9 Iconic beauty essentials that have stood the test of time

The grand dame of perfumes is none other than the legendary fragrance by Coco Chanel, who wanted it to “smell like a woman, and not like a rose”. When Chanel first tested the fragrance on her group of unassuming friends who literally stopped in their tracks to get a better whiff, she knew she had created something special. With its unique blend of spices and aldehydes, the perfume has been beautifully capturing the sensual and youthful allure of the modern woman since 1921.

Back in 1953 when Christian Dior launched two red lipstick shades (9 and 99, after Monsieur Dior’s favourite number, 9), no one could foresee how it became an emblematic symbol in every way in decades to come. Years later, both shades are now recognised as Dior 999, an iconic red that is available in matte, metallics, high-impact gloss and the like. This specific shade of red is also touted to be flattering on all skin tones and ages.

It’s the ubiquitous eye opener that’s in every beauty buff’s makeup bag. Since its introduction in 1991, it has received rave reviews for its well-structured design and patented hinge (even scoring two mentions in The Devil Wears Prada). The flatter-than-average curve allows it to fit nearly every eye shape and gives eyelashes a glamorous mascara-lifted look—sans the actual mascara.

For a product that was meant to go on nipples of exotic dancers back in 1976, this sheer liquid has become a classic favorite for the lips and cheeks. It’s signature wine-red color creates natural popsicle-stained lips and frost-bitten cheeks, suitable for women of all ages. Tints have seen an explosion in recent years but the Benetint remains undisputed as sworn by celebrities such as Nicole Kidman and Winona Ryder.

Macarons or makeup? Guerlain toed that fine line with the debut of Météorites in 1987, the first illuminating powder of its kind—loose powder pressed into pearls of various hues, each representing a different function. Fun fact: the shades are all carefully weighed and hand-measured before packaged individually.

Be it the audacious name or universal shade, this product was meant to be remembered when it made its debut in 1999—and did they suceed.The cult blush’s combination of dried rose and peach undertones recreates the perfect ‘afterglow effect’ that looks beautiful on warm and cool tones alike.

La Prairie has been offering high quality products with rare ingredients to its loyal clientelle for many decades. With its signature cobalt-blue packaging containing individually hand picked fish caviar, the best-selling cream first introduced in 1987 combines breakthrough scientific methods and cellular therapy to promise anti-aging results as timeless as itself.

If there’s one luxury brand that has mastered the revered Ginseng plant, it is Sulwhasoo with more than 50 years of ginsenomic research under its belt. Their best-selling Ginseng cream launched in 2000 has become the go-to for many looking to restore elasticity and youthfulness back into their skin in recent decades.

It’s safe to say that this cult favourite revolutionized the industry by introducing light reflecting properties in products in 1992. Just like its name suggests, this iconic magic wand brings a touch of radiance with just one swipe, creating a smooth canvas and a glow from within for a lifted and more well-defined face.