Every so often, a product comes along that sits head and shoulders above the rest, earning it a place in the beauty hall of fame. And when that happens, consumers take note – often ensuring that these must-haves remain bestsellers even years after their release. So what are the most popular beauty products of all time?
Touche Eclat Concealer by Yves Saint Laurent
When this under-eye concealer first came to the market way back in 1992, it was the first to utilise brightening pearls in the fight against dark circles. Ultimately, the ingredient proved so popular that Yves Saint Laurent patented the formula, creating a product that remained a sell-out for 15 years. Now, other concealers have appeared that imitate this beauty classic, but Touche Eclat remains the original and best – with one sold every ten seconds around the world.
Orgasm Blush by NARS
When Francois Nars of the French cosmetic brand NARS released Orgasm Blush in 1999, he wanted a name that would create shockwaves in the beauty world. And he found it with ‘Orgasm Blush’. At it’s most popular, the blusher sold around four units every minute, and even now it is one of the best-selling products on any beauty counter. Initially available in just one shade – a flattering, girlish pink – Orgasm Blush now comes in a choice of 28 different colours.
Better Than Sex Mascara by Too Faced
Another product with a bold-as-brass name, Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara has acquired legendary status since its launch in 2013. Applied using a unique hourglass brush, this formula will make it look like you’re wearing the lushest false lashes – all for a relatively affordable price. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that one of these bad boys sells every 7.5 seconds.
Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask by 111SKIN
A favourite of A-List celebrities needing to prep their skin before big events, this hydrating and brightening mask is actually infused with real, 24-carat gold, along with rose extract to create a smooth, glowing complexion. And it’s obviously a recipe for success: since its launch by 111SkIn in 2017, around 18 million of the masks have sold around the world.
Ruby Woo Retro Matte Lipstick by MAC
The mother of all red lipsticks, this killer lippy actually came about by mistake, while technicians at MAC were attempting to alter the formula of another popular shade. Realising they had a hit on their hands, they released Ruby Woo as a color in its own right – and the public lapped it up! Hydrating, long-wearing and endlessly dramatic, this is MAC’s most popular shade in the US, with around seven sold every minute.