Nostalgia is leading the charge for 2026 beauty trends and, after revisiting the matte lips of 2016, we’re digging back even further in the archives. Enter “ballet-slipper” lips: cool-toned pinks and frosty finishes that are making a strong case for a Y2K beauty renaissance.

This winter, influencer Haley Sluss racked up nearly 2.5 million TikTok views trying out L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Lipstick in Ballerina Shoes (this shade isn’t available in the UK but shade 303 Rose Tendre is a good alternative). She paired the creamy, frosted formula with a glowy makeup look, complete with babydoll blush and a shimmery eyeshadow. The lipstick started to sell out across the country and inspired plenty of re-creations. Flash forward to February, 2026, and ballet-slipper lips have emerged as a major trend.

“The Y2K trend has definitely pushed this trend to the forefront and TikTok has exploded with it,” says Allan Avendaño, a celebrity makeup artist on the L’Oréal Paris League of Experts. In 2026, “this look also adds another dimension to other trends like glowing dewy skin and Douyin makeup,” he adds.

Ready for a throwback? Keep reading to find out how ballet-slipper lips can fit into your current routine.

J. Merritt

What are ballet-slipper lips?

Ballet-slipper lips are characterised by their light, cool-toned base shade and icy, catching finish. To nail the look, the goal is to make your lips resemble the smooth, semi-reflective finish of pink satin. Most people opt for a frost or shimmer finish over a juicy gloss—think silky as opposed to wet—but a topcoat of clear glitter gloss can have a similar effect.