'90s Beauty Products You May Not Know About but Still Desperately Need
You may be too young to remember the days when Leonardo DiCaprio was just a fresh-faced teen actor about to star in would-be blockbuster Titanic, or when plastic chokers and butterfly clips reigned supreme, or before the internet and cell phones. (We know: HOW DID PEOPLE LIVE.) But that doesn't mean you should miss out on the best of what the era had to offer. And no, we're not talking about the aforementioned Leo. We're talking about beauty products, and you're in for a special '90s-throwback treat. Consider this a blast from your medicine cabinet's super-rad past. You ready?
Photo: Alamy1/9Trust us: No life is complete without a tube of Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers.
Photo: Courtesy of Bonne Bell2/9<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/bonne-bell-lip-smacker-lip-gloss-dr-pepper/qxp20619" target="_blank">Bonne Bell Lip Smackers</a>
How can we talk about the '90s and not mention Lip Smackers?! Available in more flavors than we can count (and we're pretty good at math, so that's saying something…), the tinted chapsticks were not just collectible, but also totally wearable. While the company has continued to come out with new shades, we'll always have a soft spot for the cult-classic: Dr. Pepper.
Photo: Courtesy of MAC3/9<a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/310/Lipstick/index.tmpl" target="_blank">MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red</a>
This vampy shade was first made popular when Madonna wore it during her Blonde Ambition concert tour in 1990, at a time when there was literally no one cooler than the Material Girl. To this day, it continues to be the perfect shade of red. And why mess with perfection?
Photo: Courtesy of Maybelline4/9<a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/great-lash-washable-mascara.aspx" target="_blank">Maybelline Great Lash Mascara</a>
This is the nation's bestselling mascara for a reason! Since its launch in 1971, this tube has been a beauty-bag staple for models, makeup artists, and '90s babies alike. The hypoallergenic, quick-drying formula is contact lens-safe and thickens your lashes in seconds. What more could you want?
Photo: Courtesy of Calvin Klein5/9<a href="http://www.sephora.com/ck-one-P4095" target="_blank">Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette Spray</a>
This perfume is basically the year 1994 in a bottle. Not only is the refreshing fragrance an excellent all-in-one unisex scent, but mega model Kate Moss just happened to be the face of the ad campaign when it launched. It was (and continues to be) an absolute must-have.
Photo: Courtesy of Bioré6/9<a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=VP00152&skuId=2101723&AID=10547009&PID=1646355&CJSID=365888430.26-49507467&CID=af_10547009_1646355_" target="_blank">Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips</a>
You'll be hard-pressed to find a '90s girl who didn't buy this pore-cleansing product of yesteryear—and for good reason! To banish blackheads and remove dirt and oil, all you have to do is apply these strips to a damp nose, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and then pull off at the edge toward the center.
Photo: Courtesy of Neutrogena7/9<a href="http://www.neutrogena.com/product/deep+clean+facial+cleanser.do" target="_blank">Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser</a>
Teen Vogue favorite Bella Thorne may be the current face of Neutrogena, but back in the ’90s, it was all about then-It girl Jennifer Love Hewitt. While those ads may have been cheesy (in the very best ’90s kind of way!), the reason this cleanser remains so popular is because it really, really works. Your skin will look healthier and feel smoother in no time.
Photo: Courtesy of Carmex8/9<a href="http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Carmex-Moisturizing-Lip-Balm-Original?skuId=816932" target="_blank">Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm</a>
This throwback is the ultimate soothing, hydrating lip balm. Keep your chapped lips healthy with its healing formula that protects against wind on those frozen winter days. And at under $2 per tube, you can't afford not to keep one of these in your bag at all times.
Photo: Courtesy of Nivea9/9<a href="http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Nivea-Creme?skuId=350160" target="_blank">Nivea Crème</a>
This lu moisturizer suits all skin types. First launched in 1911, it really hit its stride about 80 years later and continues to be a staple today. We especially love that the rich formula effectively hydrates those perma-dry areas, like hands, elbows, and feet.
