My FYP is particularly frosty lately: Here are the 10 essential makeup products that are taking the lead in 2026.

      It's official: We are officially saying goodbye to the ultra-clean, airbrushed makeup styles that have dominated the last few years and embracing a much more vibrant and playful aesthetic rooted in grunge, boho, and futurism, all of which flourished during the 2000s. Frosted makeup, in particular, has been gaining popularity on TikTok among Gen Z, with celebrities like Zara Larsson, Rhea Raj, and the members of Katseye jumping on the trend with a flair for the dramatic and colorful. As someone in my twenties who was fortunate to experience Y2K beauty trends from a child's perspective, I am thrilled to revisit them in adulthood. Below, I will delve into the origins of frosted makeup, guided by a makeup artist who has created numerous looks inspired by this trend. Keep reading to discover the background of this trend, tips on how to achieve it, and the best products to use.

      Why are frosted makeup looks becoming popular?

      Celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno explains that the recent surge in interest in frosted makeup looks reflects the cycles of beauty trends and serves as a reaction against the minimal clean beauty styles that have dominated the market and social media in recent years. "People are seeking something more playful, and frosted textures capture this mood perfectly," Briceno notes. "They reflect light, photograph beautifully, and don’t require complex techniques." While the trend is inspired by Y2K influences, he elaborates that today's interpretation of frosted makeup is "more refined and offers a more inclusive understanding of skin tones." He also points out that the younger generation didn't experience this era the first time around, making the frosted colors and textures feel fresh again, which he describes as particularly appealing in today's visual culture.

      How can I create a modern version of frosted makeup?

      If you're wondering how to achieve a frosted makeup look, Briceno emphasizes the importance of balance. He starts with skin that appears fresh and breathable, so the frosted effect "feels more intentional and modern rather than dated." For striking icy eye looks, Briceno prefers to press sheer metallic and pearlescent shadows into the center of the lid or inner corners to create the icy Y2K effect without overwhelming the eyes. "The choice of shades is crucial—cool taupe, rose gold, soft bronze, and iridescent lavender tend to work well across various skin tones because they have depth," he advises. For lips, he suggests layering a sheer frosted gloss over a neutral lip color for a contemporary look, moving away from the opaque pastel frosts popular in the 2000s. "For highlighter, keep the placement refined on the high points of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and possibly the brow bone," adds Briceno. He emphasizes that the final frosted makeup look should be luminous rather than glittery.

      What’s the best approach to evoke Y2K makeup inspiration?

      With the knowledge of how to create frosted makeup looks favored by the fashion crowd, Briceno encourages thinking of Y2K references as inspiration rather than a strict replication. The goal is a modern reinterpretation incorporating intentional, recognizable elements. "The original era often featured multiple frosted elements at full intensity: icy eyes, metallic lips, and heavy shimmer all at once," he explains. "In today's modern version, I typically select one frosted element as the focal point." For instance, if the eyes are icy and shiny, he prefers to keep the lips soft and glossy. Conversely, if the lips are frosted, he simplifies the eye makeup.

      Briceno also highlights the importance of product texture, stating that frost looks best when the skin underneath is well-prepped, ensuring it is smooth and hydrated for makeup application. "Proper skin preparation and applying thin layers of makeup make reflective finishes appear intentional rather than powdery," he advises. Moreover, pressing shimmers onto the lid with a fingertip or a dense brush gives the final frosted makeup a polished finish.

      Shop This Year's Frosted Makeup Essentials

      MAC Cosmetics

      Dazzleshadow Extreme Eyeshadow in Incinerated

      This long-lasting eyeshadow from MAC Cosmetics provides a wet-like metallic effect with a lightweight texture that glides smoothly onto the skin. Its unique formula features light-catching pearlescent pigments. "These shadows have a very refined, reflective texture that gives them an icy, Y2K sparkle without looking chunky or glittery. They catch light beautifully and can be applied sheer or built up for greater impact," Briceno states.

      Anastasia Beverly Hills

      Glidr Shadow Stick in Star

      Available in 25 metallic, shimmer, and matte finishes, this eyeshadow from Anastasia Beverly Hills offers bold color for defining and sculpting the eyes. Its long-wearing formula promises 12 hours of water-resistant, smudge-proof, non-flaking wear with high-impact pigments. I’m already planning to wear this to