Vintage-Inspired Beauty Products: The Glamour Revival You Didn’t See Coming

While millennials are trying to keep up with the times by ditching their ankle socks for crew length ones and shaking off the blue eyeshadow trend dated back to the early '90s, the internet has gone wild and to great lengths in embracing this highly nostalgic look, chasing after the Y2K age so hard that even then animated icon, Groovy Chic, is making a comeback. Despite the apparent fashion slash beauty cycle across eras, there is just something about blending the charm of our yesteryears with a modern, contemporary flair that draws us in. 

Whether you thought of something that came right out of your grandmother’s closet such as vintage pump perfumes that cluttered atop her vanity, an intricately designed ornate tin, or a classic red lipstick in an elegant case, these beauty treasures though no longer to be found, are still the epitome of elegance and timeless sophistication. While we thrive in what some may refer to as the ‘sad beige’ times where minimalism has proved its relevance in recent years, one can still reminisce the ironically simpler times of the past by marrying the allure of old-world glamour and today’s advancement to birth the unique blend of sentimentality, nostalgic beauty and innovation in the form of vintage-inspired beauty products. 

If you often wonder whether you’re born in the wrong time period, indulging in these retro-inspired finds and popular trends of that era will be right up your street. 

Vacation Orange Gelee SPF30, $32.15, Revolve

If you remember the '80s cult favourite Bain de Soleil (French for sun bathing), a sunscreen that boasts a sad coverage of SPF4 but a go-to for achieving the dreamy Saint-Tropez golden brown tan, then this reimagined formula by Vacation would be a reunion with a familiar memory. Reviving the Orange Gelee in all its glory, Vacation has nailed the signature orange-tinted formula that now rubs in clear and leaves a moisturising shine that is silky but non-greasy. Most importantly, it now has SPF30 to ensure better sun protection but still delivering that delicious sun-kissed complexion. It is also infused with sandalwood, bergamot, cloves and patchouli in homage to the real deal that will take you back to lying idyllically by the beach mixed with sand and sea. 

Pat McGrath Labs Bridgerton Skintillating Diamond Body Shimmer, $79, Sephora 

Set in the Regency Era of England, Netflix hit series Bridgerton has us all binge watching through its seasons. To fully immerse in the experience, why not grab a 1800s inspired loose powder highlighter at your nearest Sephora? In true antique fashion, the Bridgerton Skintillating Diamond Body Shimmer in collaboration with Pat McGrath Labs will land a kiss of illuminating shimmer upon your skin with its incredibly plush and luxe all-over puff for an iconic look fit for a queen. 

 Guerlain Rouge G Customisable Ultra Care Case, $56, Sephora

Named as ‘the reinvention of an icon’, the  Rouge G Customisable Ultra Care Lipstick Case is a classic accessory straight out of grandma’s purse. If you recall the intricate details on the flowery silk vintage snap closure lipstick case, this one by Guerlain is a step up. Created specifically to be paired with the Rouge G customisable lipstick series, it features a ton of designs including Parisian staples and timeless velvet fabric. 

1930 Cake Mascara, Eyeliner & Brow Definer, $30, Besame

The classic red tin, an improved upon brush applicator; it is simply love at first sight. Right out of a 1920-30s movie set, Besame has managed to nail both the packaging and formula down to a T. Created with just 7 ingredients that are touted to be non-irritating, vegan and safe for sensitive skin and eyes, the water-activated black formula is a mascara enhancer, liquid eyeliner, and brow definer. To make application a breeze, the old-school wand is now upgraded into a dual-sided angled brush and spoolie for precise drawing and a buildable intensity made to last without smudging.

M.A.C Cosmetics Satin Lipstick in Paramount, $40, Sephora

Whether or not you are team Rachel Green or Ross Geller on the popular 1994 sitcom Friends whose ongoing gag throughout the show was if they were on a ‘break’ in their turbulent relationship, the truth is, everyone wants to be her. From the Rachel Green haircut to being a fashion icon in general, Jennifer Aniston has revealed her secrets to looking like the ultimate ‘it’ girl of her time and beyond in an interview with Glamour. One of them? M.A.C’s Satin Lipstick in Paramount. Used in rotation during filming, Paramount has a weightless formula and a brick-brown finish that is creamy and non-drying. 

Midi Oval French Hairpin, $111, Machete 

Forget claw clips that pinch and ones that don’t quite do their job of holding up your hair. Need something that actually works? Go vintage, opt for the French Hair Pin. A simple but timeless design, the easy-to-use two-pronged ‘clip’ was used to hold up wigs and keep them in place in the 1600s. Today, the possibilities are endless. Whether medium length or waist long, a half updo or a classic French twist, the trick to a très chic look is this hairpin that helps to create and secure the most elegant styles that you can rock for any occasion. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara, $51, Sephora

Inspired by hair rollers – yes the one adorned by Yuen Qiu, actress of the iconic landlady of Pig Sty Alley in Kung Fu Hustle – the Roller Lash Mascara helps to lift and provide a super curl made to last throughout wear. For short and stubborn lashes, a light coat of this mascara will hold it up like a pair of natural-looking falsies, even without using an eyelash curler or primer. 

Meteorites – Light Revealing Pearls Of Powder, $111, Guerlain 

In Guerlain we trust; when it comes to capturing the essence of and modernising all things vintage, this maison goes above and beyond. Take the Light Revealing Pearls of Powder for example. Part of the Météorites collection, it features a stunning jar of iridescent balls that control shine while enhancing your makeup by giving it an illuminated radiance for a youthful glow for up to 12 hours. Simply dust over them with the Powder Brush from the same collection (sold separately), or use a cushion puff to mattify or correct. Made with love and 95% naturally derived ingredients, including silver and sparkling-coloured mother-of-pearls, this experience feels and looks luxuriously lush. 

This story first appeared in Her World