Oldies but Goodies

My mum has used that blue tub of Nivea moisturiser for over 50 years, and for as long as I can remember anyway. Now, I don’t use it personally no matter how amazing my mum swears it is and even though she looks super good for 69, but it did get me thinking about the beauty buys that have stood the test of time in one of the most innovative and fast moving industries.

So, which beauty buys have stood the test of time and remain good today? Let’s take a little look…

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

Launched in the 1930s if you can believe it, this remains one of the best-selling beauty products today and a must have amongst celebrities, make-up artists and regular consumers alike. Whilst the packaging has changed and we love all the limited edition shake ups, a tube is sold very 30 seconds and this balm can soothe and heal everything literally. I swear by slathering it on my skin over night when it’s flaring up and I wake up and it’s back to normal. Kids grazes, dry lips, an intense face mask…it does it all and more.

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

I worked at L’Oreal early on in my career and this was one of the best selling products in the L’Oreal business and not much has changed nearly 20 years on. This legendary hair spray actually launched in 1960 and it’s remained the gold standard for red carpet events and photo shoots for a reason – it really works! It claims 24 hour hold and humidity resistance, as well as the ability to work on all hair types.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

I actually firmly believe that all mascaras dry out and clog and all should be replaced regularly due to bacteria, so this is a product it’s not worth spending on. Controversial I know! There are some great affordable mascaras out there too and Maybelline Great Lash is one of them. Launched in 1971 it remains a best seller today and one is sold every 2.5 seconds.

Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick

A relative newcomer, Mac Ruby Woo was launched in 1999 and has gone on to become one of Mac’s best selling lip colour ever. We do all need a classic red after all! Funnily enough this was an accidental creation by Mac. 7 tubes sell every minute around the world – what a happy accident indeed and a constant staple in my make-up bag for sure.

Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion

Invented in 1947 by a pioneering pharmacist in Texas, “Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion“ still uses the same formula today and is one of the best selling cleansers globally as its gentle and clinically proven formula makes it suitable for all, even those with sensitive and delicate skin.

YSL Touche Éclat

I remember saving up to buy my first Touche Éclat and it was very exciting indeed! Launched in 1992, this concealer-highlighter hybrid aims to give the look of “8 hours of sleep with the click of a pen,” thanks to its ability to brighten dark areas (inner corners of the eyes; sides of the nose) and make the high planes of the face pop (hello, cheekbones). So many products have tried to match and better the results, but none have and today one Touche Éclat pen is sold every 10 seconds around the world.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I was surprised to learn this has been around since 1968, but it has. Whilst not a fan personally as it doesn’t agree with my skin, I know so many who swear by this moisturizer. It was Clinique’s first-ever moisturiser, and it keeps its standing today as one of the best-selling moisturisers in the world. It came along at a time where beauty counters were packed with over perfumed, super rich creams and it provided just-right hydration for different skin types. It instantly melted into your skin and it gave skin a healthy glow. It was 100% fragrance free and allergy tested. Yes, it was—and still is—dramatically different.

Which of these are you still using today? Go on, tell us? Oh, and what did we miss?

by Natasha Hatherall-Shawe