Here are the cult classic beauty products to add to your makeup bag

With the sheer amount of makeup products available on the market, there is no question that navigating the beauty world can be overwhelming. Beauty expert Bahar Niramwalla shares products that have stood the test of time and become household names simply because they work. 

Lip Colour and Gloss

Since launching in 1984, MAC Cosmetics has cemented its place in the beauty world as its artist-grade products were made available to everyone. Russian Red and Ruby Woo are the brand’s bestselling lipsticks for their versatility and formula. MAC’s Clear Lip Glass and neutral lip pencils were staples of the 90s, given the rise of the iconic supermodel-inspired contoured nude lip using shades such as Oak, Chestnut and Spice. 

SHOP: Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo; $29 at MAC | Retro Matte Lipstick in Russian Red; $29 at MAC | Lip Pencil; $29 at MAC | Clear Lip Glass; $29 at MAC

Mascara 

In 2007, Covergirl launched LashBlast, their first stiff-centred silicon brush that works with all lash types to create length, volume, curl and hold. The brand has made a few other versions based on this famous formula, including Fusion, Clean, and more. 

SHOP: LastBlast Volume Mascara; $13.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart

Foundation 

Armani Beauty launched their Luminous Silk Foundation in 2000, and it became an instant must-have for every makeup artist. It’s known for its radiant finish and medium buildable coverage. The foundation is available in 40 shades to match every unique skin tone. 

SHOP: Luminous Silk Foundation; $58 at Armani

Face Cream 

Launched in 1968, Clinque’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion became an instant hit because it didn’t contain certain ingredients like fragrances — a first in the beauty world. The hydrating lotion offers lightweight protection for all skin types. It has been reformulated to meet today’s pollution and hydrating requirements standards and still stands out as one of the most sold moisturizers in the world. 

SHOP: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion; $45 at Clinique

Body Cream 

The Body Shop founder Dame Anita Roddick, was first inspired to create body butters after seeing women in Ghana use shea butter to nourish dry skin for generations. Since launching the body butter line, the iconic product has undergone various packing changes and countless scents while improving the formula and its mission. 

SHOP: Body Butters; available at The Body Shop

Perfume 

The original 1994 launch of Calvin Klein’s CK One focused on a unisex approach. Its universal appeal was thanks to its citrus top notes, often found in feminine and masculine scents. CK One is still one of the brand’s top-selling fragrances.

SHOP: CK One; at $115 Shoppers Drug Mart