10 Iconic Makeup Products: The Most Unforgettable Products of All Time
Makeup has been an integral part of human history serving as a form of self-expression and enhancement for centuries. And throughout the years, numerous beauty brands and products have left a mark on the industry while captivating the hearts of makeup enthusiasts around the world! Like we explored in my last post on ICONIC SKINCARE products through the years, today we will dive into some of the most iconic MAKEUP products sold of all time. And yes, this was a very very VERY hard list to pare down to just 10 products! So, today, 10 Iconic Makeup Products: The Most Unforgettable Products of All Time
From products that were launched over 50 years ago, to those products that have gained cult status quickly thanks to social media, here are some of the most recognizable names in makeup.
And I’ll throw in a little makeup history with some of these as well. Because personally, I find the history of WHY some makeup was created, to be fascinating and helps to explain we should love them even more!
Let’s go in categories and I’ll start with eyes first…
TL;DR
Jennifer shares 10 Iconic Makeup Products
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
10 Iconic Makeup Products: The Most Unforgettable Products of All Time
1. Urban Decay Naked Palettes
Urban Decay Naked Palettes, $33- $49. Revolutionizing the world of eyeshadow, the Urban Decay Naked Palette became an instant sensation upon its release in 2010. This game-changing palette offered a range of neutrals to dramatic shades that flattered a variety of skin tones. Their outstanding pigmentation and blend-ability, have made the Naked palettes an essential tool for both makeup novices and professionals.
Must-try varieties of the Naked palettes include the Naked2 Basics, $33, and the much-loved rosy-toned neutrals of the Naked3 palette, $59. (I’m wearing NakedFoxy in this post!)
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2. L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara, $10. I’m sure most would think I’d talk about the pink and green tube, but alas, that mascara was always the worst (in my opinion) so I’m going with another long-time favorite. L’Oreal’s Voluminous formula has become an iconic beauty staple since its launch in 1992. With its affordable price point and reliable formula that is uniquely formulated to separate lashes, resist clumping, and build volume up to 5X their natural thickness, no wonder it’s been an American favorite for years!
It also now comes in fun but wearable fashion colors like emerald green, deep blue, and violet! Which I would highly recommend if you aren’t good at applying fun eyeliner colors, this is an easy way to test the waters with a more daring eye look.
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3. Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil
Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil, $25. Benefit is no doubt the Godmother of eyebrow products! They have made a name for themselves with so many great brow solutions. Their Goof Proof pencil comes in 11 shades (which is amazing) and even includes a “cool gray” shade which is always hard to find for silver-haired ladies.
It features a custom, non-sharpen “goof-proof” tip (so no sharpener needed), soft color, and a glide-on formula for easy & fast brow filling that actually looks natural! My specific color is the #4 shade for reference.
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4. YSL Touche Éclat All Over Brightening Concealer Pen
YSL Touche Éclat All Over Brightening Concealer Pen, $40. You can’t talk iconic makeup, without mentioning this YSL pen! This click pen concealer is best known for instantly brightening your under eye area while also perfecting your complexion on the high points with no shimmer, just radiant luminosity. It has been beloved since it launched in 1992 due to its lightweight and sheer finish.
If you prefer more high coverage, they now launched the YSL High Cover formula, $40, that delivers a bit heavier coverage than the original that was best known for highlighting and brightening.
Now let’s move on to the face…
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5. Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, $48. Since the launch of her line in 1996 (the year I graduated high school!) her loose translucent setting powder has been a #1 seller. A cult favorite and winner of major awards, Laura Mercier's translucent setting powder is beloved for its 16HR wear and iconic soft-focus finish with zero flashback.
It’s a makeup must-have to set and maintain the color of your concealer + foundation. It now comes in varieties of honey and medium deep, for darker skin tones, so there’s one for everybody to enjoy. I can’t tell you how many of these tubs of powder I have repurchased thru the years!
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6. NARS Orgasm Blush
NARS Orgasm Blush, $32. One sells every 20 seconds and has been a best seller for over 2 decades! Known for its provocative name (do you blush just saying it in your head??) and universally flattering shade, NARS Orgasm Blush has achieved legendary status in the beauty community. Its peachy-pink hue with subtle golden shimmer gives the healthiest flush to the cheeks, giving women of all ages a youthful and radiant appearance.
It has absolutely earned its place as one of the most iconic products in the industry. It is also offered in a $17 mini version if you are just curious to see if it really is THAT spectacular - but I guarantee, you’ll love it! It’s also become a favorite in its Multiple Stick that can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyes!
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7. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer, $59. The Guerlain fragrance house dates way back to 1828! But once they started in beauty, this popular bronzer was launched in 1984, when being tan was very IN. Guerlain made a bronzer that has now earned icon status. Made with nourishing argan oil and up to 96% naturally derived ingredients, it provides the ultimate sun-kissed glow.
Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to find it anymore and I’m curious if it’s being replaced by other up-and-coming popular bronzers. If I had to recommend one that doesn’t turn you orange at all, I’d tell you to try the original Benefit Hoola bronzer, $35 that is perfectly matte and buttery feeling. It also comes in Hoola Lite which is the answer to every super fair-skinned girl's dream!
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Now let’s finish strong with lip products…
8. Clinique Almost Lipstick
Clinique Almost Lipstick, “Black Honey,” $24. No discussion of iconic makeup products would be complete without mentioning Clinique. I mean, it was my first memory of wearing makeup as a girl in the 80’s! This “Black Honey” shade was actually first introduced in a pot form in 1971. It was the co-founder Carol Philips who wanted to create the ‘black turtleneck’ for the lip and it has definitely become such! It’s a sheer, but buildable raisin-berry tint, that can work for fair to deep skin tones.
But then in 1989, this gloss-lipstick hybrid was put in a sleek skinny tube for the convenience of the on-the-go busy woman that was juggling motherhood and work outside the home. I am a BIG fan of this super iconic lip product that I’ve yet to find a real dupe for. AND, it’s still the #1 selling lipstick in Clinique’s entire collection.
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9. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution “Pillow Talk,” $35. This mega popular and universally flattering nude pink lipstick shade was launched in 2017 and now one sells every 2 minutes. Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has described her top selling shade as quote, “When you apply a flattering nuanced nude shade, it's empowering and never overwhelming…the ultimate sultry supermodel seduction.”
Of course, now everyone/brand is rushing to find a dupe for this best-seller. The closest one I have found is the dupe of all dupes, (at a fraction of the price) I shared here on my YouTube video here.
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10. Nars “Schiap,” lipstick
Nars “Schiap,” lipstick, $26. This shade of lipstick is not for the faint of heart, but definitely for the woman that likes to make an entrance! This matte vivid pink created by François Nars, was inspired by the designer Elsa Schiaparelli who was known for her obsession with this shade of pink back in the 1920’s + 30’s. It’s been a staple in his lipstick collection through the years and is so memorable because of its super unique shade that commands attention.
I’m on my 3rd tube of this shade because it just makes me really happy to swipe on…even with a boring white t-shirt!
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The world of makeup is brimming with additional iconic products that have left an everlasting impact on the beauty industry. From lipsticks, to mascaras and eyeshadow palettes, these products have become synonymous with glamour, confidence, and timeless beauty.
These are just a handful of examples of the legendary products that have stood the test of time. These iconic makeup items continue to inspire and influence the industry, captivating the hearts of makeup enthusiasts around the world, and cementing their place in beauty history.
Which product would you add to this list? I’d love to hear in the comment section below.
*My t-shirt of editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine since 1988, Anna Wintour, seemed appropriate for this iconic post don’t you think??*
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