Hey beauties! Today we’re diving deep into one of MAC’s most iconic lip products – the Frost Lipstick. As a self-professed lipstick junkie, I’ve been dying to put this cult-favorite formula to the test. MAC is known for their huge shade range and unique finishes, and the Frosts definitely stand out with their pearlized, multi-dimensional shimmer.
To get a comprehensive look at how these perform, I analyzed reviews from over 70 MAC Frost lipstick users. These honest customer opinions, combined with my own experience, will help you decide if the MAC Frost lipstick is worth the hype and splurge. Let’s get into it!
First Impressions
Right off the bat, the first thing that struck me about the Frost lipsticks is the polarizing nature of the frosted, pearlized finish. Customers seemed to either absolutely love the eye-catching sheen or find it a bit dated and over-the-top. As a 90s girl myself, I have a soft spot for a bit of shimmer and think it can look really beautiful and dimensional when done right.
Many reviewers praised the Frost lipsticks as a way to effortlessly elevate any look. One user gushed, “It just brightens my face without being in-your-face.” Another said the reflective sheen “adds a sexy dimension” and is perfect for layering over other lip colors.
However, some felt the metallic finish was a bit much for everyday wear. “It’s obviously not recommended to wear it to a function or party,” one reviewer noted. Others found certain shades looked too “frosty” and settled into lip lines.
The takeaway: The Frost lipstick is for those who aren’t afraid of a bold, statement-making lip and love a bit of shimmer and shine. If you prefer a totally modern matte look, this may not be for you. It’s also better suited for special occasions or nights out vs super casual everyday wear.
Formula & Performance
Let’s talk about how these lipsticks actually feel and wear. MAC promises a creamy, moisturizing formula that hugs the lips with smooth, medium-buildable coverage and a high-pearl finish.
The good news is that most users found the MAC Frost lipsticks very comfortable and hydrating to wear. Adjectives like “silky”, “moisturizing”, “creamy”, and “smooth” came up again and again. “The formula is very comfortable to wear,” raved one fan. Another said, “This product feels good and doesn’t dry out my lips! Wears well.”
In terms of pigmentation and coverage, reviews were a bit more mixed. Some found the color payoff to be rich and opaque in one swipe: “Highly pigmented”, “Bold color.” But several noted the lipsticks went on more sheer than expected and took a few coats to build up: “Very natural looking”, “Need to apply it a few times to get the true color.
Interestingly, the semi-sheer quality seemed to be a plus for many, who felt it made the frosty shades more wearable. “The light/medium coverage allows it to be flexible,” one explained. Users loved the ability to create different looks with the amount of coats – a sheer gloss-like effect or more saturated color.
Longevity was another hot topic. With such an emollient texture, I wasn’t expecting these to be ultra long-wearing. The average lipstick lasts me about 3-4 hours. Most reviewers said the Frost lipsticks had decent staying power and didn’t require constant touch-ups.
“Long-lasting and complements my complexion,” said one MAC devotee. “Stays on, creamy, day or night… it’s the best.” A few did have issues with the color fading faster than they’d like: “Does not last long.” “It lasted through coffee but not a snack.”
From my experience, I get about 3-5 hours of solid wear before needing to reapply, which is pretty standard. The color wears away evenly and doesn’t leave a ring around the lips. Just remember, any lipstick with a glossy, hydrating finish like this will transfer and require more frequent touch-ups than a budge-proof matte liquid lipstick.
COLOR RANGE
One of the biggest draws of MAC lipsticks in general is their massive shade selection, and the Frost lipstick is no exception. The colors run the gamut from pale iridescent pinks to deep shimmery plums, with plenty of wearable nudes and browns in between.
For fair to light skin tones, popular picks included Angel (shimmery baby pink), Bombshell (warm pinky nude), and Fabby (muted pink with gold pearl). “Angel was my first purchase and it is the most beautiful shade in a perfect Angelic pink with shimmer,” wrote an enthused customer.
Medium skin tones seemed to favor shades like Gel (peachy champagne), Modesty (shimmery muted mauve pink), and Plum Dandy (deep plum with gold pearl). “Gel is by far one of the colors I use the most. It doesn’t settle in your lip lines either. It looks great on it’s own if you’re fair to medium,” shared one.
For deeper and darker skin tones, standout shades included O (shimmery copper brown), French Silk (bronzey chocolate), and Bronze Shimmer (warm golden bronze). “I love how it compliments my dark skin. And gold being my favorite color, says it all!” praised one woman.
That said, some struggled to find a flattering tone, especially if they were expecting an exact color match to the product photos. “I ordered Angel. FYI it looks nothing like the picture shown here. I was disappointed when it arrived to see it’s a lot darker like more of a maroon color!” lamented a frustrated shopper.
Some were also let down that certain beloved Frost shades like Chintz, Plastique, and Icon have been discontinued over the years. “Why do you all take away really great colors and replace them with washed out crappy colors? If you look at my profile you can see my purchases has gone down because you all discontinued really great lipsticks,” bemoaned one longtime customer.
My take is that while the Frost lipstick shade range is still quite impressive, it’s not as extensive as it once was. Limited edition and discontinued colors are a sore spot for MAC fans. The brand seems to focus more on their newer matte and liquid lip formulas these days. Still, with 20+ shades of Frost currently available, you’re bound to find at least a few that catch your eye.
Comparisons & Dupes
Of course, MAC Frost lipsticks aren’t the only shimmery, pearlized lip products out there. Many drugstore brands like Revlon, Maybelline, NYX, and L’Oreal offer similar options for a fraction of the price. While the color selection may not be as vast, you can definitely find some cheaper alternatives.
Within the MAC line, the Amplified Creme and standard MAC Lipstick formulas have some shimmer shades that are close to the Frosts, but with a slightly glossier, less metallic sheen. Shades like Cosmo, Brave, Twig, and Syrup come to mind.
