There are 93874298374893274 beauty products on the market today (give or take), but many of those will be gone in a year, into the #BeautyFail abyss. Yet some have been around since before your mom started wearing rouge and are still popular as ever because well, they work. Here are ten old-school classics that have held their own on the aisles. And the best part? Their prices basically haven’t changed since the ’70s.
Vaseline Jelly (1872): It works wonders for dry, cracked skin, acts as a shiny lip balm, heals cuticles, and protects cuts and burns. You can also dab it on your eyelashes to make them look thicker and longer (and less dramatic than heavy mascara). Some even say it enhances lash growth. $3
Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser (1910): Ask an older lady her secret to youthful skin and chances are, she’ll attribute it to this cult classic (or Botox). It removes even the most stubborn makeup (obnoxious waterproof mascara included) while hydrating the face with its moisturizer component. Using it even just a few times a week in place of an oil-stripping cleanser makes a difference. $4-$5
Aquanet Hairspray (1980s): Don’t call it a comeback because this ish never left. This ’80s classic still holds its own while holding your hair in place (sans flakes and stickiness). Sadly, the can has changed, but we can still hope the retro style returns one day. $3-$4
Rosebud Salve (1895): Every gal should have one of these old-timey tins in her pocketbook. Not only is it the best lip balm/moisturizer of the past three centuries (literally), but it can soothe minor burns, diaper rash (hey, moms!), and dry skin (such as a chapped, red nose come cold season). $6
Mason Pearson Hairbrush (1885): These old-school gems are the epitome of quality craftsmanship from the olden days. The brushes have the finest boar bristles to give you silky smooth hair while massaging/stimulating the scalp and distributing the hair’s natural oils. They’re comfortable to hold and last a lifetime. Don’t brush your dog with it. $105+
Dove Beauty Bar (1957): With the gazillion body washes, soaps, and bath gels out there, this still remains one of the best things you can un-funk yourself with. It moisturizes like a boss but rinses clean, leaving you with soft, supple, healthy skin. And if you have a fella in your shower, he much prefers it over your lilac shea butter sparkle whatever body wash. $3
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (1968): Yes, the yellow stuff. Clinique was the first dermatologist-created, allergy-tested, 100% fragrance-free collection of beauty products ever marketed, and ladies (especially those with combination skin) still swear by the 3-step routine, especially the lotion for its light consistency, all-day hydration, and oil balancing powers. I’ll pass on that slimy soap though. $26
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (1971): Some ladies swear by it, while others think it’s the Big Foot of cosmetics (powers talked about, but never seen). But regardless, it’s still the most popular mascara in the world; the pink and green tube is a beauty icon, and it thickens and blackens your lashes like nobody’s biz-nass. $5
Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste (1970): This is one of my can’t-live-withouts. I have been using this since I was a kid and every time I go to the dentist, they’re amazed at my teeth health. Tom’s is so much better for your pearly whites and gums than Crest, Colgate, etc., and believe me when I say it keeps your mouth fresher longer. And they even make fluoride-free versions. $5
Nivea Crème (1911): For many, it’s their first, their last, their everything. The iconic product is an original from the respected beauty brand and moisturizes like few others can with its unparalleled rich creaminess. And the travel-size tins are purse perfection. $8 (for a large size)
So whether you use these oldies-but-goodies or not, always remember to respect your elders.
LYLAS,
Ashley
Article originally published on the Wantable blog