Frosted Makeup Returns to Spotlight as Celebs Showcase Shimmering Holiday Looks

Zendema’s Icy Glam Sets the Tone

The frosted makeup trend, popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is back in full force for the 2026 holiday season. Stars such as Zendema, Jennifer Lopez and Florence Pugh have been spotted wearing icy highlights, glittery lids and frosted lips at recent events, sparking a wave of copy‑cat looks across social media. The resurgence coincides with colder weather and a collective desire for festive, eye‑catching glamour.

Industry insiders say the revival began quietly on TikTok, where makeup artists experimented with pearl‑infused pigments. By early winter, the aesthetic had migrated to red‑carpet events and high‑profile press appearances. The trend’s appeal lies in its ability to add a luminous, youthful sheen without overwhelming the wearer. Brands have responded by launching limited‑edition frosted palettes, and retailers report a 27 % increase in sales of shimmer‑based products compared with the same period last year.

Why Are Fans Turning to Frosted Makeup?

Zendema debuted the look at a charity gala in New York, pairing a silver‑toned eyeshadow with a subtle frosted highlighter across her cheekbones. „I wanted something that felt festive but still fresh,” she told interviewers backstage. Her makeup artist, Maya Torres, explained that the key was layering a translucent pearl gloss over a matte base to achieve depth without looking heavy. The result was a radiant glow that caught the flash of cameras and quickly became a viral moment on Instagram, garnering over three million likes.

The question on many beauty forums is why the frosted trend resonates now more than a decade after its heyday. Psychologists suggest that the shimmering effect mimics natural winter light, offering a comforting visual cue during short, dark days. Additionally, the pandemic‑era shift toward at‑home self‑care has made subtle, luminous makeup more appealing than bold, dramatic statements. Retail data supports this, showing a spike in purchases of highlighters and metallic lip stains among women aged 18‑34.

Florence Pugh’s Holiday Twist: Frost Meets Color

At a recent film premiere, Florence Pugh added a pop of color to the frosted formula, applying a lavender‑hued frosted lip gloss over a classic silver eye look. „I love the idea of mixing the old school sparkle with something unexpected,” she said in a post‑event interview. Makeup director Liam Chen noted that the combination of pastel tones with reflective particles creates a multidimensional effect, making the skin appear smoother and more luminous. Fans praised the look for its originality, prompting several beauty influencers to recreate the style using affordable drugstore products.

Will Frosted Makeup Remain a Seasonal Fad?

Analysts predict the frosted aesthetic could extend beyond the holiday window. Seasonal trends often evolve into year‑round staples when they adapt to broader palettes and everyday wearability. Brands are already testing softer, neutral frosted finishes for daytime use, suggesting a potential shift from party‑only to daily routine. If consumer enthusiasm persists, the frosted look may become a defining feature of 2026’s beauty landscape, influencing everything from runway shows to street‑style photography.

How can I achieve a frosted look without looking overdone? Start with a matte base, then apply a sheer pearl gloss or highlighter to the high points of your face. Keep the intensity low and blend well for a subtle sheen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which products work best for a beginner’s frosted makeup? Look for highlighters with fine mica particles and lip glosses that contain a hint of shimmer. Brands like Luminous Glow and Frosted Kiss offer beginner‑friendly kits.

Is frosted makeup suitable for all skin tones? Yes, when you choose shades that complement your undertone—cool silvers for fair skin, rose‑gold for medium tones, and deep bronze for darker complexions—the frosted effect enhances rather than clashes.