By: Abbie Crank
Fashion trends come and go, but the same can’t always be said of beauty products. From hairspray to lipstick to facial scrubs, we’ve done our research and curated a list of all the old-school beauty products still around. These 10 cosmetics prove that you can’t go wrong with the classics! Keep reading to find out which retro beauty products you can still get your hands on today.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Invented by a pharmacist to help patients cleanse their sensitive skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has been helping customers for 75 years! As the number one dermatologist-recommended sensitive skincare brand in the United States, it’s an option you can trust! Its mild, non-comedogenic formula means that it won’t clog your pores, guaranteeing a deep clean without any irritation.
L’Oréal Paris Elnett
Did you know that L’Oréal Paris Elnett is the first hairspray sold in drugstores? Launched in 1960, this product was revolutionary for other reasons, too. Unlike other hairsprays, which left hair hard and sticky, this product could be brushed out. Although the product received a bit of a facelift in recent years, it’s still the same iconic hairspray beloved by stylists, regular folks, and even celebrities. As a matter of fact, actress Kate Winslet says it’s her go-to hairspray!
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
This award-winning, washable mascara comes in a distinctive pink-and-green tube that you’ve probably seen a thousand times. There’s a good chance you’ve used this mascara at least once or twice, as it’s been lengthening and conditioning lashes since 1971. Boasting “a small brush and big control”, this mascara promises volume and length. Better yet, it’s hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested, making it a safe choice for most people!
Max Factor Pan Stik Foundation
The creator of this product has an interesting connection to Lucille Ball. In fact, if it weren’t for Mr. Factor, the comedienne might not be known for her vibrant red hair! According to The Hollywood Museum, the legendary makeup artist designed Ball’s hair color and signature makeup look. Of course, that was the only thing Factor designed! He also headed a cosmetic company responsible for the Max Factor Pan Stik Foundation, used by none other than Marilyn Monroe. To this day, it provides smooth, creamy full coverage and a perfect shade match.
Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream
Most of us probably can’t remember a time when Noxzema Original Deep Cleaning Cream didn’t line store shelves. A trusted choice since 1914, this dermatologist-tested, multipurpose cleanser can remove makeup, deep clean your skin, and even soothe sunburns. Talk about versatility! However, most people probably remember it more for its signature eucalyptus scent and iconic Noxzema tingle.
The Original Dove Beauty Bar
“Soap dries your skin, but Dove creams your skin while you bathe.” This is the promise Dove made when its beauty bar made its grand debut in 1957. It’s been a staple of the beauty community for well over 60 years—and, according to dermatologists, for many good reasons. “Dove bar soap contains moisturizing ingredients that make it an ideal cleanser for those with sensitive or dry skin,” says dermatologist Jeffrey Fromowitz of Dermatology of Boca in Boca Raton, Florida. He also added that, unlike other soaps, the gentle formula doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils. The result? Silky, hydrated skin. No wonder over 86,000 Dove Beauty Bars are sold per day!
POND’S Cold Cream Cleanser
No list of iconic retro beauty products would be complete without a mention of POND’S Cold Cream Cleanser! Branded as 50% moisturizer, this cold cream doubles as a makeup remover and hydration booster. According to Yahoo, POND’S claimed that their product is the first moisturizer that didn’t need refrigeration. It was a favorite of both Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy-Onassis. “[Jackie] never went to bed with her makeup on. Back then, she used Pond’s cold cream,” author Pamela Keogh told People in a 2019 interview.
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
If you’re looking for a face mask you can trust, look no further than this Mint Julep Masque. Designed by a dermatologist in the 1930s, this mask aims to dry up acne and clear away those pesky blackheads. Even older adults without skin issues can benefit from the refreshing, time-tested formula guaranteed to rejuvenate your complexion and minimize your pores. Oh, and did we mention it’s oil and irritant-free?
Revlon Cherries in the Snow
If you’re a red lipstick connoisseur, there’s a pretty good chance you’re familiar with this hue. It’s been a favorite of beauty enthusiasts since it first came out in 1953. Contrary to its name, it’s more reminiscent of raspberries than cherries. Misnomer aside, fans appreciate the smooth, creamy formula and iconic reddish-pink color. The shade made its grand debut in an ad campaign featuring supermodel Dorian Leigh, the purported inspiration behind Breakfast at Tiffany’s Holly Golightly. The more you know!
Vaseline Healing Jelly Original
Did you know that Vaseline has been around since 1870? Five years after it first hit the market, Americans were buying this product at the rate of a jar a minute! 150 years later, Vaseline is still a staple of many households. This versatile petroleum jelly can heal and protect your skin. Nowadays, it’s associated with the “slugging” trend, a viral moisturizing technique popularized on social media. “Slugging can also help your serum or moisturizer penetrate the skin more effectively. It is inexpensive and effective, helps restore moisture, and leaves your skin feeling soft, well-hydrated, and smooth,” says Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Stryke Club. However, it might not be the best skincare regime for people with oily skin.
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