Ten hall of famers to add to your beauty bucket list

As a regular reader of numerous beauty blogs for over two years now, I’ve learned that the online community is where you go to get the scoop on the latest products out in the market. But if you’re not the type to get caught up with a passing fancy - no lemmings here! - then you’re better off with products that stand the test of time. And you know what? The Internet isn’t missing suggestions for that, either. We’ve seen makeup and skincare items that have sterling reputations, and they still get honorable mentions in media outlets even years after their release.

And so, here’s a list of the cult favorites you have to try at least once in your life to investigate the surrounding buzz once and for all.

Nivea Creme (P69)

The blue tin is so iconic that Nivea hasn’t even changed the packaging  to keep its look a classic. As a little girl, I remember seeing my mom using this to moisturize her face, but I now know that Nivea Creme is versatile enough to use on the whole body. Admittedly, it is on the thick and heavy side, so it’s more ideal for cold, dry weather or extra dry skin.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (P1,100)

This enduring beauty was first introduced to the scene as a lipstick shade in 1971, but was re-done in the 80’s as an Almost Lipstick (tinted balm/gloss) instead. In retrospect, excellent decision! It’s the versatility of the reddish, plummy tint on just about anyone’s lips that has given it a reputation for transforming into a customized color for each user.

Cetaphil Cleanser (P127)

It’s hard to beat something that’s been trusted since the 40’s! Cetaphil is the top-to-toe cleanser that’s a derma standard. You can use it to remove makeup, wash your face and body, as well as your nether regions. Cetaphil’s ingredients are so gentle, it can soothe skin that’s in the midst of a flare-up. It’s practical to have one around the house for those blasted days when your skin simply refuses to play nice.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (P1,950)

In the days before the breakout success of BB creams, there was the tinted moisturizer. Arguably the most famous one... ever, Laura Mercier’s award-winning skincare-slash-makeup product is a favorite to many a celeb on their days off. The light coverage and the ensuing glow make for an excellent base for a no-makeup look.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (P1,000)

Still going strong! Other than the cleansing oil, the Shu Uemura lash curler is the product from the Japanese brand with instant recall. It’s considered the curler with the most versatile comfort fit across various eye shapes, so there’s less tendency to accidentally pinch eyelids or rip out lashes. They say the secret is in the black pads that have just the right thickness for that perfect curl angle.

Estee Lauder Pleasures

Before there was Modern Muse, we had Pleasures. It may have made its debut in 1995, but the timeless fragrance still gives off a fresh, floral impression today. Who could forget the ad campaigns through the years featuring Liz Hurley, Caroline Murphy, and Gwyneth Paltrow? I remember a relative bringing home a bottle as pasalubong, and my mom and I sharing it (...or fighting over it) for special occasions.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (P1,450)

The new millennium was met with a futuristic buzz and the birth of Bobbi Brown’s signature eyeliner. The inky deep colors last all day, and it changed the game for non-pencil eyeliners. The formula is a buildable pigment-saturated gel, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the lids. The collection has now grown to 13 regular colors, and Bobbi Brown still launches limited edition shades along with seasonal collections.

Carmex Lip Balm (P140)

Keep your lips soft and plump in any weather. Carmex is the heavy-duty stuff! Originally developed in the late 30’s to deal with cold sores, the brand eventually became a lip balm go-to for its year-round versatility. With the success of the original formula, the line has since expanded to include a squeeze tube packaging and the handy twist-up lip balm tube.

Max Factor Creme Puff (P633)

Though the name brings to mind a certain cream-filled dessert, Max Factor’s Creme Puff Pressed Powder is known in makeup artistry circles for being the trusty movie star makeup in the golden age of Hollywood. Glamorous dames like Joan Crawford and Judy Garland benefited from the flawless look that Creme Puff’s creamy-matte finish was able to give. Pro MUAs still turn to this tried-and-tested, finely-milled powder foundation for coverage ranging from light setting powder to theater-level makeup.

Bioderma Micellar Cleanser (P1,900)

The French have the most no nonsense approach to skincare, and they’ve brought us a makeup remover that doesn’t beat around the bush. Bioderma dissolves non-waterproof makeup in a snap, and you can choose a formula depending on your skin type. This is the brand that made micellar water a must-have for any makeup lover's vanity.

How many of the products on this list have you tried? What's still on your list? Let’s complete our beauty bucket lists together!