Your Guide to the Frosty Makeup Renaissance

Forget everything you thought you knew about frosty makeup. The icy, shimmery look from the '90s and early-aughts is back, but it's gotten a serious glow-up. It's about strategic flashes of pearl, pewter, and platinum that make a statement without screaming “blast from the past.” It's fresh, it's fun, and it's surprisingly wearable.

Why We're Obsessed (Again)

After a long reign of no-makeup makeup, naked lashes, and bronzy skin, beauty lovers are ready to play again. Makeup artist Amrita Mehta puts it perfectly: “Frosted makeup feels fresh because it’s kind of the exact opposite.” She notes that playing with cool, icy tones nods to the '90s, but

the way frost catches the light is such a modern but understated way to add some fun to your makeup.

Fellow artist Pablo Macias echoes this sentiment, suggesting that our palettes were simply oversaturated with warm tones. “I think we've been surrounded by warm makeup for so long, bronzed skin, brown liner, warm neutrals, that seeing something icy again suddenly feels fresh,” he shares. This new iteration is far more refined. Macias aims for “one beautiful moment of light,” whether it's a silver reflection on the eyelid or a pearly inner corner.

That's what makes this frost feel truly modern.

The Ashy Myth: Busted!

One common concern, especially for those with deeper skin tones, is the dreaded “ashy” look. But Amrita Mehta confirms that frosty makeup can absolutely work on every skin tone. It's all about choosing the right shade and finish.

The secret?

Gravitate toward pigments with a translucent base instead of an opaque one.

Instead of stark, cool white, consider shades with champagne undertones.

Colored frosts like pinks, purples, and duochromes are also really versatile and work across a range of skin tones because they reflect off the skin rather than completely melting into it,

Mehta advises. These shades offer dimension and that coveted frosted effect without any chalkiness.

• Fair skin: Soft pearl, icy pink, delicate silvers.
• Medium/Olive complexions: Pewter, cool taupe, silver with a champagne undertone.
• Deeper skin: Richer metallics like platinum, gunmetal, cool bronze, or dimensional silvers without a white base.

The Power of Undertones and Layering

Forget straight-up silver. Macias loves using shades like pewter, mushroom, greige, and taupe-silver. These have a neutral or earthy base beneath the metallic finish, making them sophisticated and adaptable. “I actually think that's one of the easiest ways to make cool makeup look expensive,” he says, highlighting how a complex pigment shifts beautifully in different light.

Both Mehta and Macias stress the importance of layering. Don't just slap on that icy shade! Build a foundation first.

Macias often starts by softly sculpting the eye with a taupe or neutral tone.

This strategic approach ensures your frosty look is chic, not chilly.

So, are you ready to embrace the subtle sparkle?

Get ready to play with these cool tones and make a shimmering statement this season!