Ballet Slipper Lips: The Spring 2026 Makeup Trend Taking Over Red Carpets
This spring, a delicate and nostalgic makeup trend is dominating the beauty scene: ballet slipper lips. Spotted on stars at the 2026 Oscars and gaining traction on TikTok, this look offers a fresh alternative to bolder lip colors, marking a transition from winter to warmer weather.
What Are Ballet Slipper Lips?
Ballet slipper lips evoke the soft, pink satin of a ballerina’s shoes. The trend centers around cool-toned pinks with a frosted, satin, or pearlescent finish – a subtle shimmer rather than a glittery effect. It’s a luminous and silky look that falls between glossy and matte finishes, offering a soft frost that catches the light without being overly dramatic.
The Trend’s Rise to Fame
The ballet slipper lip trend gained significant momentum after influencer Haley Sluss showcased L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche lipstick in “Ballerina Shoes” on TikTok, amassing nearly 2.5 million views. The look then appeared at New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 and quickly became a favorite on the 2026 Oscars red carpet.
How to Achieve the Ballet Slipper Lip Look
Celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendaño suggests a technique for long-lasting color: “I like to fill in the entire lip with the lip liner and then apply the color on top to achieve the shade you desire.” Modern interpretations of the trend include opting for a glossy finish instead of a traditional Y2K shimmer, or combining it with the “blurred lip” technique.
Product Recommendations
- L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Ballerina Shoes: Available at Amazon ($8)
- Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm: Available at Nordstrom ($42)
- Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss: Available at Amazon ($24)
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver Plumping Lip Oil, Piggy Bank: Available at Ulta ($9)
Ballet Slipper Lips on the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet
Mckenna Grace was among the stars who embraced the ballet slipper lip look at the 98th Oscars, held at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026.
A Modern Take on a Y2K Trend
Even as reminiscent of early 2000s frosted lipsticks, the ballet slipper lip is a more refined and sophisticated take on the trend. It’s a cool-girl aesthetic that’s both playful and elegant, making it a perfect choice for spring makeup.