After years of liquid matte formulas dominating makeup bags, glossy balms and shiny lip oils took over, but classic bullet lipsticks never truly disappeared. Now they are back in the spotlight thanks to one retro shade that keeps popping up on TikTok feeds. The surprise is not just the color, but the finish, which feels like a direct callback to the early 2000s.
The product at the center of the buzz is L’Oréal’s lipstick in the shade Ballerina Shoes. It is a soft, delicate pink with a frosty sheen that reads almost silvery in certain light, giving lips that unmistakable icy glow. It is the kind of finish many people once dismissed as tricky or outdated, yet it is exactly what makes the look feel fresh again. That nostalgic sparkle is what’s turning casual swatches into full-blown trend videos.
Creators have been showing how wearable it can be when styled with a little intention. One of the most repeated tricks is pairing it with a neutral lip liner to add definition and keep the frost from feeling flat. Videos from accounts like @gretchytok and @blondiewoodbeauty lean into the throwback vibe, treating the lipstick like a playful nod to a different era rather than a strict beauty rule. Another creator, @oliy.krogh, has also highlighted the shade in a lineup, framing it as a pretty, girly option that still feels modern with the right pairing.
@gretchytok trying the viral L’Oreal Ballerina Shoes lipstick on pale skin 🩷 (used to always wear this when I was self tanned) #palegirlmakeup #paleoliveskin #lorealparismakeup #ballerinashoes #lipstick ♬ Jazz piano trio that seems to fit in a cafe(1433080) – TAKANORI ONDA
Part of the appeal is how easily the look can shift depending on the rest of your makeup. With minimal eyes and softly brushed brows, the frosty lip reads clean and polished. Add a little shimmer on the lids and it becomes a full Y2K moment that feels intentional rather than accidental. The key is letting the lips be the statement while keeping everything else balanced and light.
Of course, viral fame comes with a downside, because tracking the lipstick down is not as simple as adding it to a cart. The shade has been difficult to find online, and it is not always available in stores in every market. For anyone chasing the same icy pink effect without the hunt, one similar option that delivers a comparable vibe is MAC’s Angel, which has a soft pink tone and that familiar luminous finish.
Have you tried the frosty lipstick comeback, or is this one trend you’ll happily leave in the past? Share your take in the comments.
