the chalky, glitter-heavy formulas have been left in the late '90s and early 2000s in favour of more sophisticated formulas, says beauty expert and co-founder of OPV Beauty Opeyemi Adeyemo. "Today's frosted lipsticks have newer, duo-chromed pigments that have better light reflectivity. They've also been adapted to be hydrating on lips, long-lasting and smudge-proof, making this trend wearable for a night out or a casual lunch," she says. 

Ahead, we round up some of the best celebrity frosted-lipstick trends as well as the best frosted lipsticks to try right now.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929709234-image

(Image credit: @lupitanyongo)

For Lupita Nyong'o's Oscars look, makeup artist Nick Barose used a matte brick lipstick before applying an early 2000s favourite, Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Hallucination, to the middle of the lips for a frosted finish.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929704031-image

(Image credit: @nikki_makeup)

As Jessica Biel demonstrates, the frosted-lipstick trend can look subtle and understated. Makeup artist Nikki Wolff created this pink frosted lip look for Biel when she attended Dior's menswear show in Paris recently.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929703319-image

(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Makeup artist Hung Vanngo created this subtle peach frosted lip on Jodie Smith.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929704585-image

(Image credit: @nikki_makeup)

For a subtler take on the frosted-lipstick shade, a sheer metallic lipstick looks great on top of your usual lipstick. We're obsessed with model Elsa Hosk's lipstick here.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929705261-image

(Image credit: @maryphillips)

This nude frosted lip on Kendall Jenner has subtle metallic tones, which make it very wearable.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929705798-image

(Image credit: @maryphillips)

We're saving this frosted-lip look worn by Maren Morris.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1656929707003-image

(Image credit: @ninapark)

A metallic lipstick makes lips look full and plump. Try patting it on to the middle of the lips for a modern take on the trend.

frosted-lipstick-300917-1657018639854-image

(Image credit: @lizzobeeating)

Lizzo always delivers a great makeup look, and her glittery, frosted lips haven't gone unnoticed. 

frosted-lipstick-300917-1657018641036-image

(Image credit: @ashleygraham)

We're here for Ashley Graham's nude lipstick with subtle flecks of gold.

Up Next, Trust Me—You'll Want in on These Autumn/Winter 2022 Makeup Trends

Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor of Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.

Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards and also contributed to Powder, winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards for her work in beauty journalism.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.

When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner.