The 10 Best Frosted Lipsticks Are Making My ‘90s It-Girl Dreams Come True
It's even better the second time around.
A perfumer told me something once, and it stuck with me: Never write off a perfume note. Her reasoning was that you never know how different noses can interpret a scent, and your taste can also change as you evolve. It’s a philosophy I’ve started applying to all areas of my beauty routine; more specifically, when it comes to lip products. While I love a good lip combination—lip liner, lipstick, gloss, the works—I have always steered clear of frosted lipsticks...until now.
Chalk it up to maturity or the fact that Rihanna wore a stunning frosted lip of her own at the 2026 Met Gala, but there is something about a slightly more metallic-tinted formula that has just really been doing it for me lately. The shimmer in each lipstick is a fantastic way to add dimension to a lip combination without having to layer four or five products, and there are some incredible shades available on the market. Plus, if you’re a fan of the grungy makeup trend from the early aughts that’s making a comeback, a frosted lipstick should be a staple in your collection by now.
"Frosted lipsticks have made a major resurgence, since everyone is paying homage to the '90s and all things Y2K," celebrity makeup artist, Theo Turner, tells me. "I’m loving the new modern take on the trend, too. Opaque, metallic finishes have given way to lighter, more hydrating finishes with glass-like shine to match the ongoing minimalistic, glass skin trends that are also happening in conjunction."
If you’re anything like I used to be, the idea of a frosted lip may still make you shake in your boots. But don’t fret—the shades of today are much more dynamic than the ones in the past, plus there are so many other formulas that you can mix with them to get the perfect color of your dreams. Think of the list below as me holding your hand on your next shopping trip so that we can find you the perfect frost lipstick as a team. Don’t worry, we’re in this together.
The Drugstore Ones
Whether you’re a tried-and-true fan of frosted lipsticks or are just getting into them, the drugstore has tons of options for you to get the look without breaking the bank.
Revlon’s Skyline Pink is the perfect pinky nude to safely get into your frosted lipstick journey. The shade is stunning by itself, but when paired with a clear gloss? It’s like your lips double in size.
CoverGirl's Continuous Color Lipstick in Sugar Almond is another gorgeous pink that looks good on pretty much everybody, and the best part? It’s under $6.
Wet n’ Wild’s Silk Finish line has quite a few frosted lipsticks to choose from, but the shade Dark Pink Frost feels the most wearable to me. Still, if you want to emulate that Rihanna Met Gala moment, the color Breeze is also a fantastic option for a more bronzed hue.
L’Oréal’s Colour Riche line is a classic, so of course there are some stunning frost shades to choose from. Deeper skin tones who want a neutral color can opt for Mica, described as a frosted plum-pink, but seriously, there are so many you can find whatever hue that best fits your mood.
The High-End Ones
Of course, some of the most storied high-end and luxury brands also have their fair share of frost lipstick. Ahead are some of my favorites.
MAC’s Gel is a beige-toned metallic shade that looks good on everyone. Plus, it builds on itself beautifully, so whether you want a sheer wash of color or a full-on reflective lip, there’s room to play to get the result you desire.
If you want a true frosted, metallic lip that doesn’t skimp on pigment and is transferproof, Danessa Myricks’s Colorfix Liquid Metals should already be in your shopping cart. The cream pigment can be used on the eyes, lips, face, and body, and once it sets, it doesn’t move, flake, transfer, or budge.
Want the shine of a frost lipstick with just a hint of color? This balmy formula does just that, in a universally flattering warm pink hue that will make you feel like the main character wherever you go.
Another hidden gem is Isamaya’s Lip Metal. While this formula is marketed as a balm, it’s extremely pigmented, so if you’re new to frosted lips, use a light hand. That being said, there is a fantastic range of shades to choose from, including bronzes, golds, and even corals.
One of my favorite recent launches from MAC is the Dazzle Lip Crayons. The formula is reminiscent of a balm and lipstick hybrid, but the product comes in incredibly wearable shades like taupe, pink, beige, and more. There’s even a clear one that just provides a wash of gold pearl. It’s genius.
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Meet the Expert
Theo Turner is a makeup artist and content creator.
