Estée Lauder Is Iconic—21 Legendary Items Everyone Should Try in Their Lifetime

When it comes to naming some iconic beauty brands that have been around for decades and guaranteed Estée Lauder will be on the list. The iconic brand has been beloved by generations of beauty lovers everywhere—you probably have seen a product or two on your mom’s vanity, your grandma’s, or you might even have some in your makeup bag, too.

Estée Lauder founded her eponymous company in 1946, launching four skincare products. The brand grew even more the next year when it got an $800 order from Saks Fifth Avenue. And the rest is pretty much history. Now its offerings run across all beauty categories–skincare, makeup, and fragrance.

Fans of the Estée Lauder all have their personal favorites that they’ve been faithful to for a long time. And there have been a ton of new products that have popped up in recent years that are gaining cult status (the Advanced Night Repair formula, anyone?).

If you’re new to the brand and looking to try it out (or refill your inventory if you’re already a stan), I’ve compiled a list of some of the most classic and popular products below—let me know if I missed any, and send us a DM @whowhatwear.

This face serum is probably the most popular skincare product in Estée Lauder’s inventory. It has crazy-good ratings. The serum delivers eight hours of antioxidant power and 72 hours of hydration so your skin looks and feels plumper and smoother.

This moisturizing cream is powered by hibiscus sinensis flowers to boost collagen production. Other ingredients include cactus stem cell extract and hyaluronic acid—all of the ingredients work to deliver up to 72 hours of hydration.

if you’re dealing with puffiness, lines, dryness, and crow’s feet, give this eye treatment a whirl. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid and offers eight hours’ worth of antioxidant protection against free radicals.

Formulated with gentle AHAs, this serum refines the skin’s texture and boosts its production of collagen and elastin.

This foam cleanser works well on all skin types, but it’s especially effective for normal to combination skin. It’s also powerful enough to remove makeup and unclog pores without stripping the skin.

The serum’s formula contains a special CPR-75 technology, which works to double the skin’s natural collagen building power. It plumps fine lines and wrinkles and makes the skin appear smoother.

Use this daytime moisturizer to protect the skin against the premature signs of aging. The formula will keep skin moisturized for 24 hours, while also shielding it from sun damage thanks to built-in sunscreen.

Enriched with passion flower and edelweiss extracts, this toner primes the skin for other skincare products and leaves it feeling extra soft and hydrated.

A lot of night creams can feel super heavy, but not this one. The hydrating product features a super antioxidant complex that provides long-lasting moisture and reduces the signs of premature aging.

You don’t have to worry about this formula stripping the skin dry or leaving an oily residue.

Sure, this is definitely a big splurge, but many reviewers say it’s worth the steep price tag. The formula is infused with black diamond truffle and special sculpting technology to strengthen the skin’s natural collagen, deeply hydrate, firm, and reduce wrinkles and lines. One Nordstrom reviewer wrote, “I am 83 years of age and have used Estee Lauder products for, at least, 40 years. This product, Ultimate Diamond Crème, has revitalized my skin, kept it moist all winter long, in spite of the weather and house conditions.”

This foundation is a classic favorite. The 24-hour formula provides buildable medium-to-full coverage and leaves a natural-looking matte finish. It also comes in over 50 shades so you can find your perfect match.

If you’re looking for a classic go-to lipstick, let this one be it. It’s a medium-to-full coverage formula that leaves a creamy finish. It also contains a time-released Moisture Complex to lock in hydration and keep your lips soft.

This non-drying concealer stays put for up to 24 hours and leaves a radiant finish.

Want longer and voluminous lashes? Try this 15-hour mascara that doesn’t fade or flake. It’s also resistant to high temperatures, humidity, and perspiration.

The cool thing about this pencil is it has a smudge tip so you can create that perfect and cool smudged eye look. The long-lasting formula is resistant to sweating, heat, and humidity.

Use this lip pencil to extend the wear of your lipstick and prevent any feathering or bleeding. On the other end of the pencil is a lip brush so you can easily apply your lipstick.

For a natural glow, try this powder blush that has buildable color. It’s also housed in a refillable compact, which is great news for reducing waste.

A primer is so helpful for creating a smooth base for your makeup. This one is super lightweight and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier so your skin will look healthy and glowy.

That radiant and dewy look is still very much in, so you can use this illuminator to give you a soft and natural sheen. 

Dry skin types will love this moisturizing foundation that’s breathable, but still offers medium-to-full coverage. It’s infused with the brand’s IonCharged Water, probiotics, and chia-seed extract to nourish and soothe the skin (goodbye redness and dryness!). And did I mention it has the added bonus of SPF 45 protection?

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