10 Iconic Skincare Products: Must-Try Products for Every Beauty Enthusiast
Today's world is filled with an overwhelming array of skincare products! It can be challenging to navigate the vast landscape of options and find the truly iconic gems that deliver exceptional results!
However, there are certain skincare products that have garnered a huge cult following and have proven their efficacy over the years. In this blog post, I will explore a curated selection of 10 iconic skincare products that everyone should give a try depending on your needs. These products have achieved legendary status, transforming countless complexions and becoming staples in beauty routines worldwide!
Like I always preach to my clients and friends, your makeup will only look and perform well IF your skincare routine is TOP NOTCH using highly effective products. And consistent use is also a big factor!
From luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and surprisingly phenomenal drugstore gems, I am going to dive into the world of skincare excellence. Check out some of these long-time best sellers below to find your new favorite skincare bestie!
TL;DR
Jennifer shares 10 Iconic Skincare Products
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
10 Iconic Skincare Products: Must-Try Products for Every Beauty Enthusiast
1. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $115. I read a stat that "ten bottles are sold every minute around the world” of this iconic skin product! Fun fact, my first job in cosmetics was with Estee Lauder back in 2001, and this was definitely one of the #1 products I sold the most of! It launched back in 1982 as one of the very first nighttime serums and is described as 7 serums in 1.
It promises to help with line reduction, firmness, even tone, strengthening, hydration, radiance, and anti-oxidants. The fact that this product has never been discontinued, speaks for itself and its efficacy. Because we all know cosmetic companies love to discontinue items we get attached to! (and if the price tag doesn’t work for you, the L’Oreal Age Perfect Midnight Serum is a close dupe!)
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2. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, $100. This is one of the most searched skin products on Google this year, with 292,300 searches!! The premium Magic Cream is highly praised for its ability to turn around dull skin formula that floods skin with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C + E and Bionymph Peptides. If you have super dry to normal skin, this is supposed to work miracles for you! I just used up a small sample of this and will absolutely be buying the full size.
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3. Embryolisse Lait Crème
Embryolisse Lait Crème, $29. This multi-tasking cream developed in France back in 1950 does it ALL and has been a makeup artist staple in kits for years. It’s a multi-function nourishing moisturizer that can be used on all skin types and is effective in so many ways! It can be used as a moisturizer, makeup base/primer, moisturizing mask, and even as an after-sun care (great for summer!). Apparently one of these super affordable and effective creams sells every 13 seconds!! There’s proof in the numbers.
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4. Elemis Pro Cleansing Balm
Elemis Pro Cleansing Balm, $68. When it comes to skin cleansing, this ranks as one of the most popular products. It is also THE #1 most popular skincare product searched in 2023!! This is a 3-in-1 melting cleanser that nourishes as a balm, easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrates as a cleansing milk. The unique mix of oils like lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, and rose make it truly smell like heaven in a jar and leaves the skin feeling smooth like butter.
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5. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% Serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% Serum, $9. The Ordinary brand is well known for its no-frills packaging, using buzz-worthy ingredients, at super affordable price points. Launched in 2016, this brand has provided highly effective products to the masses with most of its products under $20. This HA and B5 hydrating serum specifically has been one of their best sellers because of its ability to replace lost moisture in the skin with noticeable results in one week.
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6. La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream
La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, $200 - $2675. La Mer's Crème de la Mer is the epitome of luxury skincare. Developed by Dr. Max Huber, this iconic ultra-rich textured moisturizer harnesses the power of the sea to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. Infused with the brand's signature Miracle Broth™, this cream helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.
Though it comes with a hefty price tag, (they offer a super large 16-ounce jar that is over $2K), many swear by its transformative effects. I have yet to be able to pull the trigger on this one, but I’m saving up my money to one day test its iconic status! I’d love to know if any of you have ever bought/used this la Mer and please leave it in the comments below for us all to see!
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7. Garnier Micellar Waters
Garnier Micellar Waters, $4 - $12. This is considered America’s #1 micellar water brand. You can use it as a facial cleanser in the morning and as a makeup remover at night. These micellar waters are a multitasking skincare must-have and gentle enough for everyday use because they can remove makeup and dirt without drying. The great thing is that Garnier has created a micellar water formula for ALL needs - from the rose water hydrating one, to the Vitamin C brightening version, and even one that removes all waterproof makeup.
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8. Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic
Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic, $182. This is a legendary product that most will tell you, just try it ONCE and you’ll be hooked. This 15% pure vitamin C serum lightens lines, firms skin, and brightens the complexion like no other. Basically, it provides visible anti-aging benefits and is backed up by many 5-star ratings. It’s even ideal for sensitive skin. I talked about this on Instagram stories not too long ago, and had SO many DM’s from people saying what magic this CE performs for the skin!
