The classic beauty products that have stood the test of time
Splashed out on a brand-new beauty product that promises the world, only to find it doesn’t deliver? New doesn’t always mean better. These tried-and-true intergenerational classic beauty products are the very definition of staying power, remaining popular for decades – and even centuries – for good reason. Learn more about these heritage heroes…
The perfect polish: Revlon Nail Polish in Cherries in the Snow
$12.79 at Chemist Warehouse
Launched 1932
When New York-based cosmetics brand Revlon launched a red nail varnish during America’s Great Depression, the only shades of nail enamel available were pale and transparent. The first pigmented formula, Cherries in the Snow, was devised after its inventors were inspired to create a matching nail colour for the scarlet lipsticks fashionable at the time. The original shade is unchanged to this day and just as popular as ever.
Double-duty darling: Dove Original Beauty Bar
$3.49 at Life Pharmacy
Launched 1957
In the 1950s, the Lever Brothers set out to revolutionalise skincare regimes and launched an affordable soap that not only cleansed, but moisturised too. Soon enough, the Beauty Bar began flying off the shelves and the product still remains central to the brand’s global success – 67 years later!
Launched 1911
More than 100 years ago, “the mother of all creams” was invented. The first skincare cream that could be exported around the world without compromising on quality or consistency, rapid international sales ensued and within three years, Nivea Creme could be found on every continent.
Launched 1960
A favourite of celebrity hairstylists for decades, it’s been the one of the classic beauty products since the ’60s and the packaging has remained largely unchanged since it’s inception. Jennifer Lopez carries a travel-sized version in her purse, while Kate Winslet says she has “been using it since I used to steal it from my mother as a child”.
Legendary lotion: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
From $74 at Clinique
Launched 1968
Clinique’s first-ever moisturiser is still one of the bestselling moisturisers in the world! At the time, beauty counters were filled with heavy creams rich in fragrance and not quite right for every skin type, so the brand’s dermatologist set about changing that and developed the fragrance-free moistuiser that’s still one of the classic beauty products today.
Fit for a queen: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant
$37 at Adore Beauty
Launched 1930
The story of this all-purpose beauty balm began more than 90 years ago when the Elizabeth Arden fashioned the apricot-coloured balm to soothe skin – and even used it on her beloved thoroughbred horses’ legs. The name was coined after one of her loyal clients used it to treat a child’s skinned knee and within eight hours, it improved remarkably. Among its legion of fans over the years include Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Zendaya. Even the late Queen Elizabeth II was said to use it twice a day, while Victoria Beckham calls it “the best thing in the world for chapped lips, elbows and knees”.
Super-centenarian staple: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original
$4.50 at Life Pharmacy
Launched 1870
After a breakthrough discovery by 22-year-old chemist Robert Augustus Chesebrough, the Vaseline brand was born. He opened a factory in New York and toured the state in a horse-drawn carriage to promote his “miracle” product – and it swiftly became a bathroom staple. Now, A-listers can’t get enough! Devotees reportedly include Jennifer Lopez, who uses it as a make-up remover, and Jennifer Aniston, who applies it under her eyes at night to prevent wrinkles.
Launched 1921
The most famous women’s perfume in the world, the 103-year-old fragrance was born after Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel tasked perfumer Ernest Beaux with creating scent as complex as one of her dresses. But how the name came to be is still somewhat of a mystery. Some say the name related to the winning sample Ernest presented Gabrielle, while others say it was down to five being her lucky number. The superstitious businesswoman presented her collections on the fifth of each month. A tradition that the luxury fashion house still honours to this day.
