These Tried-And-True Products Are the New Cult Beauty Classics

The title of a “cult beauty classic” isn’t one that’s given on a whim; it’s earned. A product worthy of cult-status has got to have staying power—evolving when needed, but never losing its allure. It’s got to be fabulous and beloved by the masses. Whether it boasts a unique formula, an unbeatable payoff, or downright impressive results, a true beauty favourite has a star quality that sets it leagues above the rest.

Chanel No.5. Mason Pearson’s magical BN1 brush. Nars’s Pinch-perfect “Orgasm” blush. Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara. OG beauty faves are the old-school perfumes you recognize the moment the scent hits your nose, the treasured haircare tools our mothers swear by, and the makeup products that still garner compliments like a magnet.

As for the new icons already making their mark on the beauty industry? They’re an exceptional bunch, too. Scroll on as we explore eight modern cult beauty classics that belong in your makeup bag, from Dior’s best-selling mascara to Dyson’s groundbreaking multi-styler.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Lip balms have come a long way from the fruity, artificially-scented chapsticks of yesteryear. Formulated with nourishing shea and Murumuru seed butters, Summer Fridays’ viral Lip Butter Balm is the lippie living in everyone’s purse. Whether you love the timeless look of sheer clear (try “Vanilla” or “Sweet Mint”) or tints that pack more of a punch (try “Poppy” or “Pink Guava”), there are plenty of shades and flavours to choose from that anyone can wear. Full disclosure: I’ve got one of these (at least) in every handbag.

Dior Diorshow Mascara

It’s no secret that everything Dior touches turns to gold. In the beauty department, the Diorshow Mascara has captured the hearts of beauty lovers worldwide since the early 2000s, when Pat McGrath’s toothbrush technique for lashes inspired the launch of a fluffy new mascara. This lash-lengthener is so adored that the French maison has dropped several versions in recent years, like the Diorshow Overvolume Extreme Volume Mascara and the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation turned 25 this year, and it’s still one of the most beloved complexion products to date. Worn by everyone from Kim Kardashian and Meghan Markle to all your favourite YouTube beauty gurus of the 2010s, this liquid foundation smooths pores, improves texture and blends seamlessly down into a skin-like finish that glows.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Thanks to the beauty community’s recent obsession with blush, we’ve seen everything from cream and jelly blushes to cheek stains and sticks hit shelves. One blush that’s stood the test of time since its 2022 debut? Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. One dot of product goes a long way, delivering serious pigment that lasts for up to 12 hours. Plus, it’s the gift that keeps on giving, with new shades like bright pink “Adore” and warm chestnut “Resilience” still being added to the lineup.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

While it’s true that fragrance is subjective, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s legendary Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum is the universally adored scent we can all agree on. Notes of jasmine, saffron, cedar wood and ambergris make for a sophisticated scent that oozes luxury. “I knew the fragrance was amazing because every time I was wearing it, I had so many good comments,” master perfumer Kurkdjian (who formulated the scent in 2014) told Vogue earlier this year. “It is very contemporary, yet there is a timeless feeling to it.”

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Our haircare needs vary from person to person, but Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector is the pre-shampoo treatment that has been working wonders on damaged hair of all hair types and textures for over a decade. The magic is in the brand’s patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology, which visibly repairs broken bonds caused by chemical, heat and styling damage.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Liner

From the 1920s “Cupid’s Bow” look to the mocha-rimmed lips of the ‘90s, we’ve been relying on lip pencils to perfect our pouts for decades. Something shifted, though, when Charlotte Tilbury dropped the “Pillow Talk” Lip Cheat Liner in 2013. It was the flattering nude-pink pencil that gave the illusion of naturally full lips with just a few strokes. Fast forward to 2025, and the brand has since launched Lip Cheats in every shade you could ever need, including new versions of “Pillow Talk” for deeper skin tones.

Dyson Airwrap

Just two years after the launch of the Supersonic blow dryer in 2016, Dyson forever altered the way we style our hair with the unveiling of the Airwrap in 2018. It was the revolutionary tool that allowed users to dry, curl, wave or smooth hair without the use of extreme heat. Dyson has continued to improve upon its own technology with each launch—and the latest iteration of the Airwrap (the Airwrap Co-Anda 2x) is more powerful than ever.