In beauty, trends come and go faster than the recommended lifespan of a tube of mascara. But in the midst of this constant flux, there’s undeniable value to be gained from a foundation of timeless, proven products, namely those that have earned a reputation as “iconic,” or the best of all time. As Saks Fifth Avenue celebrates iconic beauty this season, we asked experts from the store to nominate, in their own words, the legendary skincare and makeup picks that are most deserving of a spot in any beauty lineup.
Kate Oldham, Beauty Director
Born backstage and loved by makeup artists for its instant, custom rosy tint, this lip balm gives an iconic finish. It reacts to the unique chemistry of your lips to give them a natural flush that suits your skin tone.
This mascara has an insanely devoted customer base. Once you see how long and lush your lashes look, you’re instantly converted. Lashes appear longer, thicker, and fuller, and are still soft and touchable. And it never clumps!
The luxuriousness of this lifting and firming cream is what makes it iconic. It’s very lightweight but packed with ingredients intended to naturally promote a more youthful-looking complexion.
Tom Ford is as iconic as they come. The brand’s versatile eye quads are ultra-pigmented and long-wearing. And the complementary shades — offered in a variety of finishes — make them a staple that can transform a look from day to night.
La Mer needs no introduction. I use this lotion in the morning after I’ve cleansed, and it instantly leaves my skin looking and feeling soft, hydrated, and visibly renewed after each use.
Ondine Lamstein, Buying Director, Beauty & Fragrance
Chanel N°5 might be the most iconic fragrance ever created. A spritz of it adds an instant touch of glamour to every day.
La Mer may be best known for its coveted skincare products, but this cushion compact is just as special. I love how easy it is to use and how natural it looks — perfect for achieving a flawless complexion, fast.
Long-wearing and easy to apply, this intense, midnight-black eye color is a classic. Plus, it provides the perfect amount of shimmer for day, with the ability to layer for a more dramatic evening look.
I love this stunning Hermès creation by Jean-Claude Ellena, one of the greatest fragrance influencers of our time. It’s fresh and warm all at once.
John Cruz, SVP Private Client Relations
This eye cream from well-loved La Prairie is part of my morning and evening routine. I apply it around the eye area, wherever I notice signs of aging. I also love using it when I have any undereye puffiness or darkness.
Eau de Campagne was launched the same year as Sisley, 1976. Sisley founder Hubert d’Ornano was inspired by the French countryside, and this timeless fragrance serves as a vibrant tribute to nature. Its clean, citrusy green scent is a casual, elegant, vivacious classic that’s become my classic.
I travel six months out of the year and I don’t go anywhere without this essential, non-irritating eye treatment. It’s a miracle in my skincare routine.
This serum is a great secret in the skincare world. Personally, I’ve found it smooths my skin beautifully, helps my pores look visibly tighter, and helps improve my skin’s appearance without making it oily. It’s especially great for a night out or a formal engagement when you really want to look your best.
Acqua Di Parma is quintessentially Italian, and there’s nothing else like it on the market. Both men and women love its fresh scent. For me, it evokes the feeling of being in the ocean and the Mediterranean in summertime.
Deena Berger, Senior Buyer, Cosmetics
Diorshow is a backstage-inspired tool meant to meet the needs of professional makeup artists. I love it because it creates a fully fanned-out and defined lash look, with the appearance of more volume and length.
Launched in 1982, Advanced Night Repair was Estée Lauder’s first serum and is credited as one of the first skincare products to use hyaluronic acid. I love the way my skin seems smoother and hydrated for hours after using it.
Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder was introduced as the first bronzing powder in the 1980s, and has since been copied thousands of times but never equaled. It instantly gives me a sun-kissed glow, like I’ve been away all year. And the moisturizing ingredients help add luminosity and comfort.
Over 25 years old, Touche Éclat is one of the original face highlighters, and you’ll find it in a ton of beauty lovers’ kits. It’s perfect for brightening and illuminating, so I like to use it on my brow bone for an instantly lifted look.
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