image via Shutterstock / Oleg Gekman

There’s always a new product promising an added dimension to your level of beauty: enchantingly longer, fuller and more defined lashes; pores that are so small that they are as mythic and magical as a unicorn, or a hair colour so rapturous that you couldn’t blame people for thinking they had taken LSD when they looked at it.

But, amongst all the marketing and promises there ARE products that have stood the test of time and have received widespread acknowledgment from consumers and make up artists alike. You can find a metaphor for these products in rock stars or 80’s supermodels – you will still find them on the shelf and they still can draw a following long after they enjoyed their first flush of fame.

Transcending time and with multiple adaptions of use (and, with often surprising origins), here are your supermodels and rocks stars of the make-up and skincare world:

1. Maybelline New York Great Lash mascara

It’s no surprise that mascara should top a cult beauty list. Mascara is one of those products that women feel most adrift and unhappy without, and would most often than not choose first and foremost amongst all other cosmetic item. Eva Longoria just recently cited her top beauty tip as “Mascara, and lots of it!”

And, the most famed mascara of them all? Maybelline New York Great Lash, of course. Who hasn’t heard/seen/or used the product in the iconic pink, black and lime green packaging? Well, since it was released on the market in 1971 in the US, one Great Lash is whisked of the shelves every 1.3 seconds!

It’s still the “go to” mascara for woman all around the world, and considering this product is over 42 years old it could be described as the Elle Macpherson of cosmetics – the number one name in lushness and longevity.

 Shop here: Maybelline New York Lots of Lashes Washable Mascara

2. ChapStick lipbalm

When the weather is changing to windy and/or the temperatures drop the first thing to do is reach for your ChapStick. Sure, there are other brands on the market. But, this brand of lip balm is like the Biro of ballpoint pens. It is synonymous with the actual type of product itself and it’s no wonder. It does an awesome job of protecting lips from harsh elements. And who loves bleeding/cracked lips… well, nobody of course!

Also, the humble ChapStick provides SPF protection for an area of anatomy that can never tan, but can of course burn. This is probably its most relevant feature in our ever-declining ozone layer, globally warming present day. Rewind to its inception in the 1880s (yep, this little baby is BEYOND vintage, it’s practically an antiquity) and you would have found the first ChapStick as just a tube of balm wrapped in some foil.

The ChapStick has come in handy for far more than just a lip balm. During the Watergate break-in the containers were used to hide microphones, providing a method of espionage. This little rock star amongst skin care products is certainly not to be underestimated!

Shop here: Chap Stick Lip Balm Variety Pack Assorted Flavours

3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin cleanser

Basically this revolutionized the beauty industry. It was the first product that allowed us all to say no to soap! And, believe me if you’ve ever watched Fight Club you will know why this is so important (if you need a reminder soap equals fat). Nothing clogs pores like a daily steady application of, well…grease.

Since 1947 it has been a dermatologist favourite and friend to those with skin sensitivities everywhere. It was pharmacist developed and independent clinical tests using this product have shown it to be one of the gentlest non-soap cleansers on the market today. It’s safe for all – including babies.

The great thing about Cetaphil is that it doesn’t disrupt the skin’s natural oils and is PH balanced. That means it won’t strip your skin like some cleansers do, leaving it with that tight feeling and a stinging sensation. It’s the best thing to use if you get a spray tan. It will increase the length of the tanning product remaining on your skin in an even fashion. Soap free cleaners like Cetaphil are a beauty “must have”.

Shop here: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, For all skin types, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)

4. Nars Blush in “Orgasm”

Yep, the name says it all. When it comes to blush it’s all about a natural sexy flush and nothing fakes it (insert giggle) like Nars Blush in Orgasm. It’s the best selling cosmetic that provides a peachy-pink glow with subtle undertones of gold-flecked shimmer. It’s a beauty editor favourite and it has a revered cult like status amongst makeup artists.

The reason? It’s appealing and flattering on any shade of skin. And, it can help you go from dull to amazingly… why, even… ORGASMICALLY alive in just one sweep of the blush brush! It’s all about the radiant glow and it’s definitely the one item to try before you die.

Shop here: NARS Blush, Orgasm 0.16 oz.

5. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum

It’s been around since 1982 and this wonder serum is still going strong. These days serums are THE buzzword in the world of skin care. But, back in the 80s this product was the first to really take advantage of the science of skin – it used hyaluronic acid to peak the skins renewal process (which occurs at nighttime during slumber).

Who doesn’t look better when they are well rested? Well, this product greatly assists this process! And, for that reason it’s still a top-selling product on beauty counters today. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is quite simply a skin care legend. It’s a lush addition to anyone’s skin care routine and does provide some definite results that attest to its ongoing popularity.

Shop here: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

6. Benefit Cosmetics “High Beam” highlighter

This product is actually dubbed by Benefit Cosmetics to be a “supermodel in a bottle”. And, for good reason – a highlighter has the ability to define cheekbones when paired with a bronzer or blush (or both). Applying on the cheekbone will give ultra-wattage definition and contour. If you use High Beam on the brow bone you get a nice little optical illusion lift effect for your eyes.

It’s a gorgeous product from a cute and cheeky brand that provides little “fix its” for any need or desire that make up might solve. Use it mixed with your day cream or dab a little into your foundation to add an enviable luminescent glow to your skin. This product really packs a punch, it adds that little something extra to make you feel just that TEENSY bit closer to being a supermodel. High Beam should take centre stage in any self-deserving beauty lover’s makeup arsenal.

Shop here: Benefit Cosmetics High Beam

7. MAC Cosmetics lip pencil in “Spice”

When it comes to using lip pencils subtle is always the name of the game. You want to define and enhance lips in a naturally way, and NEVER in a Pamela Anderson circa 1995 kind of way! Termed the “perfect nude”, this lip pencil certainly delivers effortlessly sexy lips like no other.

It is still adored by make up artists long after it was released in the 1990s. A favourite of supermodel Linda Evangelista, the lip pencil has now become a permanent addition to MAC’s makeup collection. It’s a unique toffee coloured shade that can be used alone or as a great base to “warm up” lips.

Shop here: MAC Lip Pencil Spice

8. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer

Concealer is truly an essential makeup item and if there is a leader amongst the pack then it has to be Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage. It’s all about customisation with this clever concealer that provides two shades in the one compact (one to match your skin and the other to match your undertones).

The whole point of concealer to hide blemishes, redness and discoloration evenly with no evidence AT ALL of the cover up – and Secret Camouflage does just that! It’s an iconic and best selling product to this day and it was actually discovered via a treatment plastic surgeons use to minimize the redness from burns. It’s longwearing and suitable for any skin-type, even sensitive. Mix it with an eye-cream to use on under eye circles for perfectly fresh, bright and hydrated skin.

Shop here: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

9. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

This really is a one of a kind product! It’s not a toner, it’s not a cleanser and it’s called an essence. You’d be forgiven for wondering JUST what this product is? Well, think of it in simple terms as vitamin water for your skin. Splash it on morning and night and it improves skin’s hydration and suppleness visibly.

Aussie actress Cate Blanchett is an ambassador and advocate of this product and her luminous glow is indicative of the type of brilliant results that this product can achieve.

SK-II Facial Treatment essence uses an ingredient called Pitera – discovered when the effects of Sake brewing were noticed on Japanese factory worker’s hands. Basically, their hands remained fresh, youthful and luminous while the rest of their bodies aged. It a yeast by-product and while it may sound a little icky this product is truly beautiful! While it is not the cheapest skincare solution, it is certainly worth it if you are looking to boost your skin’s natural glow.

Shop here: SKII SK-II SK2 Facial Treatment Essence

10. Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum

Ok, so it sound a little scary to some, but rest assured that Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum has no snake in it… WHATSOEVER. In fact, the only thing that it contains in relation to the much-feared reptile is the ability to mimic the action of the venom that a snake uses to freeze its prey. It’s one of the first products that achieved results that could rival the effects of botox, a needle free way to reduce fine lines and even wrinkles.

Also, snake serum provides a smoothing effect on skin that is a little depleted or lack lustre. It gives visible plumpness and therefore works as an excellent primer. Keep some handy when you feel you need a “pep up”.

Shop here: Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum

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