Their images are iconic. There’s a reason certain beauty products have stood the test of time. Here are eight of the biggest cult beauty products of all time.
According to Maybelline, a tube of Great Lash Mascara is sold every 1.7 seconds in the United States. The iconic green and pink packaging alone makes it a standout, but it’s the conditioning, clump-free, lash-lengthening formula that’s the main draw amongst everyone from Hollywood starlets to average consumers.
There are many scents and formulas, but the Dove White Beauty Bar is a classic that’s especially beneficial to those with dry skin. That’s because it’s enriched with 1/4 pure moisturizing cream, a simple addition that yields incredibly hydrated skin. (I’m an eczema sufferer, and this works like a charm to keep my skin soft and free of irritation.)
It’s the concealer that other concealers strive to be when they grow up. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch does more than merely conceal imperfections. It also illuminates the delicate undereye area, leaving it brighter and, in turn, more youthful looking. The appearance of fine lines takes a backseat as a more well rested, even tone emerges.
Known for its delicate rose fragrance and multipurpose formula, Smith’s Rosebud Salve was introduced in 1892. While it’s especially revered for its ability to hydrate even the most parched, chapped lips, it also works wonders on dry skin, cuts, burns, irritation, and so much more. It can even be used during a massage for an aromatic finishing touch.
As its name suggests, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Cream Protectant does indeed provide skin with up to eight hours of continuous moisture and protection. This veritable miracle in a tube is another multitasking wonder that no woman’s beauty arsenal should be without. You never know when it might come in handy—try it to smooth down unkempt hair, tame unruly brows, relieve parched skin, or soothe freshly shaved skin. And that’s just for starters!
One of the most iconic red lipstick shades around, MAC Russian Red is often regarded as a red that works on nearly anyone. While that’s a matter of perception, it’s inarguable that the shade certainly flatters its fair share of followers, from Madonna to Kim Kardashian to Gwen Stefani.
Every woman needs at least one sweet, virginal shade of nail polish in her collection. Essie Ballet Slippers fits the bill perfectly; it’s a girlish, soft pink that finishes sheer and flatters any skin tone. More importantly, it’s appropriate to wear in any setting, be it an ultra-conservative office, a summer wedding, or a holiday party.
On the flip side, a sexy, come-hither nail polish is sometimes the perfect complement to an LBD or even a pair of jeans and a simple white tee. OPI I’m Not Really a Waitress captures that attitude perfectly with its rich, fiery red. It earns bonus points for its high-gloss finish.
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