Old-school beauty products we’re still obsessed with

There’s NO way you haven’t had this guy in your makeup bag at some point in your life. It’s almost a rite of passage. Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara has been thickening lashes since the ‘70s with its signature, easy-to-use wand and clump-free, waterproof formula (that washes off without tearing your lids off). Plus, with a price tag under $13, what’s not to love?

Vaseline can do EVERYTHING and you’re totally lying if you say you’ve never used it. This multipurpose petroleum jelly product is suited not just to soothing chapped lips, it is also great for comforting dry itchy skin, repairing split ends and removing eye makeup. Fun fact: Marilyn Monroe was a major fan of the stuff and would reportedly apply a thick layer of Vaseline under her makeup to maintain her clear complexion. If it’s good enough for a beauty icon like Marilyn…

Before unicorn bath bombs and sparkly body washes, the humble white Dove Beauty Bar was the most sought-after bath item getting around. While it has flown under the radar for years (it’s been around since the ‘50s), one thing is for sure: it’s always been a staple. This beloved bar of soap was a game-changer back in the day – it’s a spreadable cream and soap in one, which was unheard of at the time.

You almost certainly have a bottle of this stuff floating around your bathroom cabinet, because it’s bloody awesome. If you have enlarged pores, breakouts or oily skin, Thayers Witch Hazel has probably been your jam for years. Earlier this year a Pinterest report revealed witch hazel was trending on a whole new level, with global searches shooting up by 305 per cent. See, your grandma knows what’s up.

Created by Elizabeth Arden herself over 89 years ago, the beloved Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant continues to top best-seller lists around the world. In fact, according to the brand, one of these products sells *every* single minute. And we can totally understand why. The skin-saving hero is a true multitasker in every sense of the word: you can use it as a lip balm, cuticle cream, cheek highlighter and fly-away tamer for unruly hair.

Guys, this cleanser has been kicking around since 1905, and people still can’t get enough of it. Even Kylie Jenner! A couple of years back the makeup mogul took to Snapchat to reveal it was her favourite skin cleanser. In the video, Kylie showed off a bespoke Pond’s Cold Cream that was sent to her complete with a lid covered in sparkly green gems while saying: “My favourite cold cream sent me a box — how cute is this?” Considering she’s a billionaire and still can’t get enough of the budget cleanser, you know it’s some seriously good stuff.

Dubbed ‘the mother of all modern creams’, NIVEA Crème first hit the market in 1911 with a standard base of mineral oil, petroleum jelly, glycerin, wax and lanolin. Today, the formula remains pretty much the same, and it’s still as popular as ever (psst…it’s said to be one of Kate Middleton’s go-tos).

Founded in 1933 by chemist Jesse Bell, who is also the founder of Bonne Bell Cosmetics and Lip Smacker (NO BIGGIE), the loyal following for Formula 10.0.6’s So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser is still going strong. The unrivalled formula contains lactic acid and alpha hydroxy acid to clear pores and refresh the skin, continuing to give generations of teens and adults simple, effective skin care.

The classics are classics for a reason. Launched in the ‘60s, L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray changed the hairspray game forever – it was the first hairspray that could be brushed out. To this day the formula and packaging hasn’t changed, and neither has its popularity. It’s backstage at every station during fashion week and is a celebrity red carpet favourite.

While contouring and highlighting may be a total normal part of our makeup routines in 2019, back when Yves Saint Laurent first launched its highlighting pen over 27 years ago, it was the first of its kind. With its radiance-boosting formula and foolproof pen design, this concealer and illuminator has stood the test of time.

Another one of Marilyn Monroe’s favourites (she used to wear it to bed every night), CHANEL No 5 Eau De Parfum is still one of the highest-selling fragrances worldwide. While the design of the bottle may have changed, the original formula – a blend of jasmine, ylang ylang and neroli – has remained untouched since its release in 1921