Famously, the ‘90s had no shortage of high-fashion moments. Picture: leggy, Versace-clad supermodels lip-synching to George Michael’s hit song Freedom! '90. But there were even bigger beauty moments, too. With individuality in full bloom, the woman of the ‘90s took to the streets with a sooty waterline, pencil thin eyebrows and an unapologetically bouncy blowout. As for her pout? Shimmering, heavily lined and frosty.
It's the kind of lip look that oozed instant sexiness. So, it’s no wonder that it was sported by a crop of the decade’s most glamorous. Think Kate Moss, Pamela Anderson and Naomi Campbell, just to name a few. Think: frosted lips in all their ice-flecked, metallic glory. And they're back. In its first-ever Beauty Trend Report, Pinterest note searches for 'frosted makeup' are up 286% across the platform.
‘The ‘90s frosted lip trend was the first wave of sexy glam that was cold and pale,’ says renowned make-up artist and Grazia Beauty Panellist Lan Nguyen-Grealis. ‘Think, muted tones but still pretty. The sparkly touch on the lips elevated the pout, while the frosted pink lip was fun and perfect for bringing that Barbie doll look into a modern era especially against pared-back skin and flushed cheeks.’
The icy lip look has, of course, not lost its appeal. On Sunday, as the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Showreturned to our screens, Angels walked the runway with glowing lips. While some looks featured a glossy taupe-brown finish, others appeared to lean more into the ‘90s lustrous pout. Take model Candice Swanepoel, clad in blush pink lace, who returned to the runway with glazed, frosted lips lending a contemporary edge to the beauty trend.
Beyond the catwalk, the trend has seen a resurgence on beauty shelves, too. Most recently, MAC Cosmetics brought back its Frost Lipstick range, introducing ten new shades of semi-lustrous, pearlescent pigments. The ultra-moisturising formula glides smoothly onto the lips, instantly coating them with a veil of that iconic frosty sheen.
The lipsticks are a fast track to that ‘90s finish. According to Nguyen-Grealis, you should avoid the glittery frosting type of formulas as these often don't feel comfortable and could, at times, feel as if you are eating glitter. ‘Unlike the heavy metal formulas of the past, use more pearlescent and softer shades that look more flattering,’ she adds.
Of course, beauty lies in the prep. ‘Hydrate and smooth lips, use a taupe, pink or rose-toned liner and stain similar to the natural tones of the lips. Then, simply apply a pearl shimmer or a frosted pink shade to the centre. For a shiny plump finish, glaze on a little balm or gloss.’ Noted.
Inject some pizzazz by pairing your shimmering pout with beautiful dewy skin. In other words, take a ‘less is more’ approach, as per Nguyen-Grealis advice. Her final words of '90s wisdom? ‘Use soft tones and avoid dense application so it doesn’t crumble or cake. The idea is to create the shape and enhance the natural volume of the lips with control and dimension.’
Our verdict? With temperature drops and dark mornings ahead, this frosty pout might just be exactly what you need to spark some joy.
Shop: The best lip buys to recreate '90s frosted lips
MAC Cosmetics Frost Lipstick In Bombshell
This buildable lipstick applies onto the lips with ease, leaving behind a lustrous veil of moisture.
22
Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Cream in Moi-Moi-Moi
Enriched with a blend of rose oils and hyaluronic acid, this creamy lipstick boosts lips with up to 18 hours of hydration. Plus, the pearlescent pigments leave behind a high-shine finish that catches the light beautifully.
36
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Shine Sparkling Pink
Infused with the brand's Hydraboost Complex, nourishing shea butter, and Oleoactive, an oil with antioxidant properties, this lip balm cares for lips from within. With amplified shine, the pigment delivers an ultra-shiny finish that helps you achieve a sought-after '90s frosted pout.
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Maria Papakleanthous is Grazia’s beauty assistant. Originally from Cyprus, she moved to London to chase her dream of working in magazine journalism. At Grazia, Maria writes about the newest beauty launches, wellness trends and everything designed to help you look and feel your best self. Follow her on Instagram @mariapapakleanthous
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