One of the most interesting things about having worked in the beauty industry for over ten years has been bearing witness to the evolution of the beauty landscape. In the space of a decade makeup looks have evolved from the full glam of the 2010s—think: contoured cheekbones, matte skin, and defined brows—through to the current trend for fresh-faced, glowy, ‘clean girl’ makeup looks. In the same space of time, we’ve seen ingredient-led products take over our skincare shelves (in 2011, no one had heard of niacinamide or ceramides), and we’ve witnessed the rise and fall of chemical exfoliation—now replaced with a fitting trend for skin barrier-repairing products.
When it comes to beauty products that go viral outside of wider trend movements, over the years I’ve noticed an interesting cycle whereby the old becomes the new again. We’re so used to perceiving new trends as exactly that, newness, that it’s easy to forget that some products have been around for years, and have been through similar previous phases of virality and success.
If, like me, your first introduction to the online beauty community was pre-TikTok and even pre-Instagram—back in the day when you had to read a blog post or watch a YouTube video to follow a makeup tutorial or skincare routine—then you’ve probably noticed some familiar faces popping up on your TikTok FYP. In recent years, as a new generation of beauty obsessives have begun to swatch and share, iconic products have started to resurface, proving just how well they stand the test of time.
From Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré to Clarins’ Comfort Lip Oils, and Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask, you’ll find some of the most coveted products of the moment on this list (many of which you will recognise from the past), and if you’re browsing this list for inspiration, you’ll also want to check out my predictions for products that could (and should!) Make a comeback in 2024.
The beauty products that have made a comeback in 2024:
1. Caudalie Detox Mask
Caudalie
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
Caudalie’s Detox mask was a beauty blogger favourite back in the day and it’s no wonder that it’s made a comeback via TikTok. It works impressively fast, absorbing oil and highlighting exactly where your pores need some extra TLC.
2. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Embryolisse
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
This cult moisturiser has made countless comebacks over the years. Any makeup artist will tell you that it’s a staple in their kit—perfect for nourishing and priming skin before foundation application.
3. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Clinique
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
The original Clinique Black Honey launched in 1971 and in the decades since then it’s maintained a loyal following of devotees. Thanks to its ability to subtly enhance lips and suit all skin tones, it’s recently undergone a resurgence in popularity, inspiring the creation of a softer pink shade, Pink Honey.
4. Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy
Urban Decay
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy
Urban Decay’s Moondust eyeshadows were first launch in 2013, but took ten years to gain viral status. Described as a ‘light champagne gold with silver sparkle’, Space Cowboy is the perfect neutral shimmer for an easy party look.
5. Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
Used in salons by professional hairstylists for decades, Olaplex No.3 is the gold standard of reparative hair treatments. It works by rebuilding broken bonds in hair damaged by excessive heat styling or colouring. I remember No.3 being impossible to get hold of when it first launched to consumers, and thanks to the brand’s constant virality on TikTok, it’s a similar story in 2024.
6. Clarins Lip Comfort Oil
It’s not surprise that this iconic product has made a comeback, given that lip oils are a key product in any ‘clean girl’ makeup look. Glossy and nourishing, but not sticky, Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oils have been a staple in my makeup bag since they last trended in 2017.
7. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
When it first launched in 2005, ‘skin barrier’ was certainly not the buzzword it is now, but La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5 quickly became one of the cult skincare products that bloggers picked up in their French pharmacy hauls. Now, the skin barrier is a major trend, and this product is right at the heart of it.
The beauty products we predict will make a comeback in 2024:
1. Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque
Aesop
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque
2. La Roche-Posay Serozinc
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Serozinc
While La Roche-Posay is currently most known for its Cicaplast range, this face mist is not to be overlooked. Serozinc was a staple within acne-focused skincare routines of 2017, and in my opinion, deserves the same hype in 2024. It utilises zinc, an anti-inflammatory, to reduce the swelling and redness of breakouts.
3. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask
Antipodes
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Face Mask 75ml
Another beauty blogger staple, Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is still one of my all-time favourite face masks. It’s perfect for skin that’s experiencing acne breakouts while also contending with dryness and sensitivity—the Manuka honey soothes and calms skin.
4. Eve Lom Cleanser
Cleansing balms have trended big time over the past few years, but let’s not forget that Eve Lom’s Cleanser was the original one. Thick, nourishing, and gently exfoliating, this is the ultimate treat for skin.
5. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
Clarins
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, 50ml
Seeing as multitasking skincare products are in, I’m surprised that Clarins Beauty Flash Balm hasn’t already made a comeback. Part mask, part moisturiser, and part primer, it smooths, nourishes, and gives skin a radiant glow.
6. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
NARS
NARS Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation
Once a Holy Grail because of its lightweight and easily-layered formula, in an era when natural-looking makeup reigns supreme, Nars Sheer Glow really is the perfect base for a lowkey makeup look.
7. Dior Addict Lip Glow
DIOR
DIOR Addict Lip Glow
Dior’s lip products are always popular, but I’m ready and waiting for this colour-enhancing lip balm to trend once again. Much like Clinique’s Black Honey, it adapts to and enhances your natural lip colour.
8. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Origins™
Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mas
Even after a decade, I’ve yet to find an overnight hydration treatment that works as well as this one. As a student, it was my go-to hangover mask, because even after a late night it would instantly restore brightness and moisture to my dehydrated skin.
9. Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder
Kevyn Aucoin
The Sculpting Powder
Contouring probably isn’t top priority in your daily makeup routine in 2024, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place in your makeup bag for Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder. If you’re after something to gently sculpt and define your features without looking orange or feeling heavy, this is it.
10. Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Oskia
Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Oskia’s Renaissance Cleansing Gel was a ‘Holy Grail’ product ten years ago, and its transformative gel-to-balm-to milk texture will be right up your street if you like using gentle products to remove your makeup and cleanse skin.
11. Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream
MISSHA
MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++
Korean beauty products are always trending, and for good reason—they’re packed with effective skincare ingredients, and are almost aways focused on giving skin a few, glass-glow finish. If that’s what you’re after then you’ll love this weightless BB cream, which subtly tints skin while delivering powerful hydration.
Next Up: 21 Budget Beauty Products That Outperform Their Luxury Counterparts