MAC Cosmetics is bringing its iconic Frost Lipstick line back into the spotlight with a refreshed formula. The beauty brand promised a return of old favourites and a wider selection of pearlescent shades inspired by the beauty trends of the 1990s and early 2000s.
The relaunched Frost collection officially arrives on Thursday, 8 October, with MAC describing the range as a modern take on its signature frosted lip finish. Marie Claire reported the relaunch includes 23 shades, combining 13 additions with established colours returning to the line.
The Shade Range
Among the returning shades are Spanish Fly, Chintz and Jet, while other familiar Frost colours, including Angel, Gel and 'O', remain part of the collection. The range also introduces new shades designed to broaden the colour selection beyond the pale frosted pinks and nudes commonly associated with Y2K makeup.
MAC's current UK product listing describes Frost Lipstick as a semi-lustrous lipstick with a metallic finish and medium, buildable coverage. The brand says the updated formula is designed to moisturise the lips while delivering a high-pearl finish without the gritty texture associated with some glitter-based products.
The company says the formula has been developed with ingredients including castor seed oil, jojoba oil and mica. According to MAC, clinical testing involving 25 participants found an immediate improvement in moisture after one use, with a reported 28 per cent increase in moisture immediately after application. These figures are based on MAC's own product testing and should not be interpreted as independent evidence of longer-term skincare benefits.
Relaunch of Old Faves
The relaunch comes as frosted lips continue to return to contemporary beauty trends. MAC itself has linked the finish to the makeup looks of the 1990s and early 2000s, when reflective lipstick was frequently paired with darker lip liner and sculpted makeup. The brand's creative director of makeup artistry, Terry Barber, has described frosted lipstick as a defining feature of 1990s beauty.
Rather than recreating the heavier, glitter-heavy appearance associated with some vintage frosted products, MAC is positioning the new formula around finer pearl particles. The company says the finish can be layered to create different levels of intensity, from a subtle sheen to a more pronounced metallic effect.
The return has also prompted discussion among beauty enthusiasts on Reddit. A post on the BeautyGuruChatter subreddit about the Frost relaunch attracted more than 1,000 upvotes, with users discussing returning shades including Jet, Spanish Fly, Chintz and 'O', alongside the newly announced colours. Some commenters expressed excitement about the expanded selection, while others raised concerns about previous MAC reformulations. Those comments represent individual opinions and are not evidence of problems with the new Frost formula.
Buzz in the Beauty Community
The comeback reflects a broader shift towards nostalgic beauty, with frosted finishes being reworked for current makeup preferences. Marie Claire has also identified frosted lipstick as part of the renewed interest in 1990s and Y2K-inspired beauty, noting that modern formulas are increasingly designed to provide shimmer alongside a more comfortable finish.
For MAC, the Frost relaunch places one of its recognisable lipstick finishes back at the centre of its offering while combining familiar shades with new colours. The collection gives consumers the option to revisit the frosted lip trend through a reformulated product rather than simply reproducing the original formula. The Frost Lipstick collection is now being promoted by MAC in the UK, with availability and individual shade listings shown on the brand's UK website.
