Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick is easily the most iconic lipstick formula of the ‘90s. It’s smoothing and hydrating, with vitamin E and aloe vera, and glides on lips evenly in just a swipe. And Rum Raisin is easily one of the most loved shades from the decade. It’s a reddish, pinky brown with teeny-tiny shimmers that reflect light and looks good on practically every skin tone.

Lest we forget that the ‘90s weren’t all about supermodel nudes and pinks. It was also the time of grunge, hence why this deep, brownish red color from MAC became so popular. It was actually the shade Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston, wore in Friends (could it get more ‘90s than that?). This is in MAC’s satin lipstick range: A smooth finish that glides easily onto lips with a natural lip finish that’s extremely hydrating and comfortable.

Although Clinique’s Black Honey has had a resurgence on TikTok, it was initially a favorite for its universally flattering sheer color. It was even loved far before the ‘90s when it was used by Molly Ringwald’s character in The Breakfast Club. Now, Clinique offers Nude Honey (a soft, brown shade) and Pink Honey (a rose hue), but for a classic ‘90s look, Black Honey can be worn with one subtle swipe or built up for stronger opacity.

When you think of the 1990s, you probably think of Cindy Crawford. And while she wore a handful of lipsticks back then, one of her most notable was Revlon’s Toast of NY, this cinnamon brown with fiery orange undertones.

Red lipstick in the ‘90s was powerful and a statement, and most importantly, almost always in this deep shade. It’s not vampy or plum, per se, but Russian Red is a timeless, blue-based red. A power red, some might say. It was famously worn by Selena (and Jennifer Lopez when she played Selena in the 1997 biopic), as well as Madonna on her “Blonde Ambition tour.”

Heather Shimmer is so classic ‘90s. This frosty mauve lip was worn most famously by Kate Moss (so much so, she went on to create her own line of lipsticks with the brand). This budget-friendly formula is surprisingly moisturizing and long-lasting, a combo that can be difficult to achieve with lipsticks quadruple the price.

So, this is the lipstick my mom wore in the ‘90s (and well into the 2000s), and I used to constantly steal it out of her makeup bag (shhh, don’t tell). It’s a frosty plum-brown with cool undertones and looked the best paired with a dark-brown lip liner, of course. Along with Revlon and Rimmel, the classic Colour Riche lipstick range from L’Oréal Paris was equally loved for its affordable price and hydrating formula.

Why did we stop wearing frosty brown lipsticks? Coffee Bean by Revlon is a neutral-toned coffee brown with gold shimmers, and it immediately turns any look into a ‘90s dream. Tyra Banks was known for wearing a similar (now discontinued, womp) shade throughout the decade.