An Expert Breaks Down TikTok's Top Throwback Makeup Trend

It’s official: We’ve finally begun saying our goodbyes to the ultra-clean, airbrushed makeup looks of the past couple of years and returned to our much more colorful and playful roots of grunge, boho, and futurism (all of which thrived throughout the 2000s). Frosted makeup, in particular, has been gaining traction on TikTok amongst Gen Z with celebrities like Zara Larsson to Rhea Raj and the members of Katseye hopping onto the trend with a flair for the dramatic and all things colorful. As a 20-something who was lucky enough to have experienced Y2K beauty trends like this one from the eyes of a child, I’m more than excited to revisit it in my adult years.

Below, I’m exploring the roots of frosted makeup with the guidance of a makeup artist who has created countless looks that tapped into the trend. Keep reading for intel on where this trend came from, the tips and tricks on how to create it, the best products for the job.

Why are frosted makeup looks on the rise?

According to celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno, the seemingly sudden interest in frosted makeup looks are reflective of the beauty trend cycles and a reaction to the minimal clean beauty trends that dominated the beauty market and social media platforms over the past few years. “People want something more playful, and frosted textures capture this mood very well,” Briceno begins. “They reflect light, photograph beautifully, and don’t require complicated techniques.”

While the trend draws from Y2K influences, he explains that today’s take on the frosted makeup is, “more refined and offers a more inclusive understanding of skin tones.” He also highlights the fact that the younger generation of consumers didn’t experience the era the first time around, allowing the frosted colors and textures to feel new again (which he describes as especially appealing in today’s visual culture).

Zara Larsson wearing frosted makeup by Sophia Sinot

How can I create a modern take on frosted makeup?

Wondering what the best way to create a frosted makeup look is? Briceno likes to build his around balance. He begins with skin that looks fresh and breathable, so the frosted effect, “feels more intention and modern, rather than dates.” To create memorable, icy eye looks, Briceno likes to press sheer metallic and pearlescent shadows into the center of the lid or inner corner to create the icy, Y2K effect without overwhelming the eye. “The shade choice matters—cool taupe, rose gold, soft bronze, and iridescent lavender tend to work across many skin tones because they have depth,” he says.

For the lips, Briceno recommends using a sheer frosted glass layered over a neutral lip color for a modern appearance, rather than the more opaque, pastel frosts that were so popular throughout the 2000s. “For highlighter, keep the placement refined [on] high points of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and maybe the brow bone,” adds Briceno. He shares that the finished frosted makeup look should be luminous instead of glittery.

What’s the best way to tap into Y2K makeup inspiration?

Now that you know how to create the frosted makeup looks that have been embraced by the fashion crowd, Briceno advises thinking of Y2K references as inspiration and not a strict recreation. The goal? A modern reinterpretation using intentional, recognizable details. “The original era often stacked multiple frosted elements at full intensity: icy eyes, metallic lips, and heavy shimmer all at once,” he continues. “In today’s modern version, I usually choose one frosted element as the focus.” For example, if the eyes are icy and reflective, he prefers to keep the lips soft and glossy. Alternately, if the lips are frosted, he simplifies the eyes.

Briceno also encourages paying attention the the texture of your chosen products, since frost works best when the skin underneath is prepped so that it’s smooth and hydrated to receive makeup. “Proper skin prep and thin layers of makeup make reflective finishes look intentional rather than powdery,” he says. Additionally, pressing shimmering onto the lid with a fingertip or a dense brush leaves the finished, frosted makeup refined.