Memorable is a tricky word. One can be objective and look at the data of what are products with the longest shelf-life, or the evergreens of beauty products. Or, one can be subjective and see through their beauty stash of products that had the most meaning to them.
This is my subjective story on which products are the most memorable beauty products in this decade, while also trying to do it at least a little bit objectively when I see how my look changes in this decade.
A Decade of Looks
I got really into makeup not that long ago, somewhere in my late twenties, so by now, it’s slightly more than 10 years. I could see from the collage I got more confident in my skills of using colors and playing with different looks. On my earlier makeup days, I prefer to use the nude colors, and not until 2012 I dared to wear red lipsticks. After that, I realized I could do anything and then I just get all the fun experiments started!
Referencing the picture collage and my makeup stash, I will try to answer what’s my memorable beauty products of the decade.
The Ones With The Memories
These are products I love not just because it’s a great color and texture, but also because of the story that signified the product for me.
With the Chanel nail polish in Peridot (sadly LE), it was one that at some point I used as my lucky charm. Every time I look at this color on my nails, I promised myself to remember that I actually have many things to be thankful for (at the very least, the beautiful color of this nail polish shall be one of them).
At the risk of sounding like I use makeup for emotional support, the Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy in 401 Hot is my go-to lipstick for when I need to feel brave and stronger to face the world than how I feel inside.
Great Products Over The Years
I learned that truly great products tend to have these two elements:
- The color that truly suits the skin tone and personality
- Superior texture and feel
Iconic products like the original Urban Decay Naked Palette, the iconic Makeup Forever no 92 eyeshadow (purple), although I could really see for my skin tone, the holy grail is none other than the Fenty Beauty Moroccan Spice palette.
Surprisingly the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous in Deep is my easy-going holy grail blush I kept wearing no matter the seasons and the climate. Other blushes I love is the Becca x Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette. Again the “glow” but this one is leaning towards more coral, with a bonus of a nice big mirror for travel.
Lipsticks are just really difficult because a whole lot of them are great, the favorite colors tend to change with the seasons and trends. What I learn now is just to wear my favorite lipstick all the time if I want to and never think that I will run out of them! Some notable favorite formulas for me are the Hourglass Lip Stylos (So moisturizing and nice on the lips… if only they will come out with more colors!), and the Burberry Lip Velvet (the only one matte that’s really not drying).
With foundations, after all the ones I tried out over the decades, the two favorites I have are the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation for that dewy texture (and I need them more as I grow older) and the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation for that instagram-esque kinda matte kinda full coverage finish.
Knowing My Habits
Learning about habits is important. What kind of products I would keep coming back to, things I don’t really wear but kept thinking I should and then kept buying new ones because I think I will wear them?
For instance, I prefer something quick when it comes to my face but I love playing with eyeshadow colors. As I age, it’s more of having healthy skin than wearing something to cover it up (also realized that I suffer from much more pimples 5-10 years ago).
A nice brush is very important, and once I know the kinds I like, getting a really good one is totally worth it!
Milestone: Diversity
When this decade started, there weren’t so many choices of foundations for people of color. Especially in the past 2-3 years, it became normal for a brand to carry more than the shades of pale. A big shoutout to Fenty Beauty for making us feel super accepted in the beauty world.
Here is hoping for the next decade where it would be completely normal to have multiple shades of foundations and beauty models from all over the world!
Looking Forward: Sustainability
Looking forward to the next decade, I also hope for sustainable brands to step up their diversity, or for the traditional brands to be sustainable. For the beauty junkies (me) to be more mindful of purchases, and to make sure I give love to the things I already owned!
Do you have something you feel really stood out for you in the last decade?
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