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9. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $34. Paula’s Choice is in the top 15 of the most-followed skincare brands on Instagram in 2023. And this is the brand’s #1 selling product worldwide. I’ve been a fan of PC for years now, and if I had to choose one, this would be mine too.
It’s a unique leave-on exfoliator, (looks like water when you pour it onto a cotton round) and is made with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid to unclog pores, clear your complexion, and give you the smoothest skin surface - and it really, really works. It’s gentle enough that it can be used daily and also absorbs super quickly. I tell all of my friends and family to try this at least once if they never have - and everyone reorders it!
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10. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Skin Protectant
Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Skin Protectant, $29. It launched way back in 1930 and is known as one of the most versatile beauty products of all time! Famous faces that have trusted it are Princess Diana, Reese Witherspoon, Victoria Beckham, and model Kate Moss. The legendary formula is a combination of skin-softening petrolatum (an effective occlusive agent), anti-inflammatory salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy in one of its first cosmetic uses), and antioxidant vitamin E – has remained unchanged. Uses vary from a way to moisturize face and body, shape brows, illuminate cheeks, and smooth cuticles.
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Of course, there are quite a few other very popular and iconic skincare products you might believe I have left off this list (uhh-em, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer??) And I’d love to hear in the comment section which old-school products you still rely on!
These iconic skincare products have earned their place in the beauty industry by delivering exceptional results and satisfying countless skincare enthusiasts. However, I have to remind everyone to remember that everyone's skin is SO unique, so it's essential to understand your skin type and concerns before trying new products. But embrace the journey of discovering what works best for you, and don't be afraid to experiment with these iconic skincare treasures.
And stay tuned for part two of this series, where I will share 10 of the most iconic MAKEUP products from over the years!
More Look Details
My Emilie gem initial J necklace, $168, that I wear ALL the time because the jewels seem to pick up every color in my wardrobe. It makes a very unique and personal gift also! | Wearing Buxom Cosmetics Plumping Lip Polish in shade “Whitney” | My $1.80 gold hoop earrings, not kidding! | Shadow look created from Anastasia Beverly Hills palette, $45.
References
GoodHousekeeping.com | cosmopolitan.com | TheCut.com | byrdie.com | landyschemist.com
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Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared a great recipe for Chicken Quesadillas and a frozen cocktail. Click the title or image below to read the article.
I finally tried the LaMer when CosBar was offering 25% off and it applied on this product too. Definitely lives up to the hype! My skin looks so fresh and dewey, 68 year old!
I love hearing this Elaine! I’m hoping to be able to swing treating myself to a jar real soon and your comment gives me the confidence to try it!
Jennifer,
I love all your tips! What would you recommend to remove eye makeup for sensitive eyes?
Hello Becky!have you tried the Micellar waters I mentioned above for sensitive skin? That could definitely work or you could look into the Cetaphil makeup remover oil for sensitive skin here >> https://rstyle.me/+tA2JgPBuSaH3WC2t15r6Ig
I love Skinceutical’s Vit. C but they recently increased the price by over $20 so I won’t be buying it anymore.
Darn!
Would you ever consider critiquing/ recommending other Vitamin C products? We need some effective alternatives that won’t break the bank..
Thanks!
Hey Jeanne! I would highly suggest L’Oreals Vitamin C serum at $22 – you have nothing to lose bc it’s GREAT! Check it out here >> https://rstyle.me/+MnRyOGpX5FMfIOV1AeoqOw
Thanks for a great list! I am searching for an eye cream. Any recommendations?
Hey Marsh! My two fave eye creams at the moment are are by origins ginzing VIT C cream >> https://rstyle.me/+DF52YGaZMNDZ3kGi_LYSbQ and then Kiehls eye down treatment >> https://rstyle.me/+JVDzatkLtFtv_wKxc4lBYA
Jennifer, a few years ago I was given a sample of the Le Mer moisturizer! I was ecstatic just to have been given that. I used it very sparingly to make it last as long as possible. It was luxuriously smooth and creamy. I didn’t have enough to use it for an extended time but it was an amazing product.
I would have done the same thing and used it sparingly to make it last longer!! Did you see Elaine’s comment above? She finally got a hold of the LaMer and loves it!! I’m now hoping to ask for this as a Christmas gift from my kids bc it sounds like it lives up to the iconic status.
I use several of the products you’ve highlighted. This is a GREAT list, Jennifer! Thank you. And EL Advanced Night Time Repair. I’ve been told I look a lot younger than I am by strangers and I attribute it to this product. (Well, and maybe Beth’s style tips, too!)
This is amazing Carolina Girl! I’m sure the combo of effective skincare, great makeup tips and Beth’s style inspo makes for a winning combo! Glad to hear you enjoyed this list and are using some of these products already. Really enjoy hearing from you!