
Every once in a while, there’s a shade of lipstick so universally beloved that it becomes a beauty icon, flying off shelves and straight into our purses. There was Christian Dior’s “999” rouge and Clinique’s “Black Honey” way back when, then shades like the Taylor Swift-approved Pat McGrath “Elson” MatteTrance Lipstick and Charlotte Tilbury’s perfect nude “Pillow Talk” ruled the scene. In 2025, the name on everyone’s lips is M.A.C Cosmetics’ rereleased “Alone Time” Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick—a cool-toned, mauve brown with a slick finish.
An icon reborn, this currently sold-out lippie was relaunched at the top of the year as part of the M.A.C. Nudes collection, which included fresh ‘90s-inspired hues and old faithfuls sourced from the brand’s archives. It’s newfound popularity largely stems from a TikTok posted by @nanapseven—which has been viewed nearly two million times on the app and is *flooded* with comments asking which lipstick the influencer is wearing.
I may be a hoarder of nude lipsticks that veer warm, but I’ve got to say, it’s refreshing to witness the comeback of cool-toned lipsticks that ruled the ‘90s. Subtle and sophisticated with a hint of mystique, they’re cool for more reasons than one. For instance, they’re known to complement already cool complexions. And, their pink, purple and blue bases help give the illusion of having whiter teeth. As if I’d pass up the opportunity to have a brighter-looking smile!
Though M.A.C’s Alone Time may be impossible to track down at the moment, we’ve done some sleuthing to find eight similarly shaded lipsticks that hit every price point. From drugstore dupes to luxury offerings, we present eight cool-toned lipsticks worth working into your current lip combo.

Housed in a sleek, tortoise shell tube, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Lipstick in “Pose” imparts a cushiony kiss of rich mauve pigment. Though its colour payoff comes through like a true lipstick, a blend of natural waxes and oils gives it a nourishing balm-like feel.

For a satin finish that leaves your lips with a soft sheen, reach for L’Oréal Paris’ Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in the shade “800 Fairest Nude.” With each swipe, vitamin E & argan oil ingredients ensure your pout feels as good as it looks.

Whip Byredo’s refillable Satin Lipstick out of your purse, and you’ll be the coolest gal in the room. Designed by Ben Gorham, its tubular case is what the brand calls a “contemporary talisman” — and we couldn’t agree more. As far as cool-toned shades go, we recommend picking up “Earth Dust.”

Don’t sleep on drugstore lipsticks, folks. Milani’s vitamin-packed Color Statement Lipstick sits just under $10, and the quality doesn’t disappoint. This toasted nude “Teddy Bare” shade is one of the most affordable dupes for M.A.C’s sold-out lippie.

Fully embracing those dreamy blue-grey undertones, Sisley Paris’ silk-textured Le Phyto Rouge Lipstick in “11 Beige Tahiti” is giving us life. Within its formula, a smoothing Hydrobooster complex keeps your lips feeling more moisturized and supple over time.

Thanks to its easy-to-use pointed bullet, e.l.f’s O Face Satin Lipstick works wonders for everyone, from beauty newbies to seasoned makeup artists. Not only is this muted brown “Drive” shade exactly what we were looking for, but it wears comfortably on the lips for hours after application, too.

Already addicted to Dior’s Addict Lipstick? Plump up your collection with this nude-ish “423 Romance” shade. Coating your pout with a vinyl-like finish that shines like no other, it’s no wonder we can’t get enough of these luxurious lippies.

Though Makeup by Mario founder Mario Dedivanovic once told New Beauty his lipsticks are all named after close colleagues and pockets of New York City, I like to imagine that this particular “Kate” shade is inspired by Kate Moss. After all, cool-toned lipsticks are so ‘90s.
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Lauren Knowles is FASHION Magazine’s digital beauty writer. If she’s wearing it, it’s neutral — but her minimalist taste doesn’t mean she’s not tuned in to what avant-garde trends are hot on the runway or in the works backstage with the beauty pros (she’s pinning it all to a virtual mood board for future reference). This Bahamian-born creative also has bylines in Elle Canada, Hypebae, and CBC.
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