In a world where beauty brands churn out new products faster than we can say ‘lipstick’, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But amidst the tidal wave of serums, lotions, and palettes, a few iconic items have stood the test of time. These makeup legends not only hold a special place in our vanity drawers but also have fascinating backstories.
Let’s dive into the captivating histories of some of your favourite makeup products.
Clinique Black Honey
Originally created in 1971, Clinique’s Black Honey was the very first glossy lipstick in a pot. It was formulated to be a “black turtleneck for the lip that would be a universal go-to”. By 1989, as women began juggling careers and family life, Clinique evolved the product into Black Honey Almost Lipstick. This sleek, chic tube offered a shiny, non-sticky finish that was the start of the no makeup, makeup look.
NARS Orgasm Blush
First launched in 1999, NARS’ Orgasm blush became an instant sensation because of its versatility; its peachy-pink hue with a touch of shimmer flattered every single skin tone. Over two decades later, it remains a bestseller, with one sold every 20 seconds. As for the name, Nars said to Byrdie, “When I named it, I always felt like it was a good way to actually get an orgasm by just buying a blush, so why not? I wanted something a bit audacious.”
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Co-founder Jerrod Blandino spent over two years perfecting the formula, aiming for a product that delivered thick, flirty lashes. The hourglass-shaped brush, inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s curves, took 47 attempts to perfect. The funky name was inspired by a spontaneous exclamation, as per The Cut. “Then one girl tried it and her lashes look insane. Then the rest of us tried it. And I exclaimed, “Oh my god, this is better than sex!” And everyone laughed,” Blandino said.
MAC Ruby Woo
MAC’s Ruby Woo was born from a happy accident in the late 1990s. It has a vivid, matte red shade that has captivated makeup lovers worldwide. What’s interesting is that it is actually a tweaked version of the popular Russian Red. Released in 1999 as part of the Retro Matte collection, it’s the only shade from that line still standing strong, with seven tubes sold every minute globally.
YSL Beauté Touche Éclat
Did you know that the creation of YSL’s Touche Éclat was by mistake? Creator Terry de Gunzburg received a concealer pen with a brush instead of a sponge and had a flash of inspiration. “Back then no one had skincare in a click pen, now I’m very happy to have inspired all the other models,” she says.
Benetint
Benefit’s Benetint has one of the most unique origins. In 1977, an exotic dancer sought something to enhance her nipples; a nipple tint, if you can believe it. The founders of Benefit, Jean and Jane Ford created the Benetint as a solution to that problem – a rose petal and carmine stain. Word of its universal use as a cheek and lip tint spread, and Benetint quickly became a favourite among celebrities and makeup enthusiasts alike. Today, it enjoys renewed popularity proving its lasting appeal.
Beautyblender
The Beautyblender has become a makeup staple in our lives but twenty years ago, no one could have imagined that you could use a wet sponge on your face for a flawless base. Rea Ann Silva used to work as an MUA on movie sets said, “The beauty blender was created as a tool to avoid the hassle of having to use an airbrush, which required actors to be pulled offset, to apply foundation on set.”
She also realised that movie stars were taking her cut up sponges home because they noticed how well they worked. Thus, the Beautyblender was born; Silva’s innovative design and the technique of using pieces of a makeup sponge damp transformed makeup routines.
The Quick Flick
Interior design graduate Iris Smit created the Quick Flick – an eyeliner with a felt tip at one end and a winged stamp at the other, ensuring the perfect winged eye every time. Reflecting on her journey, the 23-year-old shared, “Every single morning it was the same old story, battling it out in the bathroom trying to get my wings to at least look like sisters, let alone twins. It got to the point where I thought, surely there’s an easier solution?” And thus, the very first eyeliner stamp was born. I’ve attached a dupe below since this is unavailable in India.
Their stories of innovation, and accident make them much more than just makeup – they’re pieces of history! So next time you swipe on your favourite lipstick or dab on some blush, remember the rich legacy behind those beloved products.