13 Nostalgic Cult Products We’ve Recently Rediscovered (& Fallen Back in Love With!)
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
How good is it when you rediscover beauty products that you used to love?
A few months ago, I was talking to one of our lovely AB staffers and I was blinded by her luminous skin.
“Woah! Why does your face look as radiant as the sun? What is on your face?” I asked.
To which she replied, “I have M.A.C Strobe cream on today.”
The last time I wore M.A.C Strobe cream was, like, 2012.
Whether it was used as a primer for a glowy veil under makeup, or highlighting the tops of cheeks and the bridge of the nose for an illuminated finish, you’d be hard pressed not to find it in most makeup bags.
It was the ‘it’ product that everyone and their BFF was using.
Then, I forgot about it.
Just like I forgot about the Lancôme lash primer that I was using for years that helped separate and lengthen my lashes before applying my mascara.
Did I immediately add the Lancôme lash primer to my staff order once I found out we stock it?
Yes.
We all have those beloved beauty products that were once part of our routines, and then for some reason, went in a different direction.
Trust me, it feels like Christmas when they re-enter your beauty orbit.
I was curious to see if any of my AB colleagues had also rediscovered any old faves, so I asked them!
From an illuminating bronzer to a cult beauty balm, keep scrolling to rediscover (or discover) some oldie but goodie beauty finds!
1. M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream.
What:
A brightening moisturiser infused with botanicals, antioxidants and iridescent pigments to enhance luminosity and promote radiance.
It’s also dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, and is suitable for all skin types.
Why I think it’s great:
How serendipitous that a week after having the conversation with our lovely AB staffer, I found a M.A.C strobe cream sample in my stash!
The last time I used M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream was, like, 100 beauty years ago, and back then, there was only one kind of strobe cream.
Now, there are four different pearl-coloured strobe creams: Goldlite, Peachlite, Pinklite and Silverlite.
Here’s a pic of me wearing ‘Pinklite’ under makeup over the weekend.
It leaves a very natural-looking gleam that makes my makeup sit smoothly and look glowier.
And don’t forget, the iconic strobe cream can also be used over makeup as a highlighter!
I’m so happy it’s come back into my life so I can have luminous-looking makeup all.the.time.
M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream should have a permanent spot in everyone’s makeup bags.
You can even get a mini version to take away with you on holidays, how good is that!
2. Lancôme Lash Primer.
What:
A fibre-enriched lash primer that helps to increase volume, length and curl under mascara and can be used on sensitive eyes.
Why I think it’s great:
Ok look, I know at $58 for a lash primer, this isn’t really a ‘must-have’ beauty product.
But it was for me between the years 2015-2017.
It helped to separate my lashes better under my coat of mascara and when I stopped using it, I noticed my mascara didn’t go on as nicely.
But I did take a long lash primer hiatus to save some $.
Now, I’m ready for longer-looking and separated lashes again.
Look at that difference in how my mascara goes on. My lashes look lengthened on the eye that I've used the primer.
Sometimes it’s the small details that feel big, you know?
3. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.
What:
A cult classic and beauty staple for many, the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm gives all skin types an instant pick me up.
Dry skin havers especially will love the hydrating ingredients that include acerola seed extract (energises skin), prickly pear extract (helps activate cell renewal) and organic oat sugars (tightens and smoothes skin).
You can use it in different ways: AM or PM after cleansing, or even worn under your makeup.
You can even mix it in with your base to help your makeup last all day and look glowier.
If you want the full 411 on this multi-tasking balm, give this article a read!
Why Kate thinks it’s great:
When I heard that Adore Beauty's founder Kate loves this product, that was all the convincing I needed.
Why is Kate such a big fan?
“It’s the OG pre-party skin reviver,” she says.
4. M.A.C Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish.
What:
Instant radiance in a compact, this iconic M.A.C product was Adore Beauty's Web Owner Shannon's pick.
It's a finely-milled highlighting powder created with a multi-mineral complex as well as vitamin E for a sheer, yet luminous finish on your skin.
The best way to use this shimmery compact is to apply it on the high points of your face, or a light dusting all over like a setting powder.
Why Shannon thinks it's great:
“Everyone used to be obsessed with this when I was getting into beauty. But I feel like it dropped off the planet."
"I repurchased it recently when I was looking for a powder that wasn't too... powdery, and it's just as good as I remember!”
5. M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation.
What:
Another MAC pick makes this list!
This is a long-wearing, comfortable wear liquid foundation offering medium to full coverage to give skin a smooth and flawless base.
Comes in 67 shades, is sweat and humidity-resistant, has all day oil control and is suited to all skin types particularly those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Want to know the best way to apply this foundation?
Have a read of our ‘The Difference Between These MAC Foundations (& Which One Will Give You Flawless Skin)’ article.
Why Bec thinks it’s great:
SEO Manager Bec says, “I forgot how amazing the staying power is! It lasts allll day (and night) for special occasions.”
Hmmm I'm going to a wedding soon, might pop this in my next staff order (thanks for the reminder Bec!).
6. Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum.
What:
A deeply hydrating and re-plumping serum with eight anti-ageing ingredients and a blend of actives to address fine lines, wrinkles and give skin a radiant glow.
Why Amy thinks it's great:
When you're trying as much skincare as Senior Editor Amy, sometimes, you need to be reminded of an old fave.
"I was obsessed with this hyaluronic acid serum the first time I tried it. Then, I moved onto something else and completely forgot about it."
"It was only recently when I went to stock up on hydrating skincare that I remembered how much I love this stunning serum."
"The texture is ridiculously silky, and it does everything a good hyalauronic acid serum should - plumps, hydrates and gives good glow."
7. Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint.
What:
Another cult Benefit product, this best-selling lip and cheek tint gives skin a natural flush that stays put all day.
Why Maddy thinks it’s great:
“My mum used to always use Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint when I was a teenager and I feel like it’s had a resurgence lately!” says videographer Maddy.
“With the rise of ‘no-makeup’ looks and wanting skin to look glowy and healthy, I think Benetint is so relevant!!”
8. Ardell False Lashes.
What:
Lightweight, natural-looking false lashes with comfortable wear and medium volume and length.
Why Maddy thinks they're great:
These Ardell lashes were Maddy's go-to lashes for a night out.
“Ahh, Ardell. Back in the day when I didn’t know how to apply false lashes properly and always had my inner corner flipping up, Ardell falsies had my back."
"To be honest I’m still not that good at applying falsies but Ardell is so great for a glam night out!"
9. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio.
What:
Acqua di Gio was launched in 1996 - yep, it’s been a cult classic for men for over 25 years!
I feel like we all have an Acqua di Gio memory. But anyone who loves aquatic scents with light mediterranean notes can wear this fragrance.
Why Amy thinks it's great:
"This was the first cologne I ever bought... for my ex-boyfriend," Amy says.
"I think I chose it because I thought this is how a man 'should' smell. Or maybe I was seduced by the shirtless gentleman on the advertising."
"Recently, I got a whiff of this on a friend and the aquatic, fresh scent instantly transported me back to those feelings of when you like someone for the first time."
"So yeah, I added the Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Fathers Day Set 100ml EDT with 15ml ETD 75 ml Shower Gel to my holiday shopping cart for my current partner!"
10. Wella SP Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir.
What:
A luxurious hair oil that smoothes, shines, restores and hydrates the hair.
This can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, an overnight treatment or used post-styling.
Why Amy thinks it's great:
"This was the first hair oil I ever tried, and I'm still obsessed with it to this day."
"Do I use other hair oils? Absolutely, there are too many good ones to be monogamous, but every time I use the Wella one, I'm reminded of just how shiny it makes my hair look."
11. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation.
What:
A sheer foundation with a luminous, hydrating finish
Infused with vitamin E that's perfect for normal to dry skin types, this foundation helps to smooth dry patches.
Why Megan thinks it’s great:
Megan from our social and content team (who also happens to be a makeup artist) has come full circle with her old foundation fave!
"From 2011 to 2016, Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation SPF 18 and Maybelline Fit Me Concealer were my absolute GO-TO's. You would not catch me using anything else as a base."
"Over the years, I ventured out into the big wide world of makeup and have definitely picked up a few favourites which meant that my trusty Fit Me had a little bit of a break."
"Last year, I decided to repurchase it and fell in love all over again! It is super creamy, offers decent coverage, and for the price point, it's a no brainer!"
12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow.
What:
A long-lasting and highly-pigmented brow pomade that dries down with a matte finish.
This was the brow pot that started it all - and might just be responsible for a few overdrawn eyebrows, too.
Why Nikkita thinks it's great:
Social and Content Coordinator Nikkita says:
“In 2015 when Instagram makeup artists and YouTubers were taking off, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow pot was legit everywhere.”
“Now, as I've learned newer brow techniques, I've learnt that less is definitely more with this product."
"Instead of slathering it all over my brows, I go in with a fine brush and add hair-like strokes for a more natural look.”
13. Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint.
What:
A makeup and skincare hybrid, this bronzing tint will make sure you are looking like a naturally bronzed goddess.
Ingredients like olive oil, anthyllis and witch hazel make sure your skin is balanced and hydrated at the same time.
And we don't mean to brag on its behalf, but this translucent bronzing tint was recently named Best Liquid Bronzer in Vogue USA.
It's the perfect addition to your glowy summer makeup routine!
Why Joanna thinks it’s great:
Joanna, Beauty IQ Podcast Host & Senior Content Manager says:
“This product can be used as a liquid bronzer/contour, an all-over glow enhancer mixed in with your moisturiser, a body bronzer and a very subtle liquid eyeshadow if you're desperate.”
“We love its versatility. I actually got onto it back in 2019 because I saw @nikki_makeup use it on VS Supermodel, Elsa Hosk, and if she approves, you know it must be good.”
Want to know a little more detail on some of our old beauty faves? Check out one of these articles below:
