These 13 Old School Beauty Products Are Still The Best Around

Hair and beauty experts told us which vintage goods have stood the test of time.

As a self-proclaimed nostalgia-seeker and lover of all things vintage, I’m fascinated by the fact that beauty products of yesteryear can not only still be purchased, but are still recommended by experts.

Everyone from makeup artists to dermatologists (and retro-obsessives like myself) agrees that these untouched formulations of the past continue to be favorites, despite many modern-day innovations, simply because they’re just that good.

In just one short scroll you can learn which old-school beauty items graduated from your grandmother’s bathroom cabinet and made it onto our list of classic staples. Find skin barrier-healing creams, foolproof makeup-removing balms and even a near-replica shade of lipstick worn by none other than Marilyn Monroe.

1. A pancake-style powder foundation

Sephora

Erin Parsons, a makeup artist and seasoned vintage collector, told HuffPost about "pancake foundation" initially launched in 1935 by Max Factor. Although those particular formulations have long since been discontinued, Parsons said that Lancôme's Dual Finish powder foundation can function similarly.

"[Pancake foundation] was a product that started like a dry compact powder. You would wet the sponge and twirl into the product which would create a cream foundation. Apply in quick strokes and it dries down to a velvet powder like finish all while providing medium to full coverage," Parsons wrote.

This multitasking product by Lancôme, a luxury beauty brand founded in 1935, comes in 30 shades and offers a buildable, long-lasting and matte coverage that can be used both wet and dry, as Parsons explained.

Promising review: "Lancome has always been my favorite. I cannot say enough great things about this powder foundation. It is beautiful and smooth on my skin. It is long-lasting and doesn't feel heavy. It evens out my skin tone and smooths away blemishes. I have large pores and this foundation evens out my pores to give me a wonderful finish. There is a light scent when it is first applied but that goes away within a few minutes. There are so many shades to choose from so you are sure to find your perfect skin tone match." —SFBayarea415

Get it from Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom for $50 (available in various shades).

2. A "Marilyn Monroe" orange lipstick

Walmart

Parsons recently conducted a near-journalistic investigation to find out which exact shade of lipstick Marylin Monroe wore. Her diligent research concluded with Parsons winning, at auction, an actual tube of Max Factor lipstick formerly used and owned by Monroe herself! Parsons determined this coral-orange shade by Revlon is a close modern-day substitute for Monroe's lipstick. It has a comfortable, creamy texture that's been fortified with vitamins and hydrators like avocado oil.

Promising review: "This lipstick doesn't feel sticky or heavy on my lips. It actually applies very smoothly. It's creamy and feels like I barely have anything on. I am African American and medium-brown in complexion. This shade looks like a dark pink on me and I love it. It's an everyday shade that I can wear often. It lasts long as well. I would recommend this." —Misstiff823

Get it from Walmart for $5.96+ (also available in several other colors). 

3. A classic eyelash curler

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"The eyelash curler was actually patented in 1924 and hasn’t changed much since the original design. It’s still the best way to get a lift in the lashes," Parsons said.

This highly rated option by Revlon features a classic tried-and-true construction and is made from a titanium-coated stainless steel that will last you ages. The cushioned latex lash pads prevent pinching and are also easy to replace.

Promising review: "FINALLY! An eyelash curler that will reach EVERY. SINGLE. LASH. Your typical eyelash curlers aren't shaped to fit all eyes, and are usually too narrow to reach all your lashes. This fits the bill to get all your lashes curler - not just the ones that fit within the typical guillotine curler. If you want to curl ALL your lashes, you need this crazy curler!" —Vicky Marshall

Get it from Amazon for $15.09.

4. A versatile styling and smoothing brush

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Our pick: Although the Denman hair brush was created in 1938, it wasn't until the '50s that it really caught on as a must-have hair tool, essential for creating those gorgeous Rita Hayworth–style coifs and iconic pin-curled tresses. The brush face features seven rows of round-ended nylon pins that won't drag or catch hair and can be used wet or dry for detangling, blow-drying, styling, defining curls and smoothing the hair. It works for all hair types, especially naturally tight curls, is easy to clean, and has been a beloved item in my own vanity drawer for over a decade.

Promising review: "I love this brush! I ordered because I saw a YouTube video of a girl with curly hair using it, and her curls came out amazing! I always do wash-and-gos, and I usually would only brush/comb my hair in the shower style it once I was out, but sometimes if I waited a little longer to style it, my hair would get dry and frizzy. It would be almost impossible to get my curls defined without getting back in the shower. With this brush, now all I have to do it spray my hair with water, put product in it, and comb it through with this brush, and my curls are poppin'! My image shows before and after use of the brush about 30 minutes after getting out of the shower. The brush is also very sturdy and you can take rows out if you want a looser curl!" —Kirstie

Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in three styles and eight colors).

5. A cloud-like loose powder

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Our pick: This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in five shades including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth texture, absorb excess oil, and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also insanely affordable and lasts forever.

Promising review: "I cannot say enough about this. It has been used by three generations in my family. My grandmother used it all the time, so many times I would watch her apply this to her face. Then I started wearing it as soon as I was able to wear makeup (15), then my daughter started wearing it when she could. I hope they never stop making this, it is wonderful." —Cecilia A.

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in four shades).

6. A conditioning shine gel

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Licensed hair stylist Shaniqua Garcia recommended this conditioning shine gel by SoftSheen-Carson, a Chicago-founded beauty brand that's been around for over 100 years.

"This shine gel is great for slicking back ponytails or achieving clean parts for knotless braids," Garcia told HuffPost. "It provides a high gloss finish and reduces flyways. I recommend this product for those looking for a flexible hold without a stiff hard feeling."

Promising review: "I bought this product for my daughter who has very curly hair. The smell is decent. It's a jelly type material but once on the hair, it smooths it out real nice, stays on place, and DOES not leave white flakes. Also it makes your hair soft like conditioner. I love it. I recommend!" —Jennifer Ayala

Get if from Amazon for $6.69.

7. The original Dove beauty bar

Target

According to Miami-based board certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, the Dove beauty bar soap is "truly cold cream in a bar." She said that this timeless formulation is a good facial cleansing option that's great for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin because it effectively hydrates while it cleanses. It contains the brand's signature one-quarter moisturizing cream, is pH-balanced for skin, and won't strip away all those essential natural oils needed for a healthy complexion.

Promising review: "This has been my family’s go-to soap for three generations! The smell has always brought me back to spending summers with my grandparents at their house. The clean smell makes me feel refreshed and happy, and it’s a great way to end my day for my nightly personal cleaning routine. I have tried other body washes and soaps… but nothing smells the same, works the same, or even feels the same as Dove. I always end up coming back to it for good reason. Because of the nostalgia AND how soft my skin always feels when using it." —Mollypop18

Get a pack of eight from Target for $10.99 (also available in three other pack sizes).

8. A multitasking face cream and makeup primer

Amazon

This multipurpose French pharmacy staple, which dates back to the 1950s, has earned itself quite a reputation here at HuffPost. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré was brought to our attention by Los Angeles–based makeup artist Susan Zeytuntsyan, who favors this emollient moisturizer for not just hydrating the skin, but for offering the perfect base for foundation and makeup. As it turns out, the timeless and virtually unchanged formula, which includes calming aloe vera, protective beeswax, nourishing soy proteins, and skin-softening shea butter, has been a longtime secret weapon among makeup artists.

Promising review: "I have always loved this moisturizer when I would get it from France on trips. It has a following for a reason. It moisturizes amazingly well and it doesn't cause your face to feel greasy. The smell is a slight floral smell, but not overpowering at all. My skin is sensitive and it doesn't have any irritation with this. I also use this a primer for my makeup and it sets it quite well. This is a legendary product and a staple in French skincare." —Violetpinkie

Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in two sizes and three packaging styles).

9. A softening vitamin E concentrated cream

Target

Ciraldo said that Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula cream, marketed as a dry skin panacea, is "actually one of the original and very effective barrier creams." A unique solid and concentrated cream formula, this skin-softening product includes vitamin E, shea butter and a blend of luscious oils that heal and nourish skin.

Promising review: "I used it right after showering when my skin is still a little wet and it has my skin feeling so nice. I love that it moisturizes the skin and gives it a beautiful glow without it feeling oily on my skin. I have used Palmer’s products before but never this so I was so excited when I see it at the store and decided to give it a try! Truly my favorite thing I’ve added to my skincare routine!" —Demaxox

Get it from Target for $7.99 or Amazon for $7.68 

10. A luminous version of a classic sunscreen

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"While there might be newer SPFs out there, this brand is the one that most of us grew up with and it's a tried and true formula," said board-certified and Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav. According to her, Coppertone sunscreens, which date back to 1944, have what it takes to help prevent skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

"If you're not into the classic formula, Coppertone is always producing new versions including this fun, luminous iteration," she said of the brand's Glow Shimmer lotion that leaves a hint of golden shine and has SPF 50 sun protection.

Promising review: "I wear sunscreen on my face every single day and I am always on the lookout for good ones that don’t wash me out. Added bonus if they’re 50 SPF! This one fits both of those! This sunscreen is very lightweight and does not feel heavy or cakey at all! It looks white/tan when it comes out of the bottle but does not give you that awful white cast so many other sunscreens do. It blends really well and adds a nice shimmer. It does not add any color. Especially during quarantine when I haven’t worn makeup in ages, it’s nice to have a little something on my face without having to use makeup. Side by side is a before and after Application. 

The body SPF gives the same shimmer. Again, it does not add color but a little shimmer makes everyone look better! This also blends really easy and does not feel heavy. So far I am really impressed with both of these products but especially the face cream. Definitely recommend!" —JTHB

Get it from Amazon for $20.79. 

11. Vaseline healing petroleum jelly

Target

Yadav said that Vaseline has come a long way since its old-fangled origins that date back to 1870. According to her, this multipurpose jelly can do everything from healing scrapes to alleviating diaper rash to taming unruly hair.

"Most recently it has gotten its acclaim for its occlusive properties via the skin slugging trend," she said. "I personally use it this way, as a top coat over my existing skin care products, in order to help seal in all the goodness." Yadav explained that this popular skin care method helps to prevent transepidermal water loss and can make the active ingredients used in your regimen more effective.

Promising review: "This is one of the best products ever created. It's really effective for dry lips, hands, feet. Just any dry part of your body. I also used it for stretch marks for like a month or so and.... my stretch marks actually became less visible and my skin was smoother. if you're not using Vaseline, you should definitely start" —Idaran

Get it from Target for $4.19, from Walmart for $4.94, or a three-pack from Amazon for $7.

12. A moisturizing makeup removing balm

amazon.com

Dr. Loretta Pratt is a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC in New York. She previously told HuffPost that the Albolene moisturizing cleanser has been a favorite among her patients that have more mature or dry skin. This classic fragrance-free hydrating balm contains ingredients like ceresin and beta-carotene, which can help to condition the skin, while removing all impurities including stubborn sunscreens and foundation.

Promising review: "If I had known Albolene cream was still around I would never have been using the $38 cleansing balm. I remove the cleansing balm from my face using a wet warm washcloth. My face feels even cleaner and smoother after removing the Albolene than it did my department store version. I feel no tightness dryness or greasiness after I remove the Albolene balm. It's just perfect. I wear full face makeup but on the lighter side. I had no trouble removing all of that makeup including waterproof eyeliner. Didn't take any rubbing or any special attention to get that off. It's the same good stuff that I used decades ago when I was a teenager to remove stage makeup." —Patilu

Get it from Amazon for $9.74.

13. A deep conditioning hair mask

Walmart

For hair that is dry, damaged, or over-processed, Garcia recommends Hair Mayonnaise, a deep conditioning treatment that gets its name because of the addition of egg protein and olive oil in its formula.

"This mask helps to revive your tresses and give a bounce-back to curls while also strengthening strands and reducing breakage," she said.

Promising review: "I started using this a few months back, because I dye my hair a lot. I dye it red. My hair started to be very dry and hard to brush. Plus I was losing my natural curls I had. I love how easy it is to brush my hair. I can even use my fingers to brush my hair. I completely 100% recommend this to anyone who has curly and dry. I finally got my beautiful natural curls back!!"  —Lily

Get it from Walmart for $3.94 or a 2-pack from Amazon for $16.94.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.