(Image credit: Getty Images/Ron Galella)
If you spent any part of the ’90s hoarding magazine tear-outs of Drew Barrymore in all her daisy-chain glory or feverishly scribbling down the exact lipstick shades Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss wore in Vogue, then you’re probably already aware of MAC Cosmetics' big brilliant move. At the beginning of the year, MAC revived a collection of its most iconic, era-defining nudes—the very same shades that graced the lips of ’90s supers, Hollywood’s coolest It girls, and every alt-chic chick with a penchant for brown lipstick and ball-chain necklaces.
MAC released its 20-plus Nudes Collection (available in a variety of finishes) along with a cheeky campaign featuring icons such as Martha Stewart, Julia Fox, and New York herself, Tiffany Pollard. (Sidebar: I feel like MAC is truly in its renaissance era, and I love to see it.)
The brand brought back fan favorites like Fleshpot, Peachstock, Folio, Stone, and Yash, along with a few new shades, including Cool Spice—which is much closer to the OG Spice of yore. Yes, I'm talking about that Spice lip liner, the one that Ms. Barrymore wore throughout the ‘90s, along with Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and so many more legends. If you follow makeup artist and historian Erin Parsons, then you know how she brought attention to the fact that the modern iteration of Spice lip liner was much warmer toned, causing makeup fans to lament the original shade. Gotta give MAC credit for really listening to what the people want!
Back in my late-’90s teen years, I wore what would be considered the dupes for Spice and other MAC products, usually from Wet n Wild (shout-out) and Jordana (remember her?). I was curious to try this new MAC collection but pondered whether I, the red-lipstick queen, could pull it off. Certain pale nudes tend to disappear into my lips. Still, I have grown to appreciate nude lipstick much more these days than in years past. Overall, I can’t help but love a throwback, even when it can be personally challenging. So I went for it!
Cool Spice
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
Well, well, well, this was an instant love. I can now live out my ’90s Drew cosplay! The formula is like butter, goes on so smooth, and the color is perfect.
MAC
Lip Liner Pencil in Cool Spice
Yash
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
I ended up adding Yash right on top of Cool Spice and was surprised how much I liked it. I was certain that it would be too nude-y for me, but it looked great!
MAC
M·a·cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Yash
Folio
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
Folio is the very cool (literally) nude that the ultimate '90s cool girl, Angelina Jolie, was rumored to wear back then. Since I think warm nudes looked best on me, I thought this would probably not work. Swiping it alone definitely didn't look amazing with my skin tone. However, lining it with Cool Spice and letting a little bit of my natural pink lip peek through in the center and… Hello? I'm kind of into it! Just call me Mariegelina Jolie.
MAC
M·a·cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Folio
Fleshpot (With Spice liner)
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
Fleshpot was another '90s nude I was convinced was too nude for me, so I decided to warm it up a bit by using Spice as the liner. This look is definitely something I usually don't do, but again, I didn't hate it. It looks awesome on me, if I may say!
MAC
M·a·cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Fleshpot
MAC
Lip Liner Pencil in Spice
More Throwback MAC Shades We Love
M·A·C
M·a·cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Paramount
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
Unlike the classic, bright crimson shade I wear these days, I wore a lot of brick red lipsticks when I was a teen. MAC's Paramount, a browny brick shade, was a go-to for Jennifer Aniston during her Friends era, and I can see why! I'm getting even more nostalgic now.
MAC
M·a·cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Marrakesh
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
If you're more of an X-Files gal, you probably loved Scully's reddish-brown lipstick. Gillian Anderson's fave shade was rumored to be MAC's Marrakesh, and you can still get it today.
MAC
Lip Liner Pencil in Greige
I haven't tried this lip liner yet, but I'm dying to! The grayish-beige shade is recommended to pair with Folio. I know I'm going to have the urge to go thrift shopping for the perfect slip dress with this combo.
MAC
Lip Liner Pencil in Stone
This grayish-taupe liner is another one I'm curious to experiment with—and maybe pair with a warmer tone nude for a lil' balance or go straight cool tone for some grunge-girl vibes.
MAC
M·a·cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Cool Teddy
Another one from MAC's Nudes collection that I need to try out is Cool Teddy, especially because it looks like it has a bit of a pinky tone. Honestly, I'm continuously getting more surprised by my neutral-lip experimentations. Red will always be the top shade for me, but this is some real personal growth!
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