Miss The M.A.C ‘Spice’ Lip Liner From The ’90s? These Modern Dupes Are The Next Best Thing

If there’s one thing we think we can all collectively agree on, it’s that lip liner was just better in the ’90s.

The decade was obsessed with the lip-defining makeup product and as a result it’s one of the most iconic calling cards of ’90s beauty.

M.A.C Cosmetics always hammed up the nostalgia factor of the brand’s popularity in the ’90s, especially in the lip liner category. Iconic ’90s supermodel Linda Evangelista’s favourite lip liner shade of the decade was even said to be M.A.C ‘Spice’.

However, fans of the A-list approved lip pencil have all been mourning the loss of the formula that was so beloved 30 years ago, because recently the brand decided to reformulate the lip product.

The neutral-toned, nutty-nude, brown vintage liner has now been replaced with a ‘pink cinnamon’ hued ‘Spice’ ($37 at M.A.C) that’s reflective of popular contemporary warm-hued lip liners, like Hailey Bieber’s go-to MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil in ‘Anywhere Caffeine’ ($35 at Sephora).

Thankfully, celebrity makeup artist and vintage makeup enthusiast Erin Parsons has managed to find a handful of lip liners that look an awful lot like the M.A.C ‘Spice’ from the ’90s. “I like modern day ‘Spice’ but I love this [vintage] colour,” she explained in a recent TikTok video.

Keep scrolling to find out which lip liners are viable contenders for the title of the best M.A.C ‘Spice’ dupe…

1/ Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner in ’90s Nude’

We say: Apparently, ’90s Nude’ is not an exact shade match for M.A.C ‘Spice’, but it’s “quite close”. However, this lip liner is a budget-friendly classic for a reason. It’s creamy and moisturising when applied, and lasts for hours afterwards too.

You say: “I use this product on a daily basis…The lip liner is creamy and reasonably long wearing. It’s very versatile as most lip liners are and can be worn alone or used with other products. Typically, I’ll wear it with a tinted lip balm or brownish gloss and think it looks lovely. The lasting power works better if you use it directly on the lips rather than on moisturised lips as it is a little slippery on top of a balm. I’d opt for this affordable option over a MAC lip liner any day.” – kellyrox

Want to know more? Read more Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner reviews…

$6.47 at Priceline

2/ Wayne Goss The Essential Lip Pencil in ‘Sepia’

Erin says this dupe from professional makeup artist Wayne Goss has a “greige-iness” that she really loves. But you will have to layer it on to the lips due to the sheer nature of the product. The silky-soft formula doesn’t feather or bleed and promises snag-free application for a defined pout that lasts all day.

$14USD (Approx. $21.94AUD) at Beautylish

3/ Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lip Definer in ‘Devine’

According to Erin (who is a makeup history buff), Kevyn Aucoin actually used M.A.C ‘Spice’ when he did Linda Evangelista’s makeup for a 1991 cover of Italian Vogue. We think it’s safe to say that the makeup artist was inspired by the shade when creating the shade ‘Devine’ for his own makeup collection. Erin affectionately refers to it as “Spice’s little sister” because it boasts the exact same tone as the vintage M.A.C shade, it’s just “a pinch lighter”.

$43 at MECCA

Watch the full video below:

@erinparsonsmakeup 90’s Mac Spice Lip Pencil #dupes ♬ original sound – Erin Parsons

Main image credit: Getty

Have you tried the original M.A.C ‘Spice’? Do you have a dupe of your own you’d like to share?