If we learned anything from our favourite stars’ 2026 Oscars makeup, it’s that ballet slipper lips are here to stay. This soft, nostalgic look evokes the look of pink satin – and it couldn’t be easier to try out for yourself. Looking for a way to freshen up your lip combo for spring? Red carpet-worthy inspo, right this way.
The Academy Awards marks the end of awards season – and, for many, a true transition point from winter to spring. This year, attendees are embracing pastel tones in both in fashion and makeup choices. While we’ve seen plenty of muted makeup trends like cloud lips on earlier red carpets, the ‘ballet slipper’ look keeps the soft-focus effect while adding a bit of playfulness. It usually involves a cool-toned pink base and a frosted finish (a nod to the trend’s early aughts roots).
Here’s how to get the look.
As these Oscars makeup looks prove, there are plenty of ways to modernise ballet slipper lips for 2026. You can opt for a glossy finish rather than a classic Y2K shimmer, or combine the trend with the viral ‘blurred lip’ technique: “I like to fill in the entire lip with the lip liner and then apply the color on top for the lipstick to last longer and to achieve the shade you desire,” Allan Avendaño, a celebrity makeup artist on the L’Oréal Paris League of Experts, told Glamour.
Feeling inspired? Keep reading to see some of our favourite ballet slipper beauty looks from the 2026 Oscars red carpet.
McKenna Grace proved that there's no such thing as ‘too much’ when it comes to ballet pink for spring. In addition to a pink satin gown – exactly the type of fabric that inspired the makeup trend – the actor wore ballet slipper lips, blush and nails. Avendaño created her makeup look with Stila Cosmetics, carrying the signature velvety glow from her lips through to her eyes and cheeks.
Makeup artist Amber Dreadon nailed the satin lip look on Chase Infiniti, using a flattering pink base and a dewy finish. Paired with a soft lilac eye shadow – the perfect match for her custom Louis Vuitton gown – this combo is bringing ethereal energy to the carpet.
Elle Fanning traded her Golden Globes cloud lips for a frosty pink sheen. Makeup artist Erin Ayanian-Monroe has previously used L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick on the actor – which recently went viral in shade Ballerina Shoes.
Bruna Marquezine opted for a more neutral base colour in her lip combo, but the light-catching finish is so ballet-slipper-coded. Not too glossy, not too blurred.
Reminding us that nobody does Y2K beauty like Cher Horowitz, Alicia Silverstone treated us to a throwback lip. Her baby pink lips and sateen blush add the perfect glossy contrast to her black velvet gown.
Cool-toned pink lips are a signature beauty look for Heidi Klum. Her Oscars glam makes a strong case for pairing them with warm, bronzed makeup for summer.
Who says ballet slipper lips can't complete an edgy look? Best Supporting Actor nominee Odessa A’zion wore frosted pink lips as a sole pop of colour against her signature raven curls and black Valentino ensemble.
As further proof that this Y2K trend has range, look no further than Demi Moore’s 2026 Oscars look. Her soft pink lip added just enough contrast – without pulling attention – from her show-stopping custom Gucci gown.
To see all the best looks you might have missed from the 2026 Oscars red carpet, click here.
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.
This article was originally published on Glamour US.
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