12 Discontinued Beauty Products That Defined an Era
Here's a nostalgic look back at the beloved beauty products that once ruled our makeup bags — and then vanished.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some beauty products leave a lasting impression even after they’ve disappeared from the shelves. These discontinued items still live rent-free in our memories. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 12 unforgettable beauty products that truly defined their time.
1. MAC Lipglass in “Viva Glam V”
Shiny Diamond on Pexels
This soft, rosy pink gloss was a staple in every makeup lover’s purse during the early 2000s. Its rich texture and just-right shimmer made it perfect for any look, day or night.
2. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation
Carrie on Flickr
With its whipped texture and matte finish, this drugstore favorite offered a velvety look unlike any other at the time. Teen girls swore by it, and it was a must-have for school dances and prom prep.
3. Lancôme Juicy Tubes
Sally on Flickr
Who didn’t own at least one? These squeeze-tube glosses were sticky in the best way, packed with glitter, and had fun fruity scents. From “Strawberry Smoothie” to “Magic Spell,” the range was playful and iconic.
4. Bonne Bell Lip Smackers in “Dr. Pepper”
twitchery on Flickr
This wasn’t just lip balm — it was a lifestyle. The sweet soda scent and hint of tint made it perfect for tweens discovering beauty. It was always in your backpack or locker, and losing one felt like the end of the world.
5. Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator
Phillip Pessar on Flickr
Before highlighting became a trend, Skinlights delivered a lit-from-within glow. Available in both liquid and powder form, it was a light-reflective magic. It gave off a natural radiance without being over-the-top.
6. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette
Heidi Uusitorppa on Flickr
This palette was sultry, moody, and the go-to for dramatic eye looks. With a mix of shimmer and matte shades, it became a cult favorite fast. Urban Decay shocked fans when they pulled the plug.
7. CoverGirl Clean Makeup (Original Formula)
PNW Production on Pexels
For generations, this light-coverage foundation was a go-to for teens starting their makeup journey. Its signature Noxzema scent was instantly recognizable. When the formula changed, fans weren’t thrilled — and many still hunt for the original.
8. Hard Candy Nail Polish with the Ring
KoolShooters on Pexels
This wasn’t just about the polish — it was the tiny plastic ring that came with it. These vibrant shades were a ’90s obsession, showing up in magazines and locker rooms alike.
9. Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
Ashley Piszek on Unsplash
Sticky, shiny, and sweet-smelling — this gloss screamed mall rat chic. You’d find it in your friend’s VS tote, alongside body spray and body butter.
10. Max Factor Pan-Stik Foundation
𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐃 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞- 𝐮𝐩 & 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞 on Pexels
Makeup artists loved this full-coverage foundation stick for its ease and blendability. It was heavy-duty but didn’t cake, making it ideal for quick touch-ups. When Max Factor exited the U.S. market, the Pan-Stik vanished, too.
11. The Body Shop Dewberry Fragrance
Tungyuemans23 on Wikimedia Commons
Earthy, fruity, and a total ’90s vibe, Dewberry was a rite of passage fragrance for many. The purple label and sweet scent were instantly recognizable. It was discontinued without warning, leaving fans heartbroken.
12. Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation
Alena Darmel on Pexels
Revolutionary in its time, this foundation let you mix shades and finishes tailored to your exact skin tone. It was ahead of the personalization trend by years.