If you like the idea of the Frosts but want something a bit subtler, MAC Lustre lipsticks provide a sheerer glossy look with fine shimmer rather than intense frost. Shades like Hug Me, See Sheer, and Plink! are great everyday options.
For a bolder, even more metallic finish, the MAC Metalized lipsticks take the shine factor to the next level. Colors like Digging for Gold, Smoked Almond, and Silver Spoon make a real statement.
At the end of the day, I haven’t found an exact dupe for my favorite MAC Frost shades. The formula is pretty unique in how multi-dimensional yet wearable it is. If you’re ride-or-die for a certain discontinued Frost shade, you may have to turn to resale sites like Poshmark and eBay to stock up on backups.
Application Tips
To get the most out of your MAC Frost lipstick, you’ll want to make sure your lips are prepped and hydrated. The shimmer can emphasize dryness and flakes, so I always exfoliate first with a lip scrub.
Many reviewers liked pairing their Frost lipstick with a coordinating lip pencil to define the shape and make the color pop even more. “Looks beautiful with or without a lipliner,” said one. Try classic MAC liners like Soar, Whirl, Spice, or Dervish depending on your chosen lipstick shade.
For a softer, diffused look, apply the color with a lip brush or just dab it on with your finger and blend out the edges. You can also combine multiple Frost shades for a custom look, using a lighter color in the center of your lips to add dimension.
If you find the finish a bit too frosty, try blotting it down with a tissue or layering a creamy lipstick in a similar shade underneath to tone down the pearl. “I use it to tone down other shades or as a lip highlight to give dimension in the center of lips,” suggested a savvy user.
As with any bold, pigmented lip color, a reverse lip liner (or a waxy, clear lip pencil) can help prevent feathering and bleeding outside your lip line. The MAC Prep + Prime Lip is perfect for this and also helps the color glide on more smoothly and last a bit longer.
PROS:
- Eye-catching, multi-dimensional pearlized finish
- Creamy, comfortable, hydrating formula
- Medium buildable coverage
- Extensive color selection with options for all skin tones
- Long-wearing (3-5 hours)
- Can be layered with other products for custom looks
- Luxe, weighty packaging
CONS:
- Metallic frost effect can look dated to some
- Can settle into lip lines and emphasize dryness/texture
- Semi-sheer, may require multiple coats for full coverage
- Not transfer-proof or mask-proof
- Scent may be off-putting (vanilla-y)
- Expensive at $21 each
- Popular shades are often discontinued
Final Thoughts
After wearing several shades of the MAC Frost lipstick myself and poring over customer reviews, I can confidently say these are a fun addition to any lipstick lover’s collection, especially if you enjoy a bit of shimmer and shine.
The standout qualities to me are the smooth, moisturizing feel on the lips, the buildable color, and the gorgeous, glistening finish. These definitely aren’t a flat, one-dimensional frost. The pearl has a lot of depth and dimension that makes the lips look full and luscious.
At the same time, I totally understand the Frost finish isn’t for everyone or every day. It can come across as a bit much for a super casual or understated makeup look. Not everyone wants a metallic or glittery effect on their lips. I personally love the retro 90s vibe, but that’s not everyone’s aesthetic.
I think the people who will love and appreciate the MAC Frost lipstick the most are hardcore lipstick fans who aren’t afraid to rock a bold, eye-catching lip and like to experiment with layering different colors and textures. If you’re a fan of brands like Pat McGrath, Fenty Beauty, or Lisa Eldridge that do unique, multidimensional lip colors, give the Frosts a try.
Another thing to note is that I don’t find the Frost formula to be quite as long-wearing as a matte lipstick like MAC’s iconic Ruby Woo or the newer Powder Kiss and Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours. If you’ll be eating, drinking, or smooching a lot, you’ll probably need to touch up every few hours. But I personally don’t mind this for the comfort and hydration you get in return.
My personal favorite Frost shades that I think are the most flattering and wearable are:
- Angel – pale shimmery pink, perfect for fair to light skin
- Love Goddess – shimmery rosy pink with gold pearl, great for light-medium tones
- Costa Chic – peach with gold pearl, unique and summery
- Fabby – nude pink with multidimensional pearl, works for many skin tones
- O – copper brown with gold pearl, stunning on deeper/darker skin
Some others I enjoy using as toppers or for layering are:
- Bombshell – bolder warm pink with gold, can really brighten a look
- New York Apple – deeper berry red with gold, gorgeous for fall/winter
- Bronze Shimmer – warm rich bronze, lovely on brown and olive skin
- Pretty Please – very pale cool pink with opal shimmer, ethereal effect
While I wish MAC would bring back some of the beloved discontinued Frost shades (RIP to Plastique, Frou, and Tanarama), the current lineup still has a lot to offer. I plan to continue building my collection with unique, duochrome shades that aren’t easily dupable.
So, to frost or not to frost? Ultimately, the choice is yours! For me personally, the MAC Frost lipstick formula gets a big thumbs up. It won’t be an everyday staple like my trusty MAC Powder Kiss or Satin lipsticks, but it’s a stellar option to have in my arsenal when I want an extra pop of luminous color.
I encourage you to browse swatches online, read reviews for your favorite shades, and see them in person if you can. You may be surprised how much you love the pearlescent glow. And if you’re already a hardcore Frost fan, drop your go-to shades in the comments so others can discover some hidden gems!
I hope this comprehensive review helped shed some light on whether the MAC Frost lipstick is worth a spin. Let me know if you’ve tried these before and what your thoughts are. And of course, stay tuned for more lipstick reviews and comparisons. Until next time, beauties!
Pucker up, Belle the Beauty Blogger
xo
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