22 Cult-Favorite Beauty Products That Have Stood The Test Of Time

Every season, beauty trends come and go (remember the short-lived reign of unicorn makeup?) but certain products - much like the LBD and quality denim - truly never go out of style. We’re talking about the top-selling hair, makeup, and skin-care products that are truly timeless, and have firmly cemented themselves as perennial cult-favorites.

With 2019 done and dusted, we've taken a look back at the most popular products of the past year and beyond: From Nars' bestselling Orgasm blush to Sunday Riley's Good Genes exfoliating serum, meet the squad of products that are coveted 365 days a year, and who consistently hold their own against even the shiniest, buzziest new launches. Here, we take a deep dive into the inductees of our unofficial (but also, extremely official) beauty product hall of fame.

We’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. 

Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain

Launched: 1977

According to beauty lore (and confirmed by a Benefit spokesperson), the famous cherry-red Benetint was created for an exotic dancer in the 1970s as a “nipple shade enhancer.” Nowadays, the stuff mainly makes its way to lips and cheeks — although no shame in getting creative, right?

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Launched: 2015

Five years ago, Laneige changed the game with its gel-cream treatment that plumps, hydrates, and soothes overnight for the softest lips imaginable.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $, available at Sephora

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SK-II Pitera Essence

Launched: 1980

Referred to as “miracle water” in Asia, this transformative Japanese essence has earned serious skin-care clout over the past 40 years for granting softer, suppler, more radiant skin. What’s more, its formula has remained essentially unchanged since launch because it’s that good. The superstar ingredient, Pitera, contains over 50 powerful micro-nutrients and resembles skin’s natural moisturizing factors for optimal absorption and real results. Pour a few drops of the lightweight liquid into your palms and press it into your skin for even texture, tone, and a lit-from-within glow.

SK-II Pitera Essence, as a part of the First Experience Kit, $, available at SK-II

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Launched: June 2013

The origin story of Too Faced's now-iconic frosted pink tube goes as follows: Co-founder Jarrod Blandino reportedly was so shook at a lab sample of the final formula that he joyfully exclaimed, "It's better than sex!" While it doesn't quite beat the big O, it's no wonder that the tube of the lengthening, thickening formula has become one of the most popular mascaras around.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Launched: July 2009

From addressing breakouts to fading acne scars, Sunday Riley's lactic acid-infused Good Genes skyrocketed the brand to cult status virtually overnight. The exfoliating potion is truly magic, and if nothing else, it proves that fans are willing to shell out when the skin care works.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Launched: 2010
Ready to feel old? We're going on a decade since the OG Urban Decay Naked palette came into our lives. The iconic neutral eyeshadow palette has since then inspired six full-size offshoots (plus mini versions of Heat and Naked 2). Sadly, you can no longer buy the original Naked palette, but the latest addition to the lineup, Naked Honey, takes things to new, gilded gold heights.

Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette, $, available at Sephora

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

Launched: 2002

2002 may have been a simpler, more, uh, bronzed time, but St. Tropez's foaming self-tanner still reigns supreme due to its easy-to-use formula and natural-looking results.

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Launched: September 2016

When Dyson unveiled the Supersonic all the way back in 2016, the hair industry changed as we know it. While there are more Amazon knockoffs of the British brand's iconic wind tunnel design than we can count, nothing beats the original; it feels lightweight yet delivers a powerful, fast-drying stream of air with no extreme heat.

Dyson Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $, available at Dyson

MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Launched: 1999

MAC's iconic tube of red lipstick to end all other red lipsticks has been going strong for two decades. The vivid, blue-red bullet is M·A·C's best-selling shade in the US, with seven tubes being sold every minute worldwide.

