LIPSTICKS + SHADES THROUGH
THE AGES

From the golden age of the supermodel to the rise of the clean girl aesthetic, we revisit some of the biggest lip trends from the last 30 years.

 

BY ROBERT QUICK, 07.28.2026

EARLY 90S – SUPERMODEL LIPS

The 90s were the Golden Age of the Supermodel, and the makeup embodied an effortless glamour. A well-defined, sculpted nude lip – think bold liner framing a flesh-toned centre and topped with gloss – became the defining look on and off the runway.

 

ICONIC SHADE:
Fleshpot – a pale flesh-toned beige nude

PAIR IT WITH:

Lip Pencil in Chestnut + Clear Lipglass

LATE 90S – FROST LIPS

The dawn of a new millennium pushed beauty to experimental new heights, and the Y2K aesthetic was born. Icy lips, pale tones, and metallic textures created an otherworldly cyber visual language that reflected our visions of what the future could be.

 

ICONIC SHADE:
Bubbles – an icy, white-pink frost

PAIR IT WITH:

Lip Pencil in Stone

For a softer version: pair with Lip Pencil in Dervish

2000S – GLOSSY PINK LIPS

The early 00s lip look was sweet, shiny, and easy to wear – no wonder it was everywhere. Layering nude colours with pink lip products created a plush, candy-coated look that echoed the flashy aesthetic of the time.

 

ICONIC SHADE:
Angel – a soft frosted pink

PAIR IT WITH:

Lipglass in Oyster Girl

For maximum Y2K shine: finish with Clear Lipglass

EARLY 2010S – STATEMENT LIPS

As beauty took over social media, people explored new ways to stand out. Lips were the perfect opportunity to make a statement, with bubblegum pinks, vibrant reds, and neon shades catching our attention while we scrolled.

 

ICONIC SHADE:
Ruby Woo – vivid blue-red

PAIR IT WITH:

Lip Pencil in Cherry

2010S – MILKY PINK LIPS

Two words: millennial pink. This was the age of social media-friendly beauty, defined by soft pastels and bright colours to create an aesthetically engaging look that would look good on the grid and IRL.

ICONIC SHADE:
Snob – a cool lavender-pink

PAIR IT WITH:

Lip Pencil in Soar + Clear Lipglass

LATE 2010S – FULL-COVERAGE MATTE LIPS

Shaped brows. Sharp contours. Full-coverage foundation. We all remember the beauty maximalism of 2016 makeup. One of the biggest trends from the time? Bold matte lips. Dark colours like berry, purple, and burgundy in a dry, velvety finish helped anchor a full-glam look.

 

ICONIC SHADE:
Sin – dark blue-red

PAIR IT WITH:

Lip Pencil in Chestnut

2026 – COOL-TONED NUDE LIPS

This decade saw the rise of the clean girl aesthetic and minimal makeup routines, paving the way for a cool-toned makeup renaissance. Icy, soft colours provide a subtle enhancement and shadow effect that highlights natural features.

 

ICONIC SHADE:
Alone Time – a sheer, cool mauve-brown nude

PAIR IT WITH:

Lip Pencil in Cool Spice

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR



Back in the day, M·A·Czine was our creative playground. It was where we experimented and brought some of our most daring ideas to life. At M·A·C, we have everything you need to play with your look and express yourself, from minimal to maximal. As the world shifts and bold, confident makeup makes its return, it seems like the perfect time to bring it back.

So welcome to M·A·Czine – let’s embrace this new chapter and create the future of beauty together. It’s time to have fun with makeup again.

— NICOLA FORMICHETTI, M·A·C GLOBAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR


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