'Frosted bubblegum' makeup is the trend to get in on before summer wraps up
We’re not going to pretend we’re mad about the return of frosted makeup—we waited through years of dry mattes, manifesting that metallics would eventually make a triumphant comeback. And while we figured it was only a matter of time until gilded golds and shimmery silvers came around again, we didn’t know if we’d get another chance to dabble with one of our favourite shades: frosted bubblegum.
A colour doused in nostalgia for anyone alive during the early ‘2000s, we feared it wouldn’t be considered quite ‘cool’ enough to warrant a resurgence all these years later. Well, sometimes it feels great to be wrong.
If you ask us, nothing confirms a colour’s resurgence like the chicest brands in beauty coming out with shades that celebrate it, which is exactly what every brand from Chanel to Lancôme has done.
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t still have a spot in your heart for full-fledged metallic makeup on a daily basis though. The positive about 2026's slew of formulas is that they can be applied and blended as subtly as you’d like, with the ability to go from understated to all-in with just a few extra swipes, taps and brush sweeps.
So in celebration of our favourite frosted aesthetic reigning supreme this year, here are all the cheek, eye and lip products we advise adding to cart to get in on the 'frosted bubblegum' makeup trend...
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Best Frosted Bubblegum Makeup
Best Frosted Bubblegum Highlighters
There was a singular product that originally put us back on the path of frosted pink makeup: the Chanel Baume Essentiel Rouge Noir Multi-Use Glow Stick in 'Cute' ($83 at Chanel, $83 at David Jones). The original sheer-nude balm shade is a long-time cult-favourite (and stunning for a natural-looking glow), but this aptly named 'Cute' colour is the one we can't get enough of right now. The product melts into skin like a dream (so yes, we guarantee you this shade is super wearable even if you're nervous), and the colour is the perfect blend between candy pink and lilac. We advise tapping it onto the high points of your face, as well as over lids for a pretty tonal glow. If elevated, subtle iridescence is your goal, this is your essential.
You can stop at balm if that's your personal preference, but if you want to double down on frosted bubblegum shimmer, the Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil in 'Lavender Luv'R' ($66 at Sephora) is the ultimate in pigmented 'powder' highlighters. Designed to deliver a 'crystal-coated' effect to skin, its unique jelly-powder formula certainly makes good on its pearlescent promise.
Best Frosted Bubblegum Eyeshadows
If it's an affordable way to try the trend you're seeking, the Art Class Eye Glitz in 'Milky Soda' ($10.53 at Yes Style) is an easy and cheap entry point. It's an eye glitter pen that leaves chunky iridescent glitter particles wherever you trace it, lending itself to a quick inner corner moment or a little sparkle placed under the lower lashes.
Sold on the shade? You need the Chanel Ombre Essentielle Multi-Use Longwearing Eyeshadow in 'Gris Rose' ($58 at Chanel, $58 at Myer) in your kit. Two things to note: firstly, this could sell out at any second, so move swiftly. And secondly, we promise it'll be the smoothest, silkiest shadow you've ever swept your brush across. It's lightweight in feel, features fine pearly particles that allow you to build your colour as you wish, and is even enriched with sage oil to ensure a second-skin effect (and all day longevity). If you're investing in a sole single shadow this summer, make it this one.
Best Frosted Bubblegum Lip Colours
Lip colour is an easy way to see how you like the frosted finish, and the Sephora Collection About That Shine Sheer Shine Lipstick in 'Glazed Confetti' ($26 at Sephora) is another product that can be built up as your affinity for the aesthetic grows. With a prismatic shine built into its blend, this lip colour reflects light from every angle, cloaking your lips in comfortable sparkle-spiked shine.
As for the gloss you could either top a lipstick with or wear solo, nothing beats the Lancôme Juicy Tube in 'Lavender Latte' ($35 at Adore Beauty) in either the nostalgia or visual stakes. It's ultra-glossy, features a (genuinely) non-drying texture, and adds a frosted glaze finish to lips that you won't be able to do without once you try it.
Main image credit: @tobimakeup / @kulikulikulik / @hoskelsa
Want more frosted makeup inspo? Here's how to get Poppy's makeup from 'People We Meet On Vacation'...
Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.