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick, $, available at Nordstrom

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Launched: May 2017

The mask that launched a million waitlists: Glow Recipe's internet-breaking Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask quickly became a fan favorite due to its ability to hydrate and plump skin overnight. Years later, people still can't get enough of the stuff.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, $, available at Glow Recipe

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed

Launched: August 2013

Becca's cult-favorite powder highlighter — which comes in 12 shades, Champagne Pop being the #1 — has firmly established itself as the gold standard for highlighters. While boasting a full range of color cosmetics and skin care, Becca's virtually become synonymous with glowy skin – which, all things considered, isn't a bad thing.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick

Launched: January 2017

The rosy nude lipstick has amassed a legion of fans worldwide due to its magical ability to flatter a wide range of skin tones, and has inspired a full collection of eyeshadow, blush, and other lip products. Plus, the buttery texture and soft matte finish are truly next-level.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Launched: 2008

Call it the Cara Delevingne effect, but if there's one thing that's in everyone's makeup bag, it's a brow product — and likely this one. Founder Anastasia Soare's hero product, a little-known brow pencil aptly called Brow Wiz, has become one of the most beloved, top-reviewed products in history, with YouTube beauty gurus and makeup artists alike singing its praises.

Nars Orgasm Blush

Launched: 1999

Maybe it's the salacious name, or maybe, just maybe it's the shimmery, peachy-pink hue that suggests a post-romp glow that has fans begging the brand for more (which they dutifully oblige). In the 25 years since it originally launched, it's been lauded as the top-selling prestige blush in the U.S., according to market research firm The NPD Group.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Launched: Spring 2010

A black liquid eyeliner by any other name...well, wouldn't be Stila's beloved Stay All Day felt-tip wonder. The super-fine tip allows you to create the most precise cat-eye shape, and the pigmented fluid is a true, inky noir that doesn't budge.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Launched: 2010

The late, great OG celebrity and runway hair stylist Oribe Canales' range of luxe products are among some of the best money can buy, but the standout item is without a doubt the Dry Texturizing Spray. A few mists of the stuff instantly gives you cool-girl texture and mind-boggling beach day volume — what's not to love?

Moroccanoil Treatment

Launched: 2008

The brand unofficially put argan oil, one of the most popular ingredients to hydrate and soothe skin, hair, and nails, on the map after launching in 2008, and the rest, as they say, is history. Over a decade later, fans still swear by the deep-conditioning oil treatment to boost shine, smooth frizz, and quench dry, damaged strands.

Tatcha The Water Cream

Launched: April 2017

In addition to being the prettiest addition to your shelfie, Tatcha's thirst-quenching gel-cream is a serious game-changer if you crave hydration without greasiness. Clean, plant-derived ingredients like Japanese rose extract and a proprietary complex of green tea, rice, & algae help curb excess oil while delivering a veil of moisture to skin.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Launched: 1996

The original formula was adored by fans (and R29 editors) alike, and the brand shook things up by releasing a new-and-improved version this past July. Luckily, we have nothing but great things to say about Laura Mercier's 2.0 tinted moisturizer (which features a lighter texture, expanded shade range, and higher SPF) so if you haven't tried it yet, get ready to meet your new skin MVP.

Glossier Boy Brow

Launched: October 2015

Few brands have won millennials over quite like Glossier. Chalk it up to the Instagrammable packaging (raise your hand if you hoard those pink bubble pouches), or perhaps it's the fact that the products are just that good. A couple swipes of the stuff is all you need to instantly bulk up brows, creating a full, defined shape that looks completely natural.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Launched: 1999

The super gentle face cleanser is easy on even the most sensitive of skin types, yet tough enough to remove makeup. Basically, it's the best of both worlds.

Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 Repairing Treatment

Launched: 2015

We dare you to name a more frequently name-checked hair salon product than Olaplex. Seriously — the brand has become so popular, it's since expanded into hair oils and shampoo. However, it's their bond-building treatment that takes the cake, offering an at-home solution to repairing disulfide bonds in the hair that are damaged as a result of frequent color services or heat damage.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

Launched: Summer 2016

Tarte's most iconic product revolutionized everything we though we knew about concealer. (According to the brand, one is sold every 12 seconds.) Often imitated yet never replicated, the creamy liquid formula has amassed a dedicated fan base thanks to its longwear and skin-smoothing properties.

from refinery29