MAC Revived the Iconic Nude Lipsticks Worn by ’90s It Girls—Here’s How They Hold Up Today

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

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.

Yash

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!

Folio

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.

Fleshpot (With Spice liner)

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!

More Throwback MAC Shades We Love

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.

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.

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.