By Alison McGill
You likely have seen the recent viral buzz surrounding MAC’s Alone Time lipstick. The shade is not new, but it was just recently relaunched as part of MAC’s retooled Lusterglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick line. Though this lipstick is part of the nude family, but it’s a cool hue that hits different.
When you first look the bullet, it appears muddy and almost grey. It has a slight iridescence to it and a creamy, slightly glossy finish. I’m going to say Alone Time is not a lipstick shade anyone would naturally gravitate toward because, by appearances, it doesn’t look like it would work on anyone. And then there’s the magic that happens when you apply. I decided to lay a rosy foundation for the colour by lining my lips with a neutral pink shade first, then applying a few layers of Alone Time on top. To my surprise, it magically morphed from a cool mauve into the perfect warm nude that didn’t have a trace of orange or muddy undertones.
As someone who very rarely wears nude lipstick, I am blown away by how much I love Alone Time. It’s become the official power lip of my autumn.
Frosted nude lipstick was a hallmark of the ‘90s and the early Y2K years, and it’s been waiting the better part of two decades for a renaissance. We know that in the trend cycle, everything repeats, and it makes sense that this is the moment for this iconic lip colour as the obsession with everything from those times is haute again.
Celebrities who loved the look then include Pamela Anderson, Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton, and Britney Spears. Who’s rocking it today? Gwenyth Paltrow, Olivia Dean, Martha Stewart and Rihanna—she’s the icon we can really credit with bringing back the look when she wore a Fenty metallic shade on her lips at the 2026 Met Gala.
Where frosty lipstick shades of today differ from the past are in the consistency and concentration of the colours. Modern versions are not opaque, overly reflective or chalky, but offer buildable sheer colour that has a semi-gloss, balm-like finish. Also, the trick is to customize your shade using lip liner to give it a lasting foundation on the lips and create a sculptural effect.
At the moment, I am very into pairing my frosty nude lip with statement eyes (lilac shadow and liner is my current vibe), and a peachy flushed cheek. As it gets cooler, I will switch up the eyes to a smokey bronze shadow and tighliner to embrace a grungy throwback aesthetic, and I’ll be pausing my signature rosewood and scarlet shades until further notice.
Here are 5 Frosted Nude Lipsticks We Love
MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Hydrating Longwear Lipstick in Alone Time
This is the one causing a commotion, and please don’t judge this one until you try it. It may look flat and uninspiring in the tube, but the magic happens once you slick it on. Trust.
$34, maccosmetics.ca.
Clinique Dramatically Different Lipstick in Bamboo Pink
I actually used to wear this shade in the ‘90s and I love that it’s still here, and I love it just as much now as I did then. It’s cool, pink, shimmery, and a little sassy which makes it very fun to wear.
$38 at sephora.com.
The Rihanna Approved One
The best thing about these gloss sticks is they perfectly hit the sweet spot between a lip balm and lipstick and deliver just the right amount of shine. This pretty pinky beige tone is totally the moment. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick in Blazed Donut,
$37 at sephora.com.
Hourglass Unlocked Satin Créme Lipstick in Alpine
These satin finish lippies are addictive. They boast a creamy consistency and longevity factor which means your lips stay hydrated and you don’t have to stress about reapplying. Alpine is that magical nude that looks amazing on everyone.
$52 at sephora.com.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sky Line Pink
If you love a super icy finish this one’s for you. Consider this super-pale, glacial pink tone in the category of maximum frost. We love the look of this lippy, but we love the affordable price tag even more.
$16, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
