90S NUDES
ARE BACK!
REDISCOVER
THE M·A·C TREND
THAT OWNED
THE DECADE

September 1, 2023 by Cat Quinn



Three things you’d never catch a 90s supermodel without: Walkman headphones, black oval sunglasses and a whittled-down nub of Lip Pencil in Spice. Nude lip shades from M·A·C were so ubiquitous that “people would come into M·A·C asking for Spice without even knowing what Spice was,” says Terry Barber, M·A·C Global Director of Makeup Artistry. “Inspired by the supermodels or the early hip-hop videos, using neutral colours on the face gave you a bit of swagger.”



Now, 90s makeup is inspiring a new generation. We’ve kept the overlined lips and smoky cut creases of the decade - but swapped ultra-matte, carved-out complexions for glowing skin and subtle shaping. You can still find classic M·A·C Lipstick shades, such as Frost Lipstick in Gel, or try newcomers including everyone’s favourite neutral, Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in Thanks, It’s M·A·C! The same goes for lids. Rediscover Eye Shadow in Scene or pick up the brand-new Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Encrypted Kryptonite. This cool-toned eye shadow palette has the softest, most pigmented powders M·A·C has sold since the 90s. Like those formulas, this trend has true staying power. “It’s timeless and as relevant now as it used to be,” Barber says.

 



Shop 90s Nudes




“PEOPLE WOULD COME INTO M·A·C ASKING
FOR SPICE, WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING WHAT
SPICE WAS.”


—TERRY BARBER, M·A·C CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY




LETTERS REPRESENT UNDERTONE

M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Honeylove is a neutral hue that speaks volumes.

NUMBERS REPRESENT SHADE DEPTH

Get the supermodel look with 90s favourites like Lip Pencil in Oak.


HOW TO GET THE TREND


LOOK 1: Take cues from your favourite supermodels with this new neutral take on 90s makeup.


1. Prep lids with Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base.


2. Sweep shade Satin Taupe from the Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Encrypted Kryptonite onto eyelids using a 252S Large Shader Brush. Then, define creases using shade Swiss Chocolate from the same palette and a 217S Blending Brush.


3. Line lash lines and creases with Eye Kohl in Teddy, smudging out using a 219S Pencil Brush.


4. Coat lashes with a generous amount of M·A·CStack Mascara.


5. Colour cheeks using Skinfinish Sunstruck Radiant Bronzer in Radiant Light Rosy and a 129S Powder/Blush Brush.


6. Lip Pencil in Oak, then fill in with M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Honeylove.
 

LETTERS REPRESENT UNDERTONE

Carve out a cut crease using the Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Encrypted Kryptonite.

NUMBERS REPRESENT SHADE DEPTH

Cool-toned nudes lip Lip Pencil in Stone make a subtle statement.



LOOK 2: Help 90s makeup make a comeback by pairing neutral lips with contrasting lip liner.


1. Prep lids with Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base.


2. Sweep shade Satin Taupe from the Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Encrypted Kryptonite onto eyelids using a 252S Large Shader Brush. Then, define creases using shade Swiss Chocolate from the same palette and a 217S Blending Brush.


3. Define creases using shade Power Mode from the same palette and a 224S Tapered Blending Brush. Drag the same shade along lower lash lines with a 224S Tapered Blending Brush.


4. Line lips using Lip Pencil in Stone, then fill in with M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy.


 

EXPLORE MORE M·A·C TREND

 